Best Hartford County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The John Bell and Lawrence Thornton Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students from the Greater Hartford region attending Hampton University. This fund honors the friendship of its namesakes and aims to provide financial assistance to those in need. Since 1945, the Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education opportunities. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering youth in the community.

The Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation has been committed to community support for over 85 years, offering funding and in-kind donations to various organizations. They prioritize 501(c)(3) non-profits that enhance cultural and economic vitality, and provide resources for local events, youth sports, and cultural initiatives. Applications for support are encouraged from organizations that align with their values, emphasizing community improvement and collaboration. For assistance, contact local stores for resources like ticket printing and promotional support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities offering health, human services, education, housing, or arts programs in Hartford County, Connecticut can seek funding to improve residents’ quality of life. Grants from SBM Charitable Foundation also support programs primarily benefiting Tolland and Windham Counties, and may include program support, community events, capital projects, and scholarship-related initiatives.

Liberty Bank is committed to enhancing community engagement through its Corporate and Branch Sponsorships, supporting a variety of non-profit organizations and events. With a focus on cultural, educational, and health services, Liberty Bank contributes to initiatives within Connecticut and Greater Springfield, Massachusetts. Sponsorship opportunities include fundraisers, concerts, and sporting events, fostering long-lasting community ties. By investing in local programs, Liberty Bank aims to make a meaningful impact and support the causes that matter most to its communities.

The Farmington Greater Together Community Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, offers up to $7,500 for projects that promote civic engagement and community ownership. This fund supports organizations classified as 501(c)(3) or those using a fiscal agent. Eligible projects must benefit all residents without discrimination and may include broader community initiatives by religious organizations. A final report is required upon project completion.

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

Marlborough Community Fund

The Marlborough Community Fund welcomes proposals requesting up to $7,000 for this grant cycle. The committee will award up to a total of $50,000 during this grant cycle, with the number and size of awards dependent on available funds and the pool of applications received.

All grants are one year, project-based awards and may include reasonable administrative or overhead costs. Funded organizations are required to complete a final report at the completion of the project or within 13 months of the award date (whichever is sooner).

When resources are limited, the committee may issue partial awards

The Women & Girls’ Fund, established by the Main Street Community Foundation in 2001, supports organizations that empower women and girls in Connecticut. With a focus on senior services, confidence building, and mental health, the fund prioritizes projects that enhance self-sufficiency and promote leadership skills. Collaborations among organizations are encouraged, fostering community connections and addressing critical needs. Grants are available for program and capacity-building initiatives that align with these goals.

The Glastonbury Greater Together Community Fund invites applications for annual grants up to $5,000 aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Glastonbury, CT. Nonprofits and town resident groups can apply for funding to support innovative initiatives, improve access to programs, and address critical community needs. All projects must be inclusive and benefit local residents, fostering collaboration for greater impact within the community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and collaborative partnerships improving youth academic and social outcomes in Hartford County, Connecticut can request up to US $25,000 for evidence-based programs. With a mission to strengthen children’s development, the Fund for Greater Hartford provides grants for literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, K–12 success, and related systems-change efforts in its catchment communities.

The Roberts Foundation's Creation of New Work Initiative Grant supports local artists and arts organizations in Greater Hartford. Established in 2003, it fosters creativity and collaboration, particularly prioritizing projects celebrating America 250 by 2026. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) arts organizations that collaborate with artists residing in specified Connecticut areas. The initiative aims to benefit the community through newly created works, enhancing the arts landscape while supporting artists of color and promoting excellence in the arts.

About

The Jewish Community Foundation helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals, while building a permanent pool of funds to ensure that Greater Hartford’s Jewish community is here forever.

Start a charitable fund with us. We invest your funds so they grow and continue to support the causes you love today and in perpetuity. Whether you want to invest in Jewish continuity, educate kids or support our seniors, the Foundation can help you put your vision into action.

Guided by Jewish values, we establish a culture of endowment giving throughout our community.

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford Grant

The Jewish Community Foundation has a responsibility to invest in the long-term strength and vitality of our community. Our grants support strategic programs and services that address a clear need in Greater Hartford’s Jewish community.

The Foundation does not fund ongoing operations, but rather looks for unique opportunities that – without the Foundation’s support – might not be possible. The Foundation’s community grants generally focus on Jewish organizations in the Greater Hartford area, for one or more of the following purposes:

• seed funding for innovative programs or programs that fill a need or service gap in the community
• capacity building support
• strategic capital
• in limited circumstances, one-time programs (maximum $10,000)

Community Grant Making Process

The Jewish Community Foundation accepts grant proposals on a rolling basis. They are reviewed by staff and a Grants Committee comprised of volunteer community members and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Grant decisions are typically shared within 3-6 months of submission. The Grants Committee generally meets 4 times per year. Prior to applying, the Executive Director or chief staff person should consult with the Foundation’s grants department by sending an email to grants @ jcfhartford dot org.

When Applying to the Jewish Community Foundation, Consider the Following:

• A limit of one grant application from an organization will be considered each grant cycle.
• Focus on the strategic impact of the grant and its alignment with the long-term goals of the program and/or project. Grant reviewers require a comprehensive understanding of the “why” behind the proposal, not just the “what”.
• Put yourself in the position of grants committee members who are not familiar with your program. Anticipate the questions they might have and address these in your written proposal.
• Do not apply for a grant for a project to which you’ve already committed.
• The short and long-term goals are important in the consideration of any grant.
• The submission of a grant does not guarantee funding in part, or in whole, by the Jewish Community Foundation. The Foundation reserves the right to fund a grant at whatever level it deems appropriate.

Resident-led neighborhood groups and individuals in Hartford County, Connecticut can seek up to US $2,500 to implement, expand, or maintain community beautification and safety projects. Focused on greening and beautification, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation supports projects within Hartford that combat litter, activate vacant lots, and strengthen neighborhood pride, which may benefit local nonprofit-led initiatives as well.

The Donald and Dorothy Bonelli Puerto Rican Education Fund, established by Dorothy Bonelli's educational trust after her passing in 2012, aims to support graduating high school seniors of Puerto Rican descent from the Greater Hartford region. This scholarship fund provides financial assistance to help these students pursue post-secondary education, reinforcing the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's commitment to educational opportunities since 1945.

The Daniel R. DiNardi Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports graduating seniors from Rocky Hill High School with a sports background, particularly basketball. This scholarship honors Daniel R. DiNardi and aims to assist students pursuing higher education. The Hartford Foundation has a long history of providing scholarships to local students, having awarded nearly $30 million since 1945 to facilitate access to post-secondary education.

The Christopher Guerrini Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports high school seniors from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students must attend a four-year college, show interest in business or history, and have a record of community involvement, particularly in sports, with a preference for soccer. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth.

The Catharine W. Reid Scholarship Fund, established in 1945 through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, provides scholarships for students from the Greater Hartford region entering four-year colleges. This fund aims to support 1-2 students each year who demonstrate financial need and academic ability, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Hartford Foundation has been pivotal in aiding local students with nearly $30 million awarded in scholarships since its inception.

The Brian A. Aselton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors a fallen police officer and supports children of active duty police officers in East Hartford, South Windsor, and Hartford. This scholarship program, part of a broader initiative that has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, emphasizes the importance of education and aims to empower students pursuing degrees in criminal justice and related fields.

The Bloomfield Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports residents of Bloomfield, Connecticut, who are graduating seniors from public, private, or parochial high schools with a record of high academic performance. Annually, 1-3 scholarships are awarded to help students pursue post-secondary education. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local students.

The Beverly J. Malone Ladizki and David A. Ladizki Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students from Agawam, MA, and nearby areas. Preference is given to those residing in Suffield, CT, who demonstrate financial need. Since 1945, the Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, aiding local students in their pursuit of higher education at various institutions. This fund specifically aims to assist deserving individuals in achieving their academic goals.

The Bartlett Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports graduates from Greater Hartford high schools who have participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters or Boys and Girls Club programs. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education. This fund aims to empower youth by assisting those with financial needs to achieve their educational goals.

The Barbara Kelco Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2010 by her sister, honors Barbara Kelco's dedication to education. This fund provides scholarships for graduating seniors from Granby High School who plan to major in Education at a four-year college or university. It is part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's extensive scholarship program, which has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, supporting local students pursuing higher education.

The Jackson-Batchelder Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports Hartford high school students with financial needs pursuing full-time education at a public four-year college or university. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, assisting hundreds of local students each year to achieve their post-secondary academic goals, thereby enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The Jack Maerz and Mary Rago Future of Healthcare Scholarship Fund, established by Rich Rago and Beth Maerz, supports Hartford students pursuing healthcare degrees amid a critical nursing shortage. This fund honors their families' legacies and strives to provide educational opportunities for all, regardless of financial background. With a focus on equity in education, the fund aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Annually, 1-2 scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates.

The Hartford Whalers Booster Club Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors the legacy of the Whalers hockey team. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to support Connecticut students. This fund specifically recognizes high school seniors excelling in academics and hockey, helping them pursue higher education at four-year institutions with hockey programs. It continues to celebrate the spirit of community and sportsmanship in Greater Hartford.

The Gerard Thomas Lynch Fund, established by New England Asset Management, Inc., honors founder Jerry Lynch. As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this scholarship program supports local students from Hartford and its surrounding areas. Since 1945, nearly $30 million has been awarded to help students pursue higher education. Eligibility criteria include participation in Boys and Girls Clubs, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrating financial need.

The Folabomi & Olusegun Akinbajo Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to empower local students from the Greater Hartford region. Supporting graduates and current college students of Black/African American or Latino/Latina descent, this scholarship promotes higher education as a key to achieving social mobility. With a commitment to education, the fund honors the legacy of its founders by offering 1-2 awards annually, ensuring financial assistance to those in need.