Best Preservation Grants in Connecticut

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or event series in Connecticut can seek sponsorship support to benefit the Branford community. With a mission to preserve and promote quality of life, Branford Community Foundation provides funding for qualifying events that offer meaningful community impact and positive visibility, which may include historic preservation-focused activities or celebrations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare worldwide can seek up to US $15,000 to support youth-focused programs. Focused on child enrichment and protection, the Dan Paul Foundation may benefit Connecticut groups whose preservation work includes education, advocacy, or services for vulnerable or underprivileged youth.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education, human welfare, arts, civic, or community-strengthening programs can access funding through the Nordson Corporation Foundation, especially in New London and Windham Counties. Grants support programmatic and general operating needs, including workforce preparation, academic success, arts access, and community improvement initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

Historic preservation organizations and local partners in Connecticut can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 to support municipal planning, coalition building, public outreach, and education that protect historic resources. With a mission to strengthen communities, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development provides funding to advance the statewide historic preservation plan and enhance long-term preservation awareness.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(13) nonprofits and municipalities can fund historic preservation planning, designation reports, and pre-development studies for registered historic resources in Connecticut, with awards from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development supports historic preservation in Connecticut by backing surveys, planning reports, and consultant-led assessments through its Survey and Planning Grants.

Connecticut 501(c) organizations, municipal affiliates, and religious institutions serving Litchfield residents can seek funding for cultural, educational, health, religious, civic, and preservation projects. Litchfield historic preservation groups can access funding through Seherr-Thoss Foundations for capital improvements, equipment, and other community-focused initiatives in Litchfield and its villages, and for out-of-town projects that benefit Litchfield residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations hosting community events or sponsorships in Connecticut can receive up to US $10,000 to support safe, healthy, and sustainable neighborhoods. PSEG Foundation supports environmental stewardship, parks and public spaces, climate resilience, and community safety initiatives in areas it serves, which may benefit preservation-focused projects in the state.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in eligible Connecticut pipeline host communities can seek funding for environmental, passive recreation, and historic preservation projects through the Iroquois Community Grant Program, awarding US $2,500 - US $10,000. Focused on long-term community benefits, Iroquois Gas Transmission System prioritizes shovel-ready initiatives with strong plans and visible community involvement.

Nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and partner organizations in Connecticut’s Lower Connecticut River Valley can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 for environmental preservation, conservation, restoration, and education projects. Focused on ecosystem protection and sustainable communities, the Rockfall Foundation supports work in eligible towns that may include preservation-related initiatives with clear local impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, towns, and schools in Connecticut’s Lower Connecticut River Valley can apply for The Rockfall Foundation’s Environmental Champions Awards, offering US $1,000 - US $5,000 for environmental preservation, conservation, restoration, and education projects. Programs benefiting listed focus towns, the Connecticut River corridor, or Long Island Sound may be eligible.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning historic building preservation projects can access funding for exterior work and safety systems, with awards up to US $10,000 and a 1:1 match requirement. Administered with support from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, this grant supports projects like exterior painting, roof and window repairs, masonry, and fire or security upgrades.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations preserving historic buildings can receive up to US $10,000 in 1:1 matching funds for exterior repairs and protection systems. The 1772 Foundation supports projects such as painting, roof and window restoration, structural and masonry repairs, and fire, lightning, and security system upgrades for sustainable historic sites.

Connecticut state agencies, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations in Connecticut can receive funding to restore and protect inland lakes, rivers, and ponds, including controlling aquatic invasive species and harmful algal blooms. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection provides Connecticut preservation groups with up to US $75,000 for research, management, and public education on aquatic ecosystem conservation.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Connecticut municipalities, regional councils of governments, and agricultural nonprofits seeking to advance farming can receive matching funds for projects that foster agricultural viability. With a mission to strengthen agriculture, Connecticut Department of Agriculture provides Connecticut organizations with up to US $49,999 for initiatives that directly support farming and agriculture as defined by state statute.

Preservation Connecticut

We enhance and sustain the culture and vitality of Connecticut’s varied communities by preserving, protecting, and promoting historic places which embody the stories of our shared past and enrich our shared future.

For fifty years, we have successfully championed the protection of remarkable community assets all over the state by leveraging funding, advocating for places, providing education opportunities, forming partnerships, and promoting stewardship.

Charles Barlow Fund for Historic Preservation

With a generous $460,000 donation from the New Milford Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Connecticut is proud to launch the Charles Barlow Fund for Historic Preservation, an annual 1:1 matching grant program of up to $20,000 to support the preservation of historic properties in New Milford, CT through maintenance, restoration, strategic planning, and efforts to prevent demolition. The Fund is named in honor of Charles Beach Barlow (1926-2016), a longtime New Milford resident and philanthropist who supported a wide range of non-profit efforts, including historic preservation.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government agencies serving Branford can seek project funding for community needs, including historic preservation, through competitive grants. Branford Community Foundation supports initiatives that enhance quality of life via civic engagement, historical preservation, arts, environment, youth, and basic needs, especially efforts with clear community impact and strong local partnerships.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, municipalities, schools, and regional health districts in Connecticut seeking up to US $10,000 for watershed land acquisition or environmental education can apply; projects must benefit South Central Connecticut Regional Water District residents. The Watershed Fund supports purchasing conservation interests in qualifying watershed lands and related education on preserving water resources and open space.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, municipalities, schools, colleges, and regional health districts in Connecticut can seek funding for land preservation and environmental education projects that protect watershed lands and water quality. Focused on watershed and open space preservation, The Watershed Fund supports projects benefiting residents of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water District with grants up to US $10,000.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Connecticut preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can seek funding for planning and education projects. With a mission to advance historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides support for initiatives like preservation planning, feasibility studies, capacity building, and innovative public education programs, awarding US $2,500 - US $10,000.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.