Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Connecticut

This funding opportunity from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to advance mechanistic research on metal exposure and its effects on human health. Studies should focus on biological processes altered by metals, including their absorption, transport, and immune interactions. Innovative methodologies and human biospecimens are encouraged to explore how metals might impact immune homeostasis and cross biological barriers, providing insights into health risks associated with metal exposure.

The Prof. Rahamimoff Travel Grants for Young Scientists support PhD students in research requiring expertise unavailable in their home countries. Named after renowned scientist Prof. Rami Rahamimoff, the grants fund trips to higher education or research facilities in the U.S. or Israel, lasting up to two months. Eligible applicants must be U.S. or Israeli citizens conducting supervised research at accredited institutions. This program honors Prof. Rahamimoff's legacy in science and medicine.

The Audrey L. Wright Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who are long-term residents of Kent County. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing education or language studies and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. By removing barriers to academic success, it empowers local students to achieve their educational ambitions and contributes to a thriving and inclusive community in West Michigan.

The ALA Spectrum Scholarship Program offers a one-time $5,000 scholarship to support diverse students pursuing graduate education in library and information studies. Recipients must enroll in an accredited program by fall, receiving funds in two installments. This initiative, supported by the American Library Association, enhances opportunities for over 800 past scholars through mentoring, networking, and professional development, fostering leadership within the library profession across North America.

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers the Kirschner Trusts, established to honor Phil and Roberta Kirschner's philanthropic legacy. These trusts focus on supporting young individuals with disabilities, Muskogee nonprofits, and Jewish causes. Since their transfer to the foundation in 2013, the trusts have continued to provide vital grants to organizations that align with the Kirschners’ values, ensuring their charitable impact persists in the community.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (AGS-PRF) support early career researchers conducting independent studies in diverse areas such as Atmospheric Chemistry and Space Weather Research. These fellowships, lasting up to 24 months, aim to enhance the research capabilities of promising individuals while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership within the scientific community. AGS encourages applications from diverse backgrounds to promote inclusivity and equity in geoscience.

The Park Foundation Grants for the Environment focus on ensuring clean and accessible drinking water while opposing shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion. They fund diverse initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices and policies, particularly within New York State. The Foundation supports advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility efforts that align with their mission to foster a just and sustainable environment, empowering communities to protect their natural resources.

The Annual Main Grant Funding Cycle by the New Canaan Community Foundation aims to enhance the community's quality of life through strategic funding. Supporting diverse areas such as arts, health, human services, seniors, and youth education, the foundation seeks to address local challenges collaboratively. By investing in nonprofit organizations and fostering partnerships, the foundation strengthens community ties and ensures that all residents have access to essential resources and support.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

Tolland Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives

This grant opportunity supports projects that directly benefit town residents and reflect the priorities, aspirations, and lived experiences of the community.

Community Funds at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation was created to empower residents with resources to identify needs and champion solutions in their own towns. Each fund is guided by a committee of volunteer residents who review applications, elevate local voices, and recommend grants that respond to emerging issues, longstanding disparities, or new opportunities for improvement. These committees bring deep local knowledge and a commitment to strengthening the places they call home. 

Through this RFP, the Tolland Community Fund seeks proposals that are responsive, communitycentered, and feasible within a one-year grant period. Applicants will be asked to articulate how their project addresses a clear local need, engages or benefits residents, and contributes to a stronger, healthier, or more connected community. 

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student matriculating at a college, university, or business in the year of the scholarship.

The AAO-HNSF/ANS Herbert Silverstein Otology/Neurotology Research Award supports innovative clinical or basic science research focused on auditory and vestibular diseases. Established by Herbert Silverstein, MD, this award aims to assist young academic investigators in launching new projects. Since 2000, it has funded seven grants totaling $175,000, emphasizing projects with clear clinical relevance and potential for future funding. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to research and secure institutional support, with a priority for junior faculty and fellows.

The Rev. Vouros Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, honors Reverend Carl G. Vouros by supporting impactful initiatives in the community. This fund prioritizes grants to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on areas such as education, human services, and cultural enrichment. The Foundation aims to inspire philanthropy and strengthen the local fabric through strategic partnerships, ensuring that the legacy of Reverend Vouros continues to benefit the Greater New Britain area.

The AAO-HNSF Percy Memorial Research Award offers $25,000 for one year to support innovative research projects in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This grant aims to fund projects with clinical significance, encouraging the development of new long-term research initiatives. Applicants must submit a detailed budget and secure letters of support from their Department Chair and key personnel involved in the project. Funds cannot cover salaries or purchase equipment exceeding $500.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The Justamere Foundation focuses on removing barriers to self-sufficiency by supporting innovative community programs. They prioritize four key areas: trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education. By providing grants and non-traditional scholarships, the foundation aims to empower individuals and create lasting change. Their mission is to connect underserved communities with essential resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

The Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers (DDRCCs) program invites applications to enhance communication and collaboration among researchers in digestive and liver diseases. Funded by the NIDDK, DDRCCs focus on shared resources that foster productivity and innovative research ideas. Each center must revolve around a central theme aligned with the NIDDK's mission, ensuring effective research support while avoiding overlap with other NIH Institutes' funding areas.

The CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Crisis Grants to support nonprofit organizations aiding families impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. By dedicating over 10% of its annual budget for crisis assistance, the foundation ensures that funds directly benefit those in need. Grants can be requested up to $5,000 to help rebuild lives during challenging times, reflecting the foundation's commitment to integrity and support for children and families in crisis.

Citizen Security Research Initiative

IPA's Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilot studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and foundational and contextual research to inform policies and programs on building safer communities and strengthening justice and law enforcement systems. Funding for CSRI comes from the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Supported projects will generate actionable evidence to inform policy and programming in the citizen security and justice sector, with a focus on studies that challenge common beliefs, pioneer innovative interventions, and produce evidence where little currently exists. Priority areas of research include:

• Countering organized crime
• Combating drug trafficking and production
• Preventing crime and violence
• Strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice institutions

Budgets are expected to adhere to the budget caps outlined in our Call for Proposals (US$75,000 for pilots, US$400,000 for full impact evaluation studies, US$250,000 for infrastructure and public goods creation projects, US$75,000 for foundational and contextual research projects). In recognition that research in some locations or with some populations is more costly, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider budgets over the above award maximums with appropriate justification.

Awards are normally paid on a cost-reimbursable basis.

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation seeks to promote innovative research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by encouraging diverse perspectives from early career investigators and those underrepresented in science. The Innovator Awards do not require preliminary data and are evaluated based on the potential for innovation and scientific merit. Eligible researchers must hold advanced degrees and can apply for funding through their home institutions, fostering groundbreaking ideas that can transform IBD treatment and prevention.

The CHEERS Open Period 1 invites white papers focused on enhancing operational medicine and support for Airmen and Guardians. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and USAFSAM, this opportunity aims to address future demands in Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Health, and Public Health. Proposals should align with the objectives outlined in the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining announcement. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions to support the Department of Defense's mission.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The VIA Art Fund provides Artistic Production Grants to support innovative artistic commissions for public spaces. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, are awarded twice a year to artists and organizations that exemplify artistic excellence and public engagement. Projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue, ensuring artworks reach diverse audiences and foster meaningful community experiences beyond traditional gallery settings.

The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.