Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Nonprofit organizations in Greater New Haven seeking short-term consultant support for organizational capacity 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, assessment tools, consultant fees, retreats, and related expenses for DEI-focused projects in its twenty-town Connecticut service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary grants from Costco Foundation. Funding supports community programs in areas like child welfare, youth services, and children’s health. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that fit these priorities may be eligible.

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.

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 Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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 Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Connecticut can apply for funding that supports food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and healthy lifestyles. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to request support, and groups advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in these areas may be eligible.

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.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits running diversity, equity, and inclusion or related community programs can apply for sponsorship support from Bank of America Foundation; awards fund events and initiatives. Funding may support efforts in preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, basic needs like hunger and shelter, arts and culture, environmental projects, and broader community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities in Connecticut supporting group domestic or international travel for youth under 21 can apply for up to US $3,000 to fund trips. Connecticut Community Foundation supports cross-cultural youth experiences that promote diversity, justice, equity, and direct connections among young people from varied cultures in its 21-town service area.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) land trusts dedicated to land conservation can apply for the Transaction Assistance Grant Program, with awards up to US $20,000 for transaction-related project costs. Funding from Connecticut Land Conservation Council covers appraisals, title work, environmental site assessments, surveys, and recording fees for conservation easement or fee property projects, which may support organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation access and benefits.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in the U.S., including Connecticut, can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds projects that communicate real-world change, which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within these focus areas.

Blind NFB members in Connecticut can receive up to US $500 for assistive technology purchases that support accessibility and inclusion. The National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut provides these twice-yearly grants, with purchases made through the NFBCT office, which may benefit nonprofits and community groups advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for people with vision impairments.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, families, veterans, people facing poverty, or in need of disaster relief or medical assistance can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year, program-focused support. Eligible organizations must be over three years old and serving communities in the Southern region; diversity and inclusion efforts within these areas may be eligible.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services programs or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships. Focused on strengthening communities, Insperity invites nonprofits that engage its employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work to apply; organizations may request support once per year.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting performing arts events can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ New England States Touring grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for artist fees. New England-based organizations serving diverse or BIPOC communities may be especially competitive for these touring and community engagement projects.

Nonprofits, schools, and public agencies in Windham, Connecticut can seek funding for basic needs programs that promote self-sufficiency, food security, and homelessness prevention. With a mission to strengthen economic stability and opportunity, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides up to US $8,000 for evidence-based, client-informed services that may advance diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Connecticut can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians grants, awarding up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Funding covers capital, project development, stewardship, community engagement, and related operational costs that deliver equitable community and environmental benefits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities in Connecticut can receive funding for arts and culture programs that expand access and address disparities, especially through BIPOC-led, culturally responsive work. Connecticut Community Foundation supports participatory arts, artist development, and community-focused creative initiatives that can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in local communities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut focused on youth education, storytelling, or community engagement can apply for Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Local Impact Grants to expand inclusive, community-centered programming. Organizations must operate within the NBC or Telemundo Connecticut market, meet revenue and expense thresholds, and serve local, often underrepresented, communities through equitable access and opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations advancing equitable, ecologically sound, and economically robust food systems in Connecticut can receive US $10,000 to support their work. With a mission to strengthen regional food systems, North Star Fund’s Community Food Funders Champions Award honors groups with strong racial justice analysis and representative leadership; Connecticut diversity, equity, and inclusion nonprofits focused on food access or sustainable agriculture may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut building pathways out of poverty, often through education or job training, can access funding through Arbor Brothers; awards US $125,000 - US $175,000 per year in flexible, multi-year support plus intensive consulting. 501(c)(3)s focused on economic mobility and nonprofit growth may be especially competitive, including those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for low-income communities.

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.

Connecticut nonprofits hosting community events that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion can seek sponsorship support, with awards up to US $2,500. Valley Community Foundation funds organizations located in or serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton that comply with applicable anti-discrimination laws and strengthen the Naugatuck Valley community.