Search Through Fairfield County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

FCCF Capacity Building Grants 

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation offers capacity-building grants of up to $10,000 for mission-aligned organizations investing in their strength and sustainability. These grants are intended to support organizational effectiveness, such as leadership development, strategic planning, technology improvements, and impact measurement. 

Capacity Building Grants accommodate the following requests:

• Staff Development and Training - Leadership development, professional training, coaching, or workshops for staff, volunteers, or board members.
• Strategic Planning - Hiring consultants to develop a strategic plan, succession planning, or business model analysis.
• Self-care – Supports for leadership and staff to protect against compassion fatigue/burnout.
• Technology and Infrastructure - Upgrading software, databases, cybersecurity or purchasing essential equipment. Does not include the purchase of physical property.
• Fundraising and Revenue Development - Developing a fundraising strategy, donor management systems, or grant writing support. Does not include funding toward one-time fundraising events or contributions toward capital campaign.
• Marketing and Communications - Branding, website redesign, social media strategy, or storytelling capacity.
• Evaluation and Impact Measurement - Implementing systems to track program outcomes and impact assessment.
• Collaboration and Partnership - Convening stakeholders, cross-sector partnerships, or shared service models.
• Cultural Competence Training -Activities that increase the cultural competence of leadership and staff – including but not limited to multi-lingual support.
• Board Development and Governance - Strengthening governance, board recruitment, or board training.
• Operational Efficiency - Process improvement, financial management tools, or legal compliance support.  

Global Impact Cash Grants

Identifying and incubating innovative early-stage solutions. We identify, incubate, and develop innovative early-stage solutions with the highest potential for impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We're looking for programs that fit within our investment sectors, focus on the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services.

We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application. Please expand and carefully review each of the three sections below to learn more

Our priority social impact sectors

We focus on investing in innovative, tech-enabled solutions to the challenges and opportunities that matter most to communities in need, prioritizing four social impact sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response

Mobilizing to provide essentials to communities in need and those in crisis, including food, housing, secure connectivity, and disaster relief

By leveraging Cisco’s people, technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships, we help strengthen community resilience and drive long-term recovery from crises.

Education

Supporting students, teachers, and schools by increasing engagement, building skills, promoting subject mastery, and expanding their capacity to thrive

Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like Cisco Networking Academy and social investments in education, we create new opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Economic Empowerment

Transforming communities through skill development, long-term career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and access to financial products and services

Strategic grants that unlock economic prosperity and growth for individuals and communities.

Climate Regeneration

Building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future through education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, protection, and clean energy solutions

Our efforts began in 2021, when the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions. 

About Us

The Goodnow Fund is a family foundation providing support to numerous organizations. The Fund primarily supports projects that help vulnerable children, advance new research about the causes and cures for Alzheimer’s disease, increase educational opportunities for low income students, and improve the environment.

The Fund provides approximately $1.5 million in grants each year to nonprofit organizations. Based in Darien, Connecticut, The Fund has a particular focus on supporting organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

The Goodnow Fund identifies organizations it wishes to support and contacts nonprofits directly to discuss projects and funding. The Fund makes gifts throughout the year.

The Fund maintains a portfolio of projects it supports and provides grants to nonprofit tax exempt organizations for general operating expenses and for special projects. 

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Who We Are

Impact Fairfield County was founded in 2015 by Wendy Block and Vicki Craver and is based on the Impact 100 model of collective giving. The goal was to gather at least 100 women in the area to pool their contributions to make significant philanthropic investments in local non-profits.

Since our initial grant year in 2016, we have provided nearly $1.6 million in grant funding to local exceptional non-profits, including twelve $100,000 Impact FFC Grants and significant general operating support. Through these transformational grants, we are not only able to greatly improve the lives of those in our community, but we have developed a venue for women to learn about local needs, which non-profits are meeting those needs and educating ourselves on how to more effectively put our philanthropic investments to use.

In our 5th year of giving, we had 243 members, with over 140 members serving on our grant review committees to work together to evaluate the 52 grant proposals received from non-profits throughout the county. We provided $244,000 in grant funding to implement programs that will make a tremendous impact in our community.

 Impact Fairfield County Core Mission Grant

Impact Fairfield County’s goal is to provide high-impact grants that reach under-served populations, highlight unmet needs in our area and raise the profile of deserving but lesser known initiatives. To support this important work and allow organizations to “dream big,” Impact FFC annually awards $100,000 grants to local non-profits. Total funding is determined by the number of members who contribute $1,000 each towards the grants. Excess membership funds will be divided among the other finalists of the grant process for general operating support.

Grant finalists are determined through a detailed process of proposal review and evaluation by members, and the grant recipients are chosen by a vote of the membership at the Impact FFC Annual Meeting in May.

Eligibility Criteria

The Impact Fairfield County Core Mission Grant will provide restricted funds to develop new programs; enhance, expand or strengthen existing programs; and/or improve organizational capacity that advances the nonprofit organization's core mission. Our transformative grants are in the amount of $100,000 to be spent over 24 months, of which, up to 20% is allowed to be allocated toward general operating expenses, as needed.

Central Carolina Community Foundation

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that links charitable people and businesses with areas of need in our community.

We were founded in September 1984 by business leaders who wanted to establish a permanent endowment that would enhance the lives of citizens in the Midlands.

Midlands Gives

Midlands Gives brings the brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits in 11 Midlands counties. In addition to being a year-round resource for donors across the Midlands, the initiative amplifies donations during an 18-hour online giving challenge the first Tuesday of May. Since its inception in 2014 the event has raised $9.3 million for local nonprofits.

Midlands Gives provides an ideal platform for participating nonprofit organizations to increase awareness, donors and dollars all within one campaign. Using the resources provided by Central Carolina Community Foundation, nonprofits can create an extensive, yet cost-effective outreach campaign.

Organizations who receive donations through the year-round platform will receive checks quarterly in January, April, July, and October. For donations made during giving day, on or before June 30, Central Carolina Community Foundation will provide your organization with payment via check in the amount of total donations received on behalf of your organization net of fees plus the organization's share of any regional bonus pools and any prize amounts (if applicable). Prior to receiving the check, you will receive an email statement informing you of your grant amount. You will have ten days to dispute this amount before the check will be sent to your organization. Please be patient as our finance department performs a financial reconciliation on all transactions. To ensure accuracy, this process takes some time.

First County Bank Foundation, Inc.

As part of our long-standing commitment to giving, the First County Bank Foundation is proud to support a variety of nonprofit organizations.

We have awarded over $10 million in grants to assist with a range of causes.

The Foundation, which was established in 2001 to honor the Bank’s 150th anniversary, contributes generously to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development; increase the availability of affordable housing and programs that support educational enrichment for families and children.

Its giving reflects the dedication and charitable inclination of First County Bank, its Directors, Corporators, Officers and Employees. As a mutual community bank with no shareholders, First County Bank considers contributions made by the Foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves.

The Foundation awards grants based on need, with average grant amounts ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. These grants benefit nonprofit organizations that directly impact the health and well-being of individuals living and working in Fairfield County. Special consideration is given to agencies and programs that benefit low- to moderate-income populations.

First County Bank is honored to be able to give back to the community not only through our Foundation’s grants and donations, but also through the giving of the time and talents of the men and women that work for us. We are always looking for ways to help the community we call home and find new opportunities to help the causes that mean so much to our customers.

Annual CommunityFirst Grant (formerly Standard Grant)

Our priority areas of focus are programs that:

• Boost Community Development
  • Job skills training and placement; initiatives to promote independence and self-sufficiency; meeting food, clothing, health and shelter need; senior services and family support programs
• Support Affordable Housing
  • Increase the availability of affordable housing, supportive and transitional housing; housing rehabilitation programs and first-time homebuyer initiatives
• Provide Educational Enrichment
  • Give families and children the opportunity to attend mentoring programs, summer camp activities and parenting classes

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Fairfield County's Community Foundation Strategic Grantmaking

Our Strategic Grantmaking is one way in which we partner with organizations that align with our Fairfield County Forward strategic plan goals. These grants aim to help meet the needs of Fairfield County residents who haven’t always been afforded the opportunity to thrive.. We look for opportunities that have the potential to meaningfully change unfair systems and structures that cause disparate outcomes.

The Community Foundation’s competitive grant process has two stages. The first step in the process is an online Letter of intent (LOI). Throughout this process, you will be asked to identify the Result Area and Primary Strategy with which your proposal aligns best. Key Result Areas are used to describe the desired conditions of community well-being that we are seeking for the populations and communities in Fairfield County.

To find our high-level framework that includes the results that the Community Foundation is seeking, click here.

Fairfield County's Housing Fund

Grow thriving, safe, and affordable communities in Fairfield County.

Our Key Result Area addressing Housing aims to ensure that all Fairfield County residents have safe, stable, & affordable housing* in Communities of Opportunity. To this end, we have identified and are investing in correlating strategies that have a reasoned chance of improving the current conditions to achieve the desired state. The strategies listed below are collectively made up of our best thinking about what works and include the contributions of many partners. We acknowledge that no single action by any one entity can create the improved results we need. We are committed to an iterative and collective process of identifying and supporting diverse strategies in our community that reflect their needs and elevate their voice.

• Raise awareness and support for housing affordability and diverse housing options in every community.
• Move individuals and families experiencing homelessness into stable housing.
• Advocacy that advances quality affordable housing production, preservation, and equitable access.
• Support grassroots advocacy of and engagement with home renters with low income.

Type of Request

​​​​​​The Foundation awards two (2) types of competitive grants to Fairfield County nonprofits described below. 

Program Support

Program Support seeks to support specific programs and services that contribute to one of our key result areas, and their corresponding strategies. The Community Foundation prioritizes requests from organizations that are centered in systems change, results-oriented, and have the capacity to measure/evaluate the impact of their work. Reporting will focus on the impact the program has on its primary beneficiaries. We recommend that first-time applicants apply for program support. The average grant size will be $10,000-$15,000.

General Operating Support

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.

Fairfield County's Community Foundation Strategic Grantmaking

Our Strategic Grantmaking is one way in which we partner with organizations that align with our Fairfield County Forward strategic plan goals. These grants aim to help meet the needs of Fairfield County residents who haven’t always been afforded the opportunity to thrive.. We look for opportunities that have the potential to meaningfully change unfair systems and structures that cause disparate outcomes.

The Community Foundation’s competitive grant process has two stages. The first step in the process is an online Letter of intent (LOI). Throughout this process, you will be asked to identify the Result Area and Primary Strategy with which your proposal aligns best. Key Result Areas are used to describe the desired conditions of community well-being that we are seeking for the populations and communities in Fairfield County.

To find our high-level framework that includes the results that the Community Foundation is seeking, click here.

Economic Opportunity Fund

Support collaborative programs and policies that build shared prosperity in our region.

Our Economic Opportunity Fund invests in collaborative programs that increase economic mobility, identify paths to shared prosperity, foster career pathways, and strengthen Community-Based work.

Programs

• Increase Economic Mobility
• Foster Career Pathways
• Indentify Paths to shared Prosperity
• Strengthen Community-based works

Income and Asset Building

Our Key Result Area addressing Income & Asset Building aims to ensure that all Fairfield County residents have equitable access to workforce, entrepreneurship, and employment skill-building opportunities to achieve and maintain financial self-sufficiency and build assets. To this end, we have identified and are investing in correlating strategies that have a reasoned chance of improving the current conditions to achieve the desired state. The strategies listed below are collectively made up of our best thinking about what works and include the contributions of many partners. We acknowledge that no single action by any one entity can create the improved results we need. We are committed to an iterative and collective process of identifying and supporting diverse strategies in our community that reflect their needs and elevate their voice.

• Develop & Support Inclusive Career Pathways in Local Growth Sectors
• Services designed to help low-to-moderate income BIPOC & Women invest and grow their businesses.
• Scaling of systems change solutions to grow workforce sector opportunities for BIPOC & Women.
• Increase access to capital for Women and BIPOC small business owners & entrepreneurs.

Type of Request

​​​​​​The Foundation awards two (2) types of competitive grants to Fairfield County nonprofits described below. 

Program Support

Program Support seeks to support specific programs and services that contribute to one of our key result areas, and their corresponding strategies. The Community Foundation prioritizes requests from organizations that are centered in systems change, results-oriented, and have the capacity to measure/evaluate the impact of their work. Reporting will focus on the impact the program has on its primary beneficiaries. We recommend that first-time applicants apply for program support. The average grant size will be $10,000-$15,000.

General Operating Support

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.

Fairfield County's Community Foundation Strategic Grantmaking

Our Strategic Grantmaking is one way in which we partner with organizations that align with our Fairfield County Forward strategic plan goals. These grants aim to help meet the needs of Fairfield County residents who haven’t always been afforded the opportunity to thrive.. We look for opportunities that have the potential to meaningfully change unfair systems and structures that cause disparate outcomes.

The Community Foundation’s competitive grant process has two stages. The first step in the process is an online Letter of intent (LOI). Throughout this process, you will be asked to identify the Result Area and Primary Strategy with which your proposal aligns best. Key Result Areas are used to describe the desired conditions of community well-being that we are seeking for the populations and communities in Fairfield County.

To find our high-level framework that includes the results that the Community Foundation is seeking, click here.

Women's and Girls' Health

Our Key Result Area addressing Women's and Girls' Health aims to ensure that all Fairfield County residents have equitable access to high-quality, culturally competent* physical, mental & behavioral health services. To this end, we have identified and are investing in correlating strategies that have a chance of improving the current conditions to achieve the desired state. The strategies listed below are collectively made up of our best thinking about what works and include the contributions of many partners. We acknowledge that no single action by any one entity can create the improved results we need. We are committed to an iterative and collective process of identifying and supporting diverse strategies in our community that reflect their needs and elevate their voice.

• Reduce barriers to physical & behavioral healthcare access.
• Address social determinants of health.
• Reduce racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

With your support, our Health Equity Fund invests in collaborative programs that Fuel proven partnerships, design innovative solutions, increase access to quality care, and strengthen community-based.

What to Apply For

Various types of strategic grants are available to Fairfield County nonprofits.

Program Support Grants

Program Support seeks to support specific programs and services that contribute to one of our key result areas, and their corresponding strategies. The Community Foundation prioritizes requests from organizations that are centered in systems change, results-oriented, and have the capacity to measure/evaluate the impact of their work. Reporting will focus on the impact the program has on its primary beneficiaries. We recommend that first-time applicants apply for program support. The average grant size will be $10,000-$15,000.

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.

Fairfield County's Community Foundation Strategic Grantmaking

Our Strategic Grantmaking is one way in which we partner with organizations that align with our Fairfield County Forward strategic plan goals. These grants aim to help meet the needs of Fairfield County residents who haven’t always been afforded the opportunity to thrive.. We look for opportunities that have the potential to meaningfully change unfair systems and structures that cause disparate outcomes.

The Community Foundation’s competitive grant process has two stages. The first step in the process is an online Letter of intent (LOI). Throughout this process, you will be asked to identify the Result Area and Primary Strategy with which your proposal aligns best. Key Result Areas are used to describe the desired conditions of community well-being that we are seeking for the populations and communities in Fairfield County.

To find our high-level framework that includes the results that the Community Foundation is seeking, click here.

Youth Education & Workforce Development

Our Key Result Area addressing Youth Education & Workforce Development aims to ensure that all Fairfield County students graduate with a High School degree & are prepared for postsecondary education and/or employment. To this end, we have identified and are investing in correlating strategies that have a reasoned chance of improving the current conditions to achieve the desired state. The strategies listed below are collectively made up of our best thinking about what works and include the contributions of many partners. We acknowledge that no single action by any one entity can create the improved results we need. We are committed to an iterative and collective process of identifying and supporting diverse strategies in our community that reflect their needs and elevate their voice.

• Increase internships, career exploration, and postsecondary education for BIPOC young people.
• Promote equitable, out-of-school leadership and life skill development for BIPOC young people.
• Develop and implement scalable systems change solutions to educational inequities.
• Increase measurable progression towards high school degrees or equivalent for BIPOC young people.

Type of Request

​​​​​​The Foundation awards two (2) types of competitive grants to Fairfield County nonprofits described below. 

Program Support

Program Support seeks to support specific programs and services that contribute to one of our key result areas, and their corresponding strategies. The Community Foundation prioritizes requests from organizations that are centered in systems change, results-oriented, and have the capacity to measure/evaluate the impact of their work. Reporting will focus on the impact the program has on its primary beneficiaries. We recommend that first-time applicants apply for program support. The average grant size will be $10,000-$15,000.

General Operating Support

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.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

Corporate Contributions

Community involvement and corporate citizenship are an example of Insperity’s mission in action. We are committed to helping the communities where we live and work because together, we know we can make great things happen.

Grants

Philanthropic grants are a strong part of our community outreach and aid institutions needing financial support to meet important service goals.

Event Sponsorship

Fundraising events are an important part of nonprofit support. Insperity provides event sponsorships to approved charities to assist them in meeting their financial and community goals.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional unit in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different units in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway units of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Gateway program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Gateway unit not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Gateway unit previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in a PLTW Gateway unit for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional module for the 2027-2027 academic year (two different modules in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.