Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Clinical and Data Coordinating Center aims to enhance diagnosis and research for individuals with undiagnosed diseases. This initiative focuses on engagement, education, and innovative diagnostic approaches. The center will oversee recruitment, participant support, and data management while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. NINDS seeks proposals demonstrating the necessary infrastructure and partnerships to ensure effective implementation of the UDN's mission and transfer successful diagnostic methods into mainstream healthcare.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Valerie Lamb Smith Art Scholarship

Mission

The purpose of this fund shall to be to ensure that more Chester County students benefit from art instruction, regardless of family income or the schools they attend.

About Valerie

Valerie Lamb Smith was a dedicated teacher and artist from Newtown Square, PA. She taught oil and watercolor painting to young, aspiring artists at Wayne Art Center. Valerie’s personal work was a chronicle of her own life and observations. She centered her art around time and the lost but recent past. Her work centered around the figurative but was also decorative. Valerie was also a flower painter and at one paint had a large exhibition at Longwood Gardens.

Born in Quakertown, PA on April 26th, 1937, Valerie always had a love for the arts. She attended Solebury School in New Hope, PA and graduated in 1954. She followed her passion to Smith College in Northampton, MA where she studied Art and Art History. Valerie met her husband, Langhorne Smith, while he was a student at Yale University. They married in 1958.

After college, Valerie and Langhorne settled in Pennsylvania where Valerie taught Art at various schools on the Main Line. During this time, Valerie pursued her Masters Degree at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Valerie was the proud mother of three children, two sons and a daughter.

Valerie passed away in 1997 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving husband, Langhorne Smith, complied with her request that an art fund be established in her name. This fund, supported by her family and close friends and colleagues, helps young people from Chester County explore the world of art, regardless of their families income or the resources of their schools.

Shaw's Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on hunger, youth education, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific regions like California and Hawaii. An employee sponsor is mandatory for applications in these areas. The grant review process typically takes about eight weeks, and the foundation prioritizes collaborations with local partners to maximize community impact.

Conserving Black Modernism Grant Program

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF), a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has launched the Conserving Black Modernism grant program through funding from and a partnership with the Getty Foundation’s Keeping it Modern initiative. The Conserving Black Modernism grant program is designed to empower and equip preservationists and stewards with funding and technical support to preserve the material heritage, innovation, and legacy of modern architectural sites designed by Black architects.

Integrated into the Action Fund’s existing National Grant Program, the Conserving Black Modernism grant program will support non-profits and municipalities to steward 16 historic assets of modern architecture through funding, technical assistance, public awareness, and education. The program will support eligible project planning activities and seeks to develop future-looking plans that model and strengthen stewardship, interpretation, and asset management. This program aims to increase recognition of Black architects and their artistic expressions as well as diversify the meaning of American modern architecture and design. The Action Fund invites proposals from a broad pool of applicants who steward these places for public benefit and access.

Grants made from Conserving Black Modernism will total $150,000 each. Funding will be flexible and can support planning activities, limited capital improvements, and indirect costs. Funding ratios will be balanced to support and prioritize comprehensive project planning needs. For example, a $150,000 project planning grant with 10% indirect can be allocated to advance a full-scale building evaluation and preservation plan. The grant period for this type of project will be 12 months.

Conserving Black Modernism grants can also support projects consisting of a mix of project planning and limited capital improvements. Funding ratios will be balanced to prioritize project planning. For example, an applicant may propose a project which allocates $90,000 for planning activities, $45,000 for capital expenses, and $15,000 for indirect expenses. The grant period for this type of project will be 18 months.

Grantees can address the building’s priority needs and experience the full cycle of planning, design, and construction. Additional grantee support will include technical assistance, promotion, and conservation management training.

Historic Asset Example Archetypes

While this is not an exhaustive list, we are particularly interested in the following 20th-century property archetypes:

• Buildings Located on HBCU Campuses
• Community and Cultural Centers
• Schools
• Libraries
• Houses and Residences
• Spaces Associated with Sports & Recreation
• Green Book Sites
• Sites associated with Women’s History
• Sites associated with LGBTQ+ History

The Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program aims to enhance the application of research findings for young people aged 5-25 in the U.S. It offers major grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, focusing on impactful studies and capacity-building for researchers. The foundation encourages collaboration among scholars and practitioners to strengthen research practices and evidence use in various settings.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

The TTF Advertising for the Environment Grant, established by the Temper of The Times Foundation in 1997, aims to enhance awareness of wildland conservation through marketing initiatives. This grant is exclusively available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and funds various advertising campaigns to protect native ecosystems. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on conservation, rather than those focused solely on education.

The Bicycle Advocacy Grants Program, supported by New Belgium Brewing Co, aims to foster community engagement through bicycle projects. With over $11.3 million donated since its inception in 1995, the program focuses on breaking down barriers to cycling and promoting accessibility for all. Projects targeting increased ridership and addressing systemic inequities are prioritized. This initiative reflects New Belgium's commitment to sustainability and social equity, enhancing community connections through the joy of cycling.

The Polly W. Roesch Vocal Music Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports graduating seniors from Sangamon County pursuing degrees in vocal music and performing arts. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members residing in specific Illinois counties. This initiative aims to foster talent in the arts and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

John W. Burandt Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide support for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with post-secondary education for dependents of firefighters residing in the city of Rochester, NY.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,000; paid in the Fall and and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by Mrs. Lorene (Rene) Burandt in honor of her husband, John W. Burandt, a dedicated firefighter who served the Rochester community for 30 years.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

Music Theatre International: Heart of Rock and Roll "The Power of Love" Grant

Heart of Rock and Roll features a book by Jonathan Abrams and music and lyrics by Huey Lewis and his pop-rock band, Huey Lewis and the News, with new orchestrations of their music by Brian Usifer.

Selected schools will host intergenerational community events or outreach programs of their own design — because just as Huey Lewis’s music has always brought people together, school theatre has the power to do the same.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

The Wilder Estate: The Long Christmas Dinner Festival Grant

In 1931, Thornton Wilder wrote The Long Christmas Dinner, a moving, funny, and ingeniously theatrical one-act play created specifically for student theater groups. In just 40 minutes, a single holiday meal becomes a 90-year journey through four generations of a family, exploring time, tradition, family, and the stories we tell about our lives.

In 2026, the Wilder Estate is launching The Long Christmas Dinner Festival, a national holiday celebration bringing schools, cultural organizations, and audiences together around this remarkable play.

Interface Health Foundation

Interface Health Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 tax-exempt organization driven by a collective vision of positive change. In healthcare industry policy, understanding the intricate dynamics of funding and its impact on public access, quality, and cost remains paramount. IHF is dedicated to advancing analysis and research into the crossroads of healthcare industry policy, structural frameworks and affordability.

At IHF, our mission is clear: to empower and support student-led research endeavors that shed light on critical healthcare policy and structural issues affecting the public. Through our initiatives, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the healthcare landscape.

Interface Health Foundation: Research Grant

Healthcare administrative grant award opportunities are highly competitive and allow candidates to stand out as they enter the job market. Through this IHF grant award, you will get the opportunity to pull together research and content on topics that aren't fully studied or publicized. Depending on the grant topic, some grantees will also have access to a preceptor who is an executive leader in the healthcare field. The preceptor will serve as a valuable resource to the grantee during the development of the research paper and beyond.

An example of a research topic is the impact of legislated acute care nurse staffing levels on the following: nursing professional job satisfaction, the patient experience, and the standard nursing quality indicators as part of nursing Magnet status accreditation.

The Chairman Tommy Taylor Memorial Scholarship

The Chairman Tommy Taylor Memorial Scholarship was opened by the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers in 2014 in memory of Tom Taylor, a former chairman of the alliance. He was a prominent figure in the oil & gas industry and an esteemed leader. The one-time $2,500 scholarship is for graduating seniors and currently enrolled college students who have graduated from a Texas high school. The student's field of study must be energy or oil and gas industry-related, including petroleum, geology, and engineering. The award can be used at any college or university.

The Sex Worker Giving Circle Grant, launched by the Third Wave Fund, prioritizes funding for grassroots movements led by individuals directly impacted by gender oppression, especially within the sex work community. With a commitment to gender justice, the grant supports organizations that operate with a participatory approach to grantmaking, enabling them to address systemic inequalities. In recent years, the fund has distributed significant resources to empower and sustain these vital movements across the United States.

Literary Arts Project Grants

As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is pleased to announce Literary Arts Project Grants supporting literary arts organizations and small presses that focus on contemporary literary arts.

These grants advance South Arts’ commitment to amplifying the literary traditions and artistic practices of the American South by directly supporting the development, production, and public engagement of high-quality literary projects.

Literary Arts Project Grants support projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (scriptwriting). Projects must demonstrate artistic excellence, editorial rigor, and meaningful public or community impact.

Award Amount

South Arts will award up to $5,000 per project to eligible literary arts organizations and small presses.

The Ryan Myers Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports graduating seniors from various educational backgrounds in Washington County. This scholarship honors Ryan Myers' legacy, encouraging students pursuing higher education, trade schools, or apprenticeships. Ideal candidates reflect Ryan's positive spirit and aspirations, aiming to make a meaningful impact in their communities while achieving their academic and career goals.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Dr. Marlene Caroselli Excellence-in-Communication Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To recognize those high school seniors who have consistently demonstrated excellence in both the spoken and written word and plan to pursue college and a career that requires excellence in communication.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; award amount may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $5,000; not to exceed the cost of tuition.

Donor Information

A former St. John Fisher College professor who understood and greatly admired the hard work and challenges of single-parent students created this scholarship to support their higher education endeavors and to improve their employability, their lives, and the lives of their children.

The Student Research Grant in Audiology, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports doctoral students conducting research in clinical and rehabilitative audiology. Up to three grants of $2,000 each are available for eligible students enrolled in accredited programs in the U.S. This initiative honors the legacies of Ira Ventry and Brad Friedrich, who made significant contributions to the field of audiology. Interested candidates must submit proposals for research projects to be initiated in this vital area.

Rico Memorial Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors in Lincoln County with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 and must participate in sports (preference will be given to football and or track/field)

The Remsberg-Trout Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing STEM degrees. One scholarship assists a senior from Williamsport High School, while two additional scholarships are available for graduates from other Washington County public high schools. All applicants must be members of the National Honor Society. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to foster educational opportunities and enhance the community's future.

The Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership Grants aim to enhance early childhood services for low-income families across GA, NC, and VA. With approximately $7.7 million in federal funding, this initiative will provide comprehensive support to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, fostering family stability and community prosperity. The program reflects the Administration for Children and Families' commitment to improving economic and social well-being through accessible, high-quality early education services.

The Innovation Award by the American Lung Association offers $75,000 annually for up to two years, aimed at supporting promising investigators in lung disease research. With a legacy of over 120 years, the Association seeks to fund innovative projects that can significantly impact lung health. Eligible candidates must demonstrate prior excellence in their careers and have held a K or R type award within the last three to five years. This initiative fosters groundbreaking advancements in lung disease science.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to provide safe and child-centered care for unaccompanied minors. This initiative supports organizations that can offer 24/7 services and are licensed to provide necessary care, including group homes and transitional foster care, particularly in areas near the U.S. southern border, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children.

Scott Cornelius Memorial Scholarship (Piedmont)

To honor the memory of Scott Cornelius by supporting students pursuing careers in sales, marketing, insurance or related business fields who demonstrate leadership and integrity.

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants aim to foster innovative collaborations among diverse fields to address climate change's effects on health. With $1M dedicated from Fall 2023 to Summer 2026, grants range from $2,500 to $50,000. This initiative encourages partnerships between biomedical scientists, public health experts, and community organizations, promoting sustainable health systems and effective climate communication. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, emphasizing creative solutions to pressing health challenges.

The Catalyst Award, offered by the American Lung Association, supports innovative research on lung disease and biology. This mentored grant provides $50,000 annually for up to two years, prioritizing novel projects with collaborative training plans. The American Lung Association aims to improve lung health and prevent diseases through research, education, and advocacy, focusing on defeating lung cancer and fostering a tobacco-free future.