Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Civic Engagement Mini-Grants program, funded by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive civic participation. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies serving 42 communities in Eastern Connecticut. This initiative emphasizes the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry, particularly from communities of color and youth, to strengthen democratic values and community well-being.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program - State of Connecticut

History:

Program was authorized by the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-625). The HOME program is a federal block grant program that provides funding to states and localities to be used exclusively for affordable housing activities to benefit low-income households. HOME funds are awarded as loans and/or grants to eligible applicants.

Purpose:

HOME is the largest federally-funded program administered by the DOH and is designed to create affordable housing for low and moderate-income households. The HOME program is designed to:

• Provide quality, affordable housing for Connecticut residents
• Strengthen communities
• Expand the capacity of non-profit housing development organizations and
• Leverage private sector participation

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.

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.

The Charles Parker Trust for Public Music Fund Grant aims to provide affordable music to the public in New Britain, Connecticut. Managed by Bank of America, this fund supports nonprofit organizations focused on arts, culture, and humanities. Eligible applicants must conduct musical performances within New Britain and may receive grants for one year. However, requests for capital projects are not considered, and grants cannot be awarded for more than three consecutive years.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island provides vital funding to help rural communities prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening their access to safe drinking water. Eligible applicants may receive grants for water transmission and source projects, addressing critical needs following disasters like droughts, floods, or contamination. This initiative aims to restore water supply systems and support rural development, ensuring reliable water access for residents.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Connecticut offers essential funding for the development of clean drinking water and sanitary waste management systems in rural areas. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes who cannot access commercial credit. This program supports various projects, including water sourcing, sewage treatment, and stormwater management, ensuring safe and sustainable environmental practices for communities in need.

The Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund, established in 1946, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations in Middlesex County, Connecticut. With a focus on alleviating human distress, it favors nonprofits that serve the local community, particularly in Middletown and Middlesex County. Managed by Bank of America, the fund provides grants for one year, supporting initiatives that address vital community needs.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The New Alliance Foundation's Emerging Grant Program supports early-stage nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing local needs in Connecticut. By providing one-year grants, the program aims to help these organizations build capacity, test innovative ideas, and foster community impact. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission of advancing literacy and dismantling systemic inequities. This program empowers nonprofits to grow and create lasting change in their communities.

The Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations in Connecticut by providing unrestricted funding to enhance their operations. Organizations eligible for funding must demonstrate significant donor contributions and maintain compliance with state regulations. The grant incentivizes fundraising efforts by matching contributions based on a formula, ensuring that arts initiatives receive the necessary financial backing to thrive. This program aims to cultivate long-term sustainability within Connecticut's arts sector.

The Connecticut Recreational Trails Program Grants, established by the DEEP in 2015, provides funding for trail projects to support both motorized and non-motorized trails. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and tribal governments. Grants can cover up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum request of 1 million dollars. Key focus areas include trail construction, maintenance, accessibility for disabled individuals, and educational programs promoting safety and environmental protection.

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 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.

The Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Grant, managed by Bank of America, focuses on supporting summer camp opportunities for underserved children. Established in 1954, this grant prioritizes traditional camp programs that allow urban children to experience the natural environment, promoting their personal growth and development. By targeting specific community needs, the grant aims to provide enriching outdoor experiences that foster a sense of belonging and adventure for children in urban settings.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The CSWEP Environmental Professionals Grant Program, organized by the Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals, aims to empower women in environmental fields. It funds local projects in Connecticut that contribute positively to the environment. The program prioritizes applications that demonstrate significant environmental benefits, ranging from clean-up initiatives to educational programs. Through this grant, SWEP-CT fosters leadership and collaboration among women professionals, enhancing their skills and promoting public service in environmental endeavors.

Cox Charities Northeast offers community grants ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 annually to support nonprofit organizations focused on STEAM education. Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in youth programming across Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The grants prioritize innovative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and sustainability initiatives, encouraging applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cox East serviceable footprint.

Section 5310 Program - Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Section 5310 is a federal grant program intended to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options. It is administered in the state of Connecticut by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

It supports transportation services planned, designed and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all areas of Connecticut and provides funding for both traditional capital investment and nontraditional investment beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services.

The Section 5310 grant program is open to private nonprofit organizations, states or local government authorities, and operators of public transportation. Typical projects include the purchase of accessible vehicles, mobility management programs, travel voucher programs, and operating support of volunteer driver programs or demand response services.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Connecticut provide essential funding opportunities for small and emerging businesses in rural areas. With two types of grants available—Opportunity and Enterprise—these funds can be utilized for various projects, including technical assistance, feasibility studies, and community economic development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities, such as towns and nonprofit corporations. The program aims to enhance the economic landscape while prioritizing smaller requests for funding.

The Donald N. Tweedy Trust Grant supports community organizations in Danbury, Connecticut, that focus on music. This grant aims to assist local entities where Danbury residents actively participate in musical performances. Nonprofit organizations meeting IRS 501(c)(3) criteria are eligible to apply, while individuals are not permitted to submit applications. For further details about the grant, please visit the foundation finder.

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.