Best Fairfield County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

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.

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.

501(c)(3) public charity nonprofits serving Fairfield County, Connecticut can seek up to US $10,000 to strengthen organizational capacity, including leadership, strategy, technology, and operations. With a mission to build strong local organizations, Fairfield County's Community Foundation provides streamlined, rolling-capacity grants for activities like staff development, strategic planning, fundraising systems, and evaluation to boost long-term sustainability.

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.

Nonprofit tax-exempt organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut can receive support for general operating expenses or special projects that aid vulnerable children, Alzheimer’s research, educational access, or the environment. The Goodnow Fund identifies and directly contacts organizations it wishes to support, though nonprofits may reach out to discuss potential projects.

Arts and cultural nonprofits with U.S.-wide reach, including those serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, can seek more than US $100,000 to support impactful cultural programs, capital needs, or limited general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations like museums, theaters, symphonies, and arts education programs engage youth and nurture artistic talent.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help Fairfield County, Connecticut nonprofits and aligned for-profits share the impact of their work through storytelling projects. Registered 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those focused on wildlife conservation, preservation, education, or wellness, can seek more than US $50,000 to develop media and narratives that highlight their community outcomes.

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.

Fairfield County, Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities serving under-served residents can access funding through Impact 100 Fairfield County to launch or expand high-impact human and social services programs. Grants of US $100,000 over 24 months support new or enhanced core-mission initiatives, with limited general operating support, for projects fully benefiting Fairfield County communities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

Central Carolina Community Foundation provides Fairfield County, Connecticut nonprofits with an opportunity to raise funds through its Midlands Gives online giving initiative. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be based in or have a branch in one of 11 specified South Carolina counties and meet financial history and compliance requirements to participate in this annual regional giving day.

High school seniors graduating from a Fairfield County, South Carolina high school with at least a 3.5 GPA can receive scholarship support for accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Jacqueline M. Miller Scholarship is non-renewable and must be used for enrollment in an institution of higher education starting in August.

Students pursuing counseling, clinical social work, psychology, or sociology who live in Fairfield County, Connecticut may be eligible for the renewable Jeryl Salmond II Memorial Scholarship supporting mental health careers. Central Carolina Community Foundation provides this scholarship for undergraduate or graduate study at accredited, nonprofit higher education institutions, with a minimum 2.75 GPA required.

Students planning to become elementary, middle, or high school teachers can receive renewable scholarship support for accredited, nonprofit colleges or universities through the Katherine K. Greiner Scholarship. Grants from Central Carolina Community Foundation help future educators with academic scholarship funding; applicants from its 11-county South Carolina service area may be especially competitive.

Graduating high school seniors needing help paying for higher education can receive renewable academic scholarship support through the LinkScholars Program, including students from Fairfield County, Connecticut. With a mission to strengthen education access, Central Carolina Community Foundation provides scholarships averaging $2,000 to financially needy students attending accredited, nonprofit colleges, universities, or trade schools, including HBCUs.

Fairfield County, Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community development, affordable housing, or educational enrichment programs can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $5,000. With a mission to strengthen local well-being, First County Bank Foundation supports projects in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport, prioritizing low- to moderate-income residents.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.