Skip to main content
Main content

Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Find the perfect Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut on Instrumentl. 200+ Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut in the United States.

188

Available grants

$52.6M

Total funding

$17.5K

Median grant

188 grants
$52.6M total
$17.5K median

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

AI summary from publicly available grant information

Up to US $1,000

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Grants for Connecticut Civic Engagement

Rolling deadline
Community organizations, schools, and public agencies in Connecticut working on civic engagement can receive up to US $1,000 to deepen understanding and participation in civic life. Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides these mini-grants for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and partners serving 42 communities in Eastern Connecticut, including New London, Tolland, and Windham counties.
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Unspecified amount

Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions

Rolling deadline
The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.
Costco Wholesale Corporation

Unspecified amount

Creag Foundation Grant

Rolling deadline
The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.
Creag Foundation

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

More than US $100,000

Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant

Rolling deadline
The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.
William Randolph Hearst Foundation

Unspecified amount

Affordable Housing Funding from Connecticut Department of Housing

Rolling deadline
Municipalities, nonprofits, community housing development organizations, for-profit developers, and individuals in Connecticut can obtain loans or grants for affordable housing rehabilitation, new construction, demolition, homeownership, rental housing, and related activities. Grants from Connecticut Department of Housing help expand nonprofit housing development capacity and support services like relocation, pre-development loans, operating expenses for CHDOs, and homebuyer education.
Connecticut Department of Housing

Unspecified amount

Connecticut Community Health Funding via Labcorp

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Connecticut can apply for support to expand services and outreach. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to request funding for food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.
Labcorp Charitable Foundation

Unspecified amount

Michael & Susan Dell Partnerships

Rolling deadline
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

Unspecified amount

Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant

Rolling deadline
The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust

Up to US $1,000,000

Connecticut Water Emergency Funding via USDA

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Rural public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Connecticut facing drinking water emergencies can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, offering up to US $1,000,000 for water source, treatment, or transmission projects. This funding can help Connecticut nonprofits restore or protect safe, reliable community water systems.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)

Unspecified amount

Connecticut Water Infrastructure Funding via USDA

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Connecticut can receive funding for water and waste infrastructure projects, including drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs such as legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, permits, start-up operations, and necessary equipment.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)

Unspecified amount

Thomas J. Atkins Support for Connecticut Programs

Applications due Oct 2, 2026
Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut offering educational, human services, or health care programs for underserved residents may be eligible for this one-year grant. With a mission to relieve human distress and suffering, the Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund prioritizes organizations serving Middletown and the wider Middlesex County community.
Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund

Unspecified amount

Robinson Foundation Grant

Applications due Oct 15, 2026
The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.
Robinson Foundation

US $50,000 - US $250,000

Northeast SARE Farming Community Grants in Connecticut

Full proposal due Oct 26, 2026
Connecticut nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and other agriculture-focused groups can seek funding to strengthen farming and food systems through social science research and education projects. Grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education support community-based initiatives in areas like marketing, crop and livestock production, aquaculture, climate and bioenergy, and economic, social, and ecological sustainability, with awards from US $50,000 - US $250,000.
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

US $5,000 - US $10,000

Lawrence Foundation Grants for Connecticut Nonprofits

Applications due Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can access funding through the Lawrence Foundation for environmental, human services, disaster relief, and related programs. U.S.-headquartered organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted support for general operating or project expenses within the foundation’s stated areas of interest.
Lawrence Foundation

Unspecified amount

Connecticut Nonprofit Development Funding via New Alliance Foundation

Applications due Dec 1, 2026
Early-stage, community-focused nonprofits in Connecticut can receive one-year capacity-building support to test ideas and strengthen operations through the Emerging Grant Program. New Alliance Foundation provides Connecticut nonprofit growth and development efforts with smaller grants via fiscal sponsors, prioritizing work in literacy, education, community development, health and human services, arts, and racial and economic equity within its service area.
New Alliance Foundation

Up to US $1,000,000

Arts Operating Grants for Nonprofits via Connecticut DECD

Applications due Dec 16, 2026
Connecticut nonprofit arts organizations seeking flexible support for programming, operations, or equipment can apply for this endowment-based funding, including general operating expenses. Focused on arts and culture, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development invites Connecticut groups that have raised over $15,000 in private donations for two consecutive years to seek awards up to US $1,000,000.
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Up to US $1,000,000

Trail Projects Funding from Connecticut DEEP

Applications due Dec 18, 2026
Nonprofits, municipalities, state departments, and tribal governments in Connecticut can receive funding for planning, building, maintaining, and improving recreational trails, including accessibility and safety education. With a mission to support trail projects, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection provides grants up to US $1,000,000, covering up to 80% of project costs with a 20% match.
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

US $5,000 - US $20,000

Nordstrom Community Grant

Applications due Jan 31, 2027
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.
Nordstrom

Unspecified amount

Fry Memorial Summer Camp Grants in Connecticut

Applications due Feb 2, 2027
Nonprofit organizations running summer camp or out-of-school programs for underserved children in Connecticut can seek support for traditional camp experiences through the Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Grant. Fry Memorial Trust, administered by Bank of America, prioritizes programs that take urban youth from Fairfield, Hartford, New York, and Westchester counties into natural environments.
Fry W Cotr Uw L P Fry Mem Tr

Up to US $100,000

Nature Conservancy Grants for Connecticut Conservation

Applications due Feb 14, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Connecticut and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians funding; awards up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition. Grants can also cover project development, stewardship, community engagement, and related operational costs.
The Nature Conservancy

Up to US $2,000

Environmental Project Grants for Connecticut Nonprofits via SWEP

Applications due Feb 27, 2027
Connecticut nonprofits running local environmental projects can receive up to US $2,000 to support initiatives with clear environmental benefits, from clean-ups to education. The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals funds projects across Connecticut that improve the environment and encourage leadership and development among women in environmental professions.
Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals

US $5,000 - US $12,000

Connecticut STEAM Education Funding via Cox Communications

Applications due Mar 2, 2027
Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth STEAM education programs can access funding through Cox Communications via the Cox Charities Community Grant Program. Grants from US $5,000 - US $12,000 support innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math initiatives, as well as conservation, sustainability, and inclusion projects within Cox’s Connecticut service areas.
Cox Communications Inc

Unspecified amount

Mobility Services Funding from Connecticut Department of Transportation

Applications due Mar 31, 2027
Connecticut nonprofits, public transit operators, and government authorities can obtain funding to improve transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including capital and nontraditional mobility projects. Connecticut disability and senior service providers can access funding through Connecticut Department of Transportation for accessible vehicles, mobility management, travel vouchers, and volunteer driver or demand-response operating support statewide.
Connecticut Department of Transportation

US $30,000 - US $350,000

True Inspiration Awards

Applications due May 1, 2027
The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.
Chick Fil A Foundation Inc

US $10,000 - US $500,000

Connecticut Rural Development Funding via USDA

Applications due Jun 15, 2027
Rural public entities, nonprofit corporations, higher education institutions, tribes, and eligible cooperatives in Connecticut can access funding to support small and emerging rural businesses, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $500,000. Grants from USDA: Rural Development support technical assistance, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and broader community and technology-based economic development projects.
USDA: Rural Development (RD)

Up to US $40,000

Music Program Grants for Danbury Nonprofits via Tweedy Trust

Applications due Jul 1, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Danbury, Connecticut running community music programs can receive up to US $40,000 to support resident participation in music performance. Donald N. Tweedy Trust provides Connecticut nonprofits with funding specifically for organizations where Danbury residents actively study, perform, and engage in music-focused activities.
Donald N. Tweedy Trust

Unspecified amount

Music Performance Grants for Connecticut Nonprofits from National Wild Turkey Federation

Applications due Sep 2, 2027
Nonprofit organizations presenting public musical performances in New Britain, Connecticut can apply for one-year support from the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Charles Parker Trust for Public Music Fund. Funding helps provide quality music to the public at low or no admission cost, benefiting Connecticut audiences and expanding arts access.
National Wild Turkey Federation Inc

Showing 27 of 188 results.

Sign up to see the full list

Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut Highlights

Looking for private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut?


Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut recommended for your specific programs.

Grant Insights : Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

200+ Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

63 Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut over $25K in average grant size

52 Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut over $50K in average grant size

26 Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut supporting general operating expenses

200+ Private grants for nonprofits in Connecticut supporting programs / projects

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Health & Medicine

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Private grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut?

Most grants are due in the fourth quarter.

Q1
28.7%
Q2
22.1%
Q3
19.5%
Q4
29.7%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut?

Grants are most commonly $17,500.

$500 $500 Min.
$17,500 $17.5 K Median
$404,976 $405 K Average
$40,331,313 $40.3 M Max.

Average Grant Size

What's the typical amount funded for Connecticut?

Grants are most commonly $102,799.

$102,799

Total Number of Grants

What's the total number of grants in Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut year over year?

In 2024, funders in Connecticut awarded a total of 44,963 grants.

2022 40,971

2023 41,714

2024 44,963

Top Grant Focus Areas

Among all the Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut given out in Connecticut, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.

1. Education

2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations

3. Human Services

Funding Over Time

How is funding for Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut changing over time?

Funding has increased by 26.46%.

2022 $3,687,355,257

2023 $3,626,469,446
-1.65%

2024 $4,586,184,577
26.46%

Connecticut Counties That Receive the Most Funding

How does grant funding vary by county?

Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Hartford County receive the most funding.

County Total Grant Funding in 2024
Fairfield County $2,060,422,894
New Haven County $962,256,077
Hartford County $506,655,014
New London County $103,900,627
Litchfield County $100,804,200