Best Volunteer Grants in Connecticut

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut seeking short-term consultant support for capacity building or diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work can apply for grants up to US $2,000. Grants from Community Foundation for Greater New Haven help cover coaching, consultant fees, retreats, and related organizational development expenses, which may also strengthen volunteer management and engagement efforts.

Connecticut 501(c)(3)/(4)/(6) organizations and eligible schools hosting community events can access funding through American Honda Motor for sponsorships of parades, festivals, galas, runs, and walks. Grants up to Up to US $25,000 support events that celebrate community culture and heritage, and may benefit groups engaging volunteers in these activities.

Connecticut legal professionals and law teachers in Connecticut with at least ten years of practice who have demonstrated extraordinary legal ability and community service may be nominated to become James W. Cooper Fellows. Connecticut Bar Foundation supports these Fellows in advancing civil justice and promoting understanding of the legal system through projects, programs, and volunteer leadership.

The New England Grassroots Fund offers SEED Grants to support community-driven projects in New England, particularly those initiated by groups with limited resources and experience. These grants aim to empower organizations that represent diverse voices in their communities and focus on local environmental issues. Eligible applicants include grassroots organizations without formal tax status, emphasizing the fund's commitment to accessible funding for innovative, grassroots solutions.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Connecticut

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Seherr-Thoss Foundation Grant, established in 1991, primarily supports cultural, educational, health-related, religious, and civic initiatives within the Town of Litchfield, Connecticut. The foundations, initiated by Sonia and Hans Seherr-Thoss, have funded numerous local projects, including capital improvements for community organizations and essential equipment for volunteer services. They welcome applications from exempt organizations that align with their mission to enhance the community's well-being and preserve its heritage.

Focused on arts and culture, this program invites Connecticut nonprofit arts organizations to seek unrestricted funding for operating, programming, administrative, or equipment costs. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups must be Connecticut-based, arts-focused, and have raised over $15,000 in private donor contributions for two consecutive fiscal years to receive up to US $1,000,000 via the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Daniel R. DiNardi Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports graduating seniors from Rocky Hill High School with a sports background, particularly basketball. This scholarship honors Daniel R. DiNardi and aims to assist students pursuing higher education. The Hartford Foundation has a long history of providing scholarships to local students, having awarded nearly $30 million since 1945 to facilitate access to post-secondary education.

Hartford-region high school students involved with Boys and Girls Clubs who plan to attend a four-year college full time can receive scholarship support for higher education. Connecticut youth with a 3.0+ GPA, financial need, and strong volunteer or extracurricular involvement may be eligible for the Gerard Thomas Lynch Fund from Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.

Students pursuing vocational or trade education in Connecticut can receive scholarship support for community college or nonprofit technical schools. Greater Hartford Gives offers the Jonathan E. Clark Scholarship Fund, awarding US $2,000 to graduating seniors or adult learners from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate financial need and engagement in volunteer, work, or community activities.

Connecticut high school seniors in Hartford public schools pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree and active in volunteer or extracurricular activities can receive $5,000 for college costs. Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Joseph S. Sudarsky Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students with academic success and demonstrated financial need who are committed to community service and philanthropy.

Graduating high school seniors in Connecticut’s Greater Hartford region pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in nursing, science, or mathematics can apply for the Joyce and Philip Acquaviva Fund, awarding US $1,500 - US $2,000. Students who demonstrate financial need and strong volunteer, community service, or work involvement may benefit from this opportunity.

High school graduates and undergraduates from the Greater Hartford region in Connecticut pursuing full-time undergraduate study can receive $1,000 - $1,500 for college costs through the KJ Foster Memorial Scholarship Fund. Greater Hartford Gives Foundation supports students with financial need who show strong academics and active involvement in volunteer, community service, or extracurricular activities.

Graduating high school seniors in the Greater Hartford region pursuing majors or careers in musical theater, performing arts, or theater arts can apply for the Linda Starikov Singer Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $1,500 - US $2,000. Administered by Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, it supports academically strong students with financial need and community or volunteer involvement.

Connecticut volunteerism and philanthropy groups can access funding through the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to help local students pursue higher education or vocational and professional training. The Patricia L. Coombs Scholarship Fund awards US $500 - US $2,000 to 2–5 eligible learners from Hartford County or the United Methodist Church of Hartford who demonstrate academic ability and financial need.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut offering youth STEAM education, conservation, sustainability, or inclusion programs can access funding through Cox Communications. Grants from Cox Charities range from US $5,000 - US $12,000 and may benefit groups that engage volunteers in delivering impactful, metrics-driven community programming.

Students pursuing higher education or vocational training who are long-term residents of Stockbridge or West Stockbridge with significant financial need can receive scholarship support for undergraduate or certificate programs. Grants from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation may benefit Connecticut volunteerism and philanthropy organizations that support or advise such students in these communities.

Connecticut high school seniors needing help with college expenses can receive $500 to $1,000 to support higher education and college preparation. Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Mary C. Rawlins Scholarship assists graduating students who are state residents, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and hold an acceptance letter, and may benefit youth engaged in volunteerism and community service.

Nursing students whose primary residence is in Torrington, Connecticut, can receive $750 for accredited college or university studies through the Jane Bartlett Heisinger Scholarship. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation gives preference to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organizations, making it a fit for service-minded students pursuing higher education in nursing.

Torrington students pursuing or planning to pursue a nursing degree at an accredited college or university can receive $750 toward higher education costs from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. Preference is given to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organizations, supporting Connecticut’s culture of community service.

High school seniors from New London County in Connecticut pursuing accredited college, university, or technical/trade studies can receive up to US $2,000 through the Edward C. Farrell Family Scholarship. Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut supports students with financial need who exemplify the “whole person,” which may benefit youth active in volunteerism and community service.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits with local programming in youth education, next-generation storytelling, or community engagement can apply for Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Local Impact Grants in Connecticut and other select markets. Funding supports programs that empower youth, expand volunteer engagement, and increase equitable access for underrepresented communities; fiscally sponsored organizations may also qualify.

Blind individuals in Connecticut who are NFB members in good standing can receive up to US $500 for assistive technology purchases twice per year. National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut provides these grants, which may support volunteers and community members engaged in vision impairment services and related activities.