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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and accredited charities in Fairfield County, Connecticut working on humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for Roche’s global Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program. Grants from Roche help local affiliates support high-quality, sustainable initiatives that engage employees and partner with local authorities and established community partners.

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 Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut seeking program or project support for children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian needs, or arts and culture can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Hansen Family Foundation considers U.S.-based nonprofits with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25%, including those serving local board communities in Virginia and Arizona.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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 Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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

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.

With a mission to improve quality of life, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides Fairfield County, Connecticut nonprofits with project, general operating, and capital support for community-focused programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations working on poverty, workforce development, health, disaster relief, or related services may be eligible.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or humanitarian needs in Fairfield County, Connecticut can apply for Gupta Family Foundation support, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, this funder prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities operating in select countries, including the U.S.