Best Scouting Organization Grants in Connecticut

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut can seek funding for programs that build youth development and leadership, financial education, workforce skills, or women’s empowerment, as well as basic needs and housing initiatives. Focused on strengthening local communities, Northwest Community Bank Foundation offers grants up to US $25,000, including program, capacity-building, and capital support.

High school seniors involved in youth leadership or athletics from select central Minnesota schools planning to attend a four-year U.S. college outside Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin can apply for the Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship. CommunityGiving awards one $5,000 scholarship to help broaden students’ higher education experiences beyond their home region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can apply for funding to support education, youth development, community-based programs, and basic needs like housing and hunger. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group provides charitable grants that may benefit scouting organizations focused on leadership, life skills, and building strong, healthy communities.

Youth-serving nonprofits in Connecticut can apply for Elizabeth Carse Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support one-year projects in education and child welfare. Scouting organizations with programs in K–12 education, youth development, or training for elementary and secondary school teachers may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering youth development, education, or related services in Connecticut can apply for grants up to Up to US $2,500 to support local programs and operations. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation prioritizes small, under-resourced groups and may fund scouting-related after-school, summer, leadership, or emotional support activities for young people.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for youth development, job readiness, and related community programs that build skills and leadership. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives that equip people for future careers, expand inclusive prosperity, and advance environmental sustainability in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities in Connecticut can receive approximately US $3,000 for local environmental projects such as clean-ups, reforestation, biodiversity, watershed monitoring, and hazardous waste collection. Grants from Environmental Professionals' Organization of Connecticut help youth-focused and environmental education groups, including scouting organizations with conservation or stewardship activities, advance hands-on environmental initiatives and career exploration.

Connecticut youth programs focused on leadership and education may guide eligible students to the Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship, which supports higher education and vocational study. Administered by Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, awards begin at More than US $2,000 and favor graduates of specific Washington school districts pursuing accredited postsecondary education.

Connecticut youth development and leadership groups can access funding through scholarships that send Big Sky high school students on outdoor adventure and service programs. The Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship from Yellowstone Club Community Foundation supports student leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the outdoors, which may resonate with scouting organizations focused on similar youth experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut that work in youth development, education, environment, arts, housing, hunger relief, or community development can receive up to US $500 annually when an eligible Ecolab employee or retiree serves on their board. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ecolab Foundation supports board-led volunteer engagement through this Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies can receive scholarship support through CommunityGiving; applicants must be from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Youth development and leadership students, including those in scouting-related programs, in eligible areas such as Connecticut may find this opportunity relevant if they meet these criteria.

Young people ages 13 to 19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, including northwest Litchfield County near Connecticut, can receive US $200 - US $800 for summer arts enrichment experiences. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports youth development and leadership through artistic apprenticeships, internships, instrument lessons, or new art forms, covering tuition, supplies, or related expenses.

Nonprofit organizations running youth-focused programs can apply for project support from the Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, a supporting organization of Chuckanut Health Foundation. While the foundation broadly serves U.S. communities, it prioritizes projects in Whatcom County and encourages initiatives that engage volunteers and leverage multiple funding sources, which may include scouting-related youth development and leadership activities.

Youth-serving organizations in Connecticut that support Native or Indigenous teens and young adults can connect eligible participants to the Champions for Change leadership program, which develops Indigenous youth leaders through experience-based learning and advocacy training. The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth selects 5–6 U.S.-based Indigenous youth ages 14–24 each year and welcomes all applicants into its network.

Youth-serving organizations and eligible public high schools in Connecticut and beyond can support student-led community change and leadership development projects through the Bezos Scholars Program, which includes grants of more than US $1,000. Bezos Family Foundation provides yearlong leadership programming, civic engagement support, college advising, and an all-expenses-paid Aspen experience for selected U.S. juniors and their educator mentors.

Female high school seniors active in Girl Scouts and graduating from a Smith County, Texas school can receive US $1,000 for their first year of college expenses through the Juliette Low’s Amazing Girls Scholarship. Administered by East Texas Communities Foundation, this need-based award supports tuition, fees, room and board, and educational supplies at any U.S. college.

Connecticut youth development and STEM education nonprofits can access funding through AFL Global to support programs for children, teens, and adults pursuing self-sufficiency. Grants back initiatives in STEM education, youth development, and workforce readiness, so scouting organizations with aligned programming may be eligible to strengthen their local communities.

Students engaged in youth leadership or community service in Connecticut can apply for Chick-fil-A Community Scholars awards up to US $25,000 to support college, vocational, or graduate education. Eligible applicants are 18+, with a 3.0 GPA, planning full-time study, and participate in a year-long leadership development and mentoring program.

Nonprofit organizations running Christian evangelism, youth development, or holistic ministry projects, including scouting-style youth leadership programs in Connecticut, may be eligible for project-specific support. The Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds 501(c)(3) ministries in South Florida, across the U.S., and internationally, with a focus on emerging nations and media, leadership, and children’s programs.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award supports youth-led climate initiatives by providing funding for organizations with at least two years of community-led operation. This award aims to empower young leaders aged 15-35, particularly from under-represented groups, to tackle climate challenges. With global funding for youth-driven climate solutions being scarce, the award encourages innovative approaches across various climate issues, including education, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby promoting resilience and social justice.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The Women & Girls’ Fund, established by the Main Street Community Foundation in 2001, supports organizations that empower women and girls in Connecticut. With a focus on senior services, confidence building, and mental health, the fund prioritizes projects that enhance self-sufficiency and promote leadership skills. Collaborations among organizations are encouraged, fostering community connections and addressing critical needs. Grants are available for program and capacity-building initiatives that align with these goals.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.