Best Grants for Women in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking general operating or program support can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust for work in the arts, environmental conservation, medical research, and veterans initiatives. Organizations serving women and girls within these focus areas may be eligible if their programs align with the foundation’s mission and active regions.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations integrating visual or performing arts into education, including those in Connecticut, can seek funding to enhance arts-based learning and close achievement gaps. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust’s P/Arts Program supports programs that revitalize curricula, motivate students of all ages, empower educators, and connect school and home through evidence-based arts instruction, with awards up to US $25,000.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofits serving women and girls in Eastern Connecticut can apply for Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s Women & Girls Fund grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for programs in eligible towns. Funding supports empowerment, healthy relationships, economic security, health and mental health services, advocacy, and, in Southeast, aging-in-place support for low-income women 62+.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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.

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.

Early-career faculty scientists and engineers at invited U.S. research institutions, including those in Connecticut, can receive unrestricted support for innovative work in life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, or chemical sciences. The Blavatnik Family Foundation’s National Awards provide US $250,000 to three laureates annually, with a strong encouragement to nominate women and other underrepresented groups in STEM.

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.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on youth substance use prevention in Connecticut can receive up to US $125,000 to implement evidence-based strategies reducing underage drinking and related risks. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services funds up to ten projects that build resilient youth and communities, which may benefit programs serving girls and young women ages 12–20.

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.

Qualified Crisis Intervention Team–trained providers in Connecticut can receive up to US $306,100 to deliver statewide CIT training for law enforcement, first responders, dispatch staff, and behavioral health clinicians. Focused on evidence-based crisis response, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services seeks partners whose work may also benefit women and girls in crisis.

Connecticut organizations planning local environmental projects can receive funding for initiatives with clear environmental benefits, from clean-ups to education, in Connecticut. The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals provides up to US $2,000 to support projects that improve the environment and may particularly interest groups advancing women’s leadership in environmental fields.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities running programs that promote the independence of women can seek project, capital, or limited operating support, particularly in Fairfield County. With a mission to support charitable purposes, Anne S. Richardson Fund also considers initiatives for lower-income residents, youth development, LGBTQIA+ communities, and environmental conservation in Ridgefield and across Connecticut.

Nonprofits, municipal entities, or fiscally sponsored groups in Connecticut can seek funding to build self-esteem, resilience, and leadership among pre-teen and teenage girls. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, Connecticut Community Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for advocacy, skill-building, inclusive programming, planning grants, and collaborative efforts in its 21-town service area.

Connecticut organizations serving women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse can access funding through the Lois Livingston McMillen Memorial Fund to support critical direct services and crisis response. Administered by Connecticut Community Foundation, this fund prioritizes 501(c)(3)s and municipal entities in its 21-town service area, including core operations and BIPOC-led programs.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving women and girls in Greater New Haven can apply for funding to support economic autonomy, leadership, education, and health and wellness initiatives. Focused on women and girl services, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers up to US $15,000 for gender-specific direct service, advocacy, and community organizing in Connecticut.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Connecticut women’s and gender-responsive residential addiction treatment providers in Connecticut can access funding through the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to expand substance use disorder bed capacity. Grants support adding beds or new programs at ASAM 3.5 and 3.1 levels of care, jointly funded with CT Medicaid, with emphasis on trauma-informed services.

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.

Connecticut public libraries, schools, civic groups, and youth-serving organizations can access funding through Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for projects that deepen school-aged youths’ understanding of democracy. Grants of US $500 - US $2,000 may support arts, storytelling, or history projects, including those uplifting marginalized women and girls’ roles in building and protecting democracy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, education, or basic needs in Connecticut can access funding through the Evelyn S and K E Barrett Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $20,000. Programs serving girls and young women up to age 18 may be especially relevant, including start-up, pilot, or renewing initiatives in health, education, or human services.

Connecticut nonprofits serving underserved senior women with health or human services in Fairfield or New Haven Counties can access funding through the David N. Lane Trust for Aged & Indigent Women. Grants support quality programs for older women; organizations focused on women and girl services in these counties may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut working on women’s rights, social justice, grassroots advocacy, the environment, or the arts can apply for support from Bydale Foundation. This grant can help women- and girl-serving programs in Connecticut that fit these priorities, including initiatives in performing arts, poetry, human rights, and peace advocacy.

Connecticut organizations serving women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott can access funding through Main Street Community Foundation to run or expand programs and related capital projects. Priority goes to services for senior women, confidence and leadership building for girls and teens, and non-clinical mental health and well-being initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities in Connecticut can apply for Connecticut Community Foundation’s Health and Environmental Justice Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for programs improving health outcomes and environments. Funding may benefit women and girls through efforts in housing, food access, preventative healthcare, behavioral health, and environmental justice in New Haven County’s 21-town region.