Best Fairfield County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

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.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Focused on community services and environmental initiatives, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut can seek support for charitable programs that respect people, life, and the environment. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites applications from tax-exempt charities aiming to drive positive change and peacebuilding in their communities.

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

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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 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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.