Best Local Government Grants in Connecticut

Connecticut public agencies and community organizations running AmeriCorps service programs can apply for Serve Connecticut’s CT AmeriCorps Formula Funding Opportunity to engage members in community-based interventions. Grants from Serve Connecticut help Connecticut civic engagement and education efforts, youth mental health and substance use recovery, poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and services for immigrants, refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, and veterans.

Connecticut municipalities and 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits seeking quick-action community improvements can apply for funding to enhance public places, transportation, housing, and digital connections. Local government and civic engagement projects may be eligible for AARP Foundation’s Community Challenge grants, including capacity-building, demonstration, and flagship projects that support livable communities for residents, especially those age 50 and older.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut can seek funding for capital projects or special initiatives in conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help communities in Cox service areas expand facilities, purchase equipment, or build capacity; Connecticut applicants must be in a Cox business market.

Better Food Policy Fund 

Since its inception, the Better Food Policy Fund has set its strategic direction in a participatory fashion. We are intentionally building capacity for engagement to ensure the Fund aligns with the needs of food policy council stakeholders.   

Thus far, the Fund has engaged 300+ food policy council stakeholders to help co-develop the Fund. We are immensely grateful for the individuals who helped shape the initial direction of this fund. We view this growing stakeholder audience as the people to whom the Fund’s governing body, the Independent Advisory Committee, is ultimately accountable.

Grantmaking

The Better Food Policy Fund invests in US-based food policy councils, empowering community and government collaboration for progressive food policy. We utilize participatory processes to enhance equity and redistribute power in the funding landscape. We seek to celebrate and uplift the work of food policy councils, and believe every food policy council is worthy of financial support.

We define “food policy councils” as councils, networks, coalitions, or other groups working across boundaries at the tribal, municipal, county, state, or regional level.  

We support actions aimed at ensuring an enabling environment for policy change, such as: 

• increasing levels of inclusive and equitable stakeholder engagement in public processes
• engaging systems thinking when tackling complex food system challenges
• facilitating collaboration with and across local government agencies and departments 
• developing or revising local policies and plans  

We define “better food policy” as practices, procedures, ordinances, laws, etc. of governing institutions which strengthen community-based food systems.

We define “civic collaboration” as people joining together at the intersection of community and government to address public issues.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions expanding civic engagement, education, or community services programs in Connecticut can seek more than US $50,000 to add staff or launch/scale programs. M J Murdock Charitable Trust prioritizes capacity-building projects with significant impact in the Pacific Northwest, so Connecticut initiatives must deliver at least 50% of their benefit to that region.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking new equipment or technology for capacity-building projects can apply for more than US $50,000, primarily serving the Pacific Northwest. M J Murdock Charitable Trust funds projects in areas like civic engagement and education; Connecticut civic-focused organizations with significant impact in this region may be eligible.

Connecticut civic engagement and education organizations can access funding through the M J Murdock Charitable Trust for major capital projects such as construction, renovation, and property acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, certain government or tribal entities, and nonprofits working in areas like community services, education, health, and environmental stewardship, with awards typically more than US $50,000.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Newington residents can seek funding for community services and civic engagement projects that address locally identified needs. The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Newington Greater Together Community Fund supports inclusive resident-led priorities and helps strengthen civic ownership and participation in the town.

Connecticut civic engagement and social justice groups can access funding through the A.J. Muste Memorial Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice for rapid-response, grassroots nonviolent activism. U.S.-based organizing projects may receive up to US $5,000 to meet immediate or emergency needs and seize timely political opportunities with powerful organizing and direct actions.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation can receive US $500 - US $2,500 in multi-year college tuition assistance, including students connected to Connecticut by broader eligibility. Focused on academic achievement and financial need, Coral Gables Community Foundation supports four-year study at accredited U.S. institutions.

Eligible 501(c)(3)s, local or tribal governments, community foundations, CDFIs, and similar entities serving rural communities can apply for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Trust for Civic Life Civic Experiment Grants, awarding up to US $25,000 for specific civic engagement programs. Rural Connecticut local governments fostering non-partisan, community-led participation in civic life may be eligible through this national initiative.

Young people aged 14–24 leading civic engagement and youth leadership projects in Connecticut and nationwide can receive up to US $4,500 in stipends and project support. With a mission to empower emerging changemakers, Institute for Citizens & Scholars provides teams of five with funding, coaching, and structured learning to implement community-based civic projects.

Local government entities and community-focused organizations in Connecticut seeking support for civic engagement and community services may be eligible for this program, with awards from US $500 - US $10,000. Grants from Greater Hartford Gives Foundation help Bloomfield-area initiatives strengthen inclusive participation, address local needs, and build more vibrant, equitable communities.

Connecticut youth leaders ages 5–25 can access funding for community service, advocacy, and civic engagement projects through Youth Service America’s Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant, with awards of US $250 - US $500. Projects must be youth-designed and youth-led, engage diverse peers as volunteers, and partner with local organizations when possible.

Local government and community-focused organizations in Connecticut can apply for Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Suffield Greater Together Community Fund, awarding US $500 - US $7,500 for projects that address local needs. Funding supports community services and civic engagement and education initiatives that strengthen Suffield and encourage broad, inclusive participation in town life.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working on civic engagement and voter participation can seek support for year-round organizing efforts, including in Connecticut. Focused on strengthening democracy, Park Foundation invites groups that educate, motivate, and mobilize voters, protect voting rights and election integrity, and counter voter suppression to apply through its Civic Participation Program.

Nonprofit public charities with 501(c)(3) status working on national democracy, civic engagement, or civil liberties initiatives can apply for invitation-only support from the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund. Programs implemented across multiple states, including work that may benefit Connecticut communities or local governments, may be eligible if they advance voting rights, campaign finance reform, or gun violence prevention.

Local government entities and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut working on civic engagement, financial literacy, housing insecurity, technology education, or community development can apply for funding through Affirm Cares. This U.S.-wide program supports scalable, measurable initiatives that build vibrant communities, including efforts that strengthen public participation and community enrichment.

Connecticut local governments, schools, and nonprofits can seek support for community health events, memberships, and engagement activities that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s Thriving Community Impact Fund backs health fairs, workshops, awareness campaigns, and economic development memberships that advance community health, civic engagement, and poverty and wellness priorities in their service areas.

Focused on social science research on U.S. economic mobility and inequality, this program invites early-career faculty to propose one-year projects using diverse methods and data. Assistant professors, lecturers, and adjunct assistant professors, including those at under-resourced Connecticut institutions, can seek US $35,000 - US $50,000 for studies on topics like civic engagement, education, labor markets, and criminal justice.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association

The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association provides the best way for practitioners to give back to the Federal legal community. Chartered by Congress in 1954, the Foundation serves people in communities across the United States through its generous grants, scholarships, and programming.

Our Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to:

• Promote and support legal research and education;
• Advance the science of jurisprudence;
• Facilitate the administration of justice;
• Foster improvements in the practice of Federal law

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants support community service projects and civics programs which comply with the Foundation’s mission to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.

Civics Education Grant

The Civics Grant Program is designed to support projects and initiatives that promote a wider public understanding of democratic principles, the judicial system and the rule of law. Through targeted funding, the program empowers FBA chapters, sections, divisions, national standing committees (FBA entity), and other organizations to develop and support projects in their communities that foster public understanding of the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, particularly among younger Americans.

Applicants may only receive one (1) Foundation grant per year.

The Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, aims to empower organizations in the U.S. and its territories to create innovative projects that leverage digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress. This initiative, named after Reps. Lewis and Houghton, promotes education in civics, democracy, and history, fostering critical thinking and literacy among students. Grants will be awarded based on the proposal's alignment with these educational goals, enhancing community engagement.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Oriole Foundation / Michael Oakes Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Oriole Foundation. The Michael Oakes Memorial Scholarship award intends to honor late superintendent, Mike Oakes.

Mike Oakes's spirit of generosity, community service, and passion for education is commemorated by this Oriole Foundation award. With an emphasis on creating a positive community impact, this scholarship recognizes the value of individual and organizational service within the community.

U.S. Civil Society Microgrants

We seek to support projects that engage Pulitzer Center journalism to amplify the voices of affected communities, foster public debate, and drive meaningful audience engagement with our focus areas.

Audience engagement has been at the core of the Pulitzer Center’s work since its founding in 2006. In addition to grants and fellowships that facilitate breakthrough journalism, we support initiatives that connect the reporting to the audiences that need it the most. Our goal is pursuing real-world impact: engaging and mobilizing communities, increasing understanding and connection, and influencing decisions locally and globally. 

This microgrant aims to support civil society organizations and groups in the United States to utilize Pulitzer Center-supported reporting as part of projects that contribute to a more informed and empowered community.

 For this grant cycle, we are seeking grant proposals for civic engagement projects to be completed by early December 2026 that focus on one of the following issues:

• Climate and the environment, with a focus on U.S fisheries and fishing communities or climate and labor
• Information and Artificial Intelligence
• Global health, with specific focus on mental well-being or connections to the Global South

The objective is to use Pulitzer Center-supported journalism as the inspiration for the projects supported by this civil society microgrant. By leveraging this reporting, we expect to build projects that amplify the voices of affected communities, foster public debate, and drive meaningful audience engagement that will lead to impactful conversations in communities in the U.S. and beyond.

Grants range from US$2,000 to US$4,000. Project proposals can support existing activities or support the launch of new activities. 

Proteus Fund

Proteus Fund partners with foundations, individual donors, activists, and other allies to work strategically towards racial, gender, queer, and disability justice and an inclusive, fully-representative democracy. We curate an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing, aligned donor collaboratives and fiscally sponsored projects that deploy a creative array of strategies and tactics to further this vision.

RISE Together Fund: Small Grants

Call For Application

RISE Together Fund (RTF), an initiative of Proteus Fund, is announcing an open call for inquiries for our 2026 Small Grants Fund for U.S. public charity organizations or fiscally sponsored projects of such organizations, that support Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (BAMEMSA) communities.

As part of RTF’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and sustainability of the fields we collectively support, RTF will provide organizations with general operating grants to allow for organizational flexibility when possible. 

About RTF's Small Grants Fund

BAMEMSA movements have a strong history of organizing and collaboration, and are well poised with the knowledge, learning and experience to build an inclusive, multiracial democratic future and respond to the current unconstitutional threats facing the country. Through this fund, RTF aims to resource community power building organizations that use a multiplicity of approaches to create change rooted in the strength and leadership of BAMEMSA movements.

RTF supports groups that build community power, strengthen movement bases, defend civil and human rights including freedom of protest, speech, religion, and association, end the criminalization and surveillance of our communities, and respond to the rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate. RTF values groups that are intersectional in their approach and have or are developing sustainable long-term strategies to support BAMEMSA communities and movements.

Priority Issue Areas

• Protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and refugee BAMEMSA communities by responding to harmful policies and practices, and strengthening community-led advocacy at the local, state, or federal level.

• Mobilizing BAMEMSA communities for nonpartisan civic engagement and election protection by increasing nonpartisan voter participation, combating voter suppression, and building sustained civic infrastructure ahead of, during, and between elections.

• Advocating for U.S. policy changes that end violence in Gaza and the West Bank by elevating Palestinian voices, influencing public discourse, and engaging in advocacy that shifts U.S. political, diplomatic, or funding decisions.

• Challenging harmful national security frameworks and their impacts on BAMEMSA communities by documenting, exposing, and organizing against surveillance, Islamophobia, and policies rooted in the War on Terror, particularly in the context of 9/11’s 25-year legacy.

• Responding to emerging opportunities and threats affecting BAMESMA communities such as influencing policy developments, addressing civic issues in the U.S., or developing narratives to change public discourse. This includes work addressing weaponizing issues around bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ identity to fracture movements and communities.

Priority Strategies

RTF values organizations that take an intersectional approach and are intentionally building long-term community power. We prioritize support for groups that strengthen movement ecosystems, deepen their base, and defend the rights of BAMEMSA communities through the following strategies:

• Convening, Collaboration, and Movement Coordination: Bringing together organizations, leaders, and coalitions to align shared goals, coordinate strategies to advance shared visions, and reduce fragmentation across the field. This includes facilitating strategic convenings, developing platforms for collaboration, building cross-issue or cross-regional partnerships, developing shared agendas or issue campaigns, and strengthening trust and alignment among movement actors.
• Community Power-Building, Base Building, Civic Engagement, and Organizing: Expanding and activating a grassroots base within BAMEMSA communities to drive collective action and policy change. This includes community leadership development, public education campaigns, community organizing, nonpartisan voter engagement and election protection, and ongoing nonpartisan civic participation efforts that build sustained community power.
• Legal and Policy Advocacy Infrastructure: Advancing legal strategies and policy advocacy that expand and protect the rights of BAMEMSA communities. This includes impact litigation, legal advocacy, know-your-rights efforts, policy development, and advocacy at a local, state, or federal level.
• Communications and Narrative Strategy: Shaping public discourse and advancing narratives that reflect the experiences, dignity, and demands of BAMEMSA communities. This includes developing messaging strategies, producing and amplifying media, countering harmful or divisive narratives (including those targeting immigrants, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and reproductive rights), and increasing the voice share of BAMEMSA community members.
• Bolstering Movement Infrastructure: Strengthening the internal capacity and long-term sustainability of organizations and the broader movement ecosystem. This includes organizations supporting leadership development and pipelines, data and technology infrastructure, security and safety, and other core functions that enable groups to operate effectively and respond to evolving challenges.

Limited funding may be available for requests above $25,000.

Civic Education and Civic Participation

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity designed to support organizations that seek to engage in nonpartisan civic education and civic participation efforts leading up to the 2026 Midterm and Gubernatorial elections, particularly supporting civically underrepresented residents of the Greater Hartford 29 town region. The Foundation welcomes requests of up to $25,000 for nonpartisan activities implemented through the Spring and Fall of 2026.

This grant opportunity is by invite only. Organizations that received a 2020 Civic Engagement grant or a 2023 or 2024 Civic Engagement and Get Out the Vote grant can reach out to Cynthia Wills, Community Impact Officer, cwills@GreaterHartfordGives.org for access to the application. New applicants must participate in an eligibility interview to be invited to apply. Please contact Senior Community Impact Associate, Tiana Starks, tstarks@GreaterHartfordGives.org to discuss a project’s potential fit and eligibility by March 3.