Best Danbury Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Pitney Bowes Foundation Grant, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing education within communities where Pitney Bowes operates. Annually, the foundation allocates around $1.8 million to support literacy, STEM, and job training initiatives, emphasizing early childhood education and mentoring programs. Grants are designed to foster measurable outcomes that address educational disparities, particularly for underserved populations, ensuring a brighter future for the workforce.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

Impact Fairfield County Grant Program, established in 2015, aims to enhance local non-profits through collective giving, offering $100,000 grants annually. With nearly $1.6 million granted since 2016, the program empowers women to engage in philanthropy while addressing community needs. Eligibility includes being a 501(c)(3) charity in Fairfield County with a focus on underserved populations, ensuring impactful investments. The program promotes organizational growth and community improvement, reinforcing the mission of supporting local initiatives and fostering collaboration among members.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The PSEG Foundation provides funding for events and initiatives that enhance community safety and environmental stewardship in areas where they operate, such as New Jersey and New York. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's focus areas, including sustainable neighborhoods and safety preparedness. The application process is rolling, with a response time of 8 to 12 weeks. Proposals must be submitted online between January 1 and October 31, at least eight weeks before the event.

The Newtown Savings Bank Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aid families and individuals in financial need. Established in 1998, the Foundation disburses funds quarterly and prioritizes programs focused on affordable housing, economic development, and vocational training. Annually, it awards at least one college scholarship and donations to community service agencies, including food banks. Since 2005, over $650,000 has been granted to various educational and charitable initiatives within the bank's market area.

Cascades Donations and Sponsorships focuses on building sustainable partnerships in education, entrepreneurship, and amateur sports. They support community organizations, promote healthy lifestyles, and recognize student engagement through grants. Cascades prioritizes projects in its operational regions and encourages initiatives that address climate change and foster inclusivity. Their funding approach is rooted in creating lasting positive impacts and supporting the next generation of leaders while adhering to their values and philosophy.

The Emerging Leaders Program by NYFA offers a year-long professional development opportunity for manager-level arts administrators in NYC. This program enhances leadership skills through workshops, peer-learning pods, and intensive retreats. Participants will engage in strategic career planning and receive support from experienced alumni. The program aims to empower arts leaders and is supported by The Willem de Kooning Foundation. It's open to those committed to their professional growth within the arts community.

The David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

The VCF: Responsive General Operating Support Grants provide flexible funding to nonprofits in the Greater New Haven region. Designed to support the overall mission of organizations, these grants allow nonprofits to allocate resources where they are most needed. To be eligible, organizations must serve a significant local population, have operational experience of at least two years, and maintain a profile on giveGreater.org. This initiative fosters impactful community engagement and sustainable growth.

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation works closely with local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, government, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant region. Informed by three decades of partnering with and serving our community, we have awarded more than $420 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

General Operating Support Grants

General Operating seeks to support highly effective organizations that are critical to the achievement of one or more of our key result areas, center systems-change work that addresses the root causes of inequity, and have a proven track record of effectiveness and impact. Reporting will focus on the organization’s overall impact and effectiveness. We recommend that organizations previously funded by the Foundation apply for general operating support. Only those organizations that are highly aligned with FCCF’s systems-change priority should apply for general operating support. The grant sizes will range up to $50,000.

We will offer two pools of applicants, both providing General Operating Support (GOS) funding. Both are open to organizations that have previously received funding from FCCF.

• Pool 1: Strategic Partner Grants (This is an invitation-only process);
• Pool 2: Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants

This funding pool is intended to provide more flexible support through a streamlined process.

Key features:

• No Letter of Intent (LOI) required
• Grant awards of up to $10,000–$15,000

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation works closely with local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, government, and philanthropists to address challenges and identify opportunities to create a stronger, more vibrant region. Informed by three decades of partnering with and serving our community, we have awarded more than $420 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

Fairfield County Food Security Grants

Fairfield County Food Security grants seek to fill unmet needs in underserved communities by strengthening the collaborative efforts of nonprofits and grassroots organizations that are responding to increased demands and community needs. The Community Foundation will award organizations that best demonstrate the potential to make meaningful, measurable changes in our community by centering equity and transforming the systems and structures at the root of inequities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, until available funded are expended.

Specifically, the Fairfield County Food Security grants seek to fill unmet needs in underserved communities by strengthening the collaborative efforts of nonprofits responding to the increased demands and community needs, including:  

• Neighborhood food banks and hyperlocal pantry programs (e.g., mutual aid, churches). 
• Grassroots food distribution networks that deliver directly to families and seniors. 
• School and after-school nutrition programs that fill gaps for children and teens. 
• Food pantries at community colleges meet students’ basic needs.
• Services for people reentering the community from incarceration and veterans’ groups expanding food access.
• Local farms and community growers that help supply healthy, culturally relevant foods for underserved communities.
• Advocating for policies related to food access and gaps in food security.

Danbury, Connecticut first responder organizations can access funding through Enbridge for safety equipment, professional training, and safety education programs. Eligible fire departments, EMS and rescue services, emergency management organizations, 9-1-1 centers, ambulance services, and law enforcement near Enbridge operations may receive US $1,000 - US $10,000 to strengthen community safety capabilities.

The Citi Foundation's Global Innovation Challenge invites proposals from community organizations worldwide developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth aged 15 to 24. This initiative aims to enhance youth employability, addressing global unemployment challenges faced by millions. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial education to empower young people. The deadline for application registration is March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

The David N. Lane Trust for Aged & Indigent Women Grant supports quality human services and health care for underserved senior women in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, Connecticut. Established in 1964, the grant prioritizes programs that directly benefit this demographic. However, it does not consider requests for capital projects, ensuring funding is directed toward immediate service needs. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving older women in these communities to be eligible.

The Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center offers annual grants of up to $5,000 to support biological research focused on conservation. Established in 2016, this non-profit organization encourages studies that may occur within its 825-acre preserve or at other sites. Eligible applicants include students and professionals affiliated with educational institutions or non-profits, with grants covering essential research expenses and offering shared housing during fieldwork.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The Newtown Savings Bank Foundation supports community nonprofits with a focus on affordable housing, economic development, and financial education. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization, it prioritizes requests from organizations that serve local communities and demonstrate innovative solutions to financial need. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding directed towards initiatives that create lasting impact. The foundation encourages submissions at least 30 days before an event to ensure timely consideration.

Webster Bank Corporate Giving focuses on supporting underserved communities through essential programs in workforce development, community development, financial empowerment, and basic human services. The bank prioritizes registered nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic goals, encouraging initiatives that promote economic inclusion and address racial equity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Webster's footprint, demonstrating a history of success and a commitment to community enhancement.

The Quinnipiac River Fund Grants, founded in 1990, aim to enhance the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and New Haven Harbor. Annually, over $100,000 is allocated to projects focusing on pollution reduction, ecological research, public education, and habitat restoration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and their fiscal agents. Priority is given to local nonprofits. This fund supports initiatives that significantly improve the health of the river and its surrounding watersheds.

The CFGNH Responsive General Operating Support Grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven's twenty-town region. Grants up to $50,000 are available for one to three years, enabling organizations to direct resources to their most pressing needs. Eligibility requires at least three years of active programming and an operating budget of $100,000 or more. Organizations with current GOS grants ending after December 31, 2024, are ineligible to apply.