Best Hartford County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

The TidePointe Community Educational Scholarship, established by the residents of TidePointe, supports employees and their dependents pursuing secondary or post-secondary education. This initiative reflects the community's generosity and commitment to academic achievement. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, work at least 12 hours a week at TidePointe, and have maintained good employment records. This scholarship empowers individuals to achieve their educational ambitions, fostering growth and opportunity within the Lowcountry community.

The John A. Kilpatrick Memorial Scholarship, established in 2016 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports qualified recipients pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is specifically for current or former members of the U.S. Marine Corps who have been stationed at Parris Island, SC, with a preference for applicants who have lived in New Jersey. The foundation has dedicated over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community since its inception.

The Jim and Marge Krum Foundation Scholarship, established in 2003, aims to support outstanding high school seniors from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton who demonstrate academic excellence and significant community service. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this scholarship fosters a lifelong commitment to community leadership among recipients, ensuring they remain connected through their shared dedication to service. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be accepted into an accredited college or university.

The Take Note! Antonia Brancia Memorial Scholarship, established in 2007, honors the legacy of Antonia Brancia, a dedicated pediatric audiologist and music lover. Offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, this scholarship supports students from multiple towns who actively participate in music and pursue post-secondary studies in related fields. With an approximate award of $1,000, it aims to foster future talent in music education and performance.

The Smith Literary Scholarship, established in memory of Margaret P. Smith, supports literary and historical research for students majoring in History or English Literature. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $5,000, with funds disbursed to colleges by August 1. This scholarship is available to residents within the Community Foundation's 42-town service area, promoting educational opportunities for aspiring writers and researchers.

The Shirley Bradway Serafin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides financial support to residents of Northeastern Connecticut pursuing nursing studies. Since 1983, over $11.9 million in scholarships have been awarded to help students achieve their educational goals. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and can receive up to $5,000 over four years, with awards disbursed to colleges by August 1.

The Sean Duzant Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a talented athlete and lab technician, provides $2,000 to students from Southeastern CT pursuing studies in biology or demonstrating excellence in soccer. This scholarship honors Sean's legacy and passion for education, aiming to support those who share his dedication. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational goals and rewarding careers.

The Skip Thavenet Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, honors Louis "Skip" Thavenet and supports students from 42 towns in Connecticut and Rhode Island. This scholarship, which awards approximately $500, aims to assist those pursuing education in technical fields, particularly in welding, manufacturing, and construction management. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million, demonstrating its commitment to fostering local talent and providing educational opportunities.

The Pfizer Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $1,000 awards to graduating seniors from select high schools in New London County, CT, and Westerly High School, RI, pursuing STEM studies at accredited colleges. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. Notably, children of Pfizer employees are ineligible for this scholarship.

The Peter Matthews Scholarship, established by the children of Peter Matthews, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing education at accredited four-year liberal arts colleges. With a generous fund of over $11.9 million awarded since 1983 by the Community Foundation, this scholarship offers approximately $500 to help cover educational expenses. Awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, fostering a commitment to learning and career development.

The NCC Foundation offers the Spring Semester Scholarship to support Fairfield County residents enrolled in degree or credit certificate programs at CT State Norwalk. This scholarship provides tuition assistance for the Spring semester, and eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80 and complete at least 12 credits by the end of the fall semester. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality higher education and foster student success.

The NCC Foundation's RN to BSN Scholarship provides vital financial support to graduates of CT State Norwalk pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at four-year institutions. Eligible candidates must have passed the NCLEX and can apply for renewable assistance over two years based on academic performance. This scholarship encourages continued education in nursing, fostering future healthcare professionals committed to excellence and community service.

The NCC Foundation's Path2Success Scholarship supports Fairfield County residents pursuing degrees or certificates at CT State Norwalk, excluding nursing students. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA between 2.0 and 3.2, complete between 12-30 credits (Spring) or up to 64 credits (Academic Year), and enroll in at least 6 credits per semester. Applicants must also submit the FAFSA or relevant documentation, ensuring access to educational opportunities that foster student success.

The NCC Foundation offers a Non-Credit Certificate Award for Fairfield County residents enrolled in eligible non-credit-bearing certificate programs at CT State Norwalk. Recipients can receive up to 80% tuition coverage and one book per course, based on their unmet financial need. This initiative aims to enhance educational access and success for local students, supporting their professional growth and development in various fields.

The NCC Foundation: LEAP Transfer Scholarship provides up to two years of tuition assistance for U.S. citizens and permanent residents graduating from CT State Norwalk. Awarded based on academic achievement and financial need, this scholarship supports students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Recipients must maintain enrollment, complete an agreement, and submit required documents, ensuring ongoing communication with the NCC Foundation to promote student success.

The NCC Foundation: ESOL Award provides financial support for students enrolled in ESOL courses at CT State Norwalk. Eligible students can receive tuition for up to two main classes and a maximum of two books, promoting access to higher education. This award is specifically for Fairfield County residents who have been accepted into the ESOL program at the college and have not previously failed any courses, ensuring a focus on student success.

The NCC Foundation's DREAM Scholarship supports DACA and undocumented students from CT State Norwalk who wish to pursue their education at a four-year institution. With funding available for up to two years, this scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and active engagement with the Foundation. Awarded students must maintain enrollment, submit regular updates, and participate in mentoring, ensuring they receive support throughout their academic journey.

The NCC Foundation: Academic Year Scholarship offers vital tuition assistance for Fairfield County residents enrolled at CT State Community College Norwalk. This scholarship covers the entire academic year, including winter and summer classes, ensuring accessibility to education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80, complete between 12 to 64 credits, and be actively pursuing a degree or certificate program. This financial support fosters student success and enhances educational opportunities.

The Patricia K. Drake Scholarship, established by Bill Mayo to honor his mother-in-law, supports New London high school seniors of color pursuing education in healthcare or human services. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has provided over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their career goals. Each award is approximately $800, with disbursements to colleges made by August 1. This initiative encourages diversity and empowers future leaders in critical service areas.

The Outreach Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the American Chemical Society, recognizes exceptional volunteers from local sections and international chapters who educate the public about chemistry. This award highlights the vital contributions of volunteers to the community and promotes scientific outreach. Awardees receive a certificate and a small gift during events, and their achievements are celebrated at the annual ChemLuminary Awards. This initiative aims to inspire future generations and strengthen the chemistry community.

The Margaret Mary Curtin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $500 to support female students from Southeastern CT pursuing degrees in government or politics. Since 1983, the Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, ensuring timely funding for recipients.

The Charles Hall & Beatrice Joy Kolar Scholarship Fund, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports local students pursuing education in the trade industry. This fund provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, focusing on those with greater financial need. Scholarships are non-renewable and are awarded based on specific criteria set by donors to enhance educational opportunities in South Lake County.

The Crown Point Community Foundation Scholarships support graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners from Crown Point, Winfield, Cedar Lake, or Lowell. With over 80 scholarship funds established by local donors, the foundation ensures financial assistance is tailored to community needs. Eligible applicants may attend colleges, universities, or vocational schools, but the scholarships are non-renewable. This initiative enriches the quality of life in South Lake County by maximizing charitable giving.

The Christopher Day Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Crown Point Community Foundation to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited program. This non-renewable scholarship aims to assist students with financial needs while encouraging involvement in the ProStart program. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, ensuring that community-driven financial support is directed to those who meet specific criteria.

The Dorothy Dillman Max Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners in Lake County, Indiana. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old, enrolled in an undergraduate program at Indiana University Northwest, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while taking at least two courses per semester. This scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need, fostering educational opportunities to enhance community enrichment.

The Crown Point Youth Baseball Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Crown Point who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have participated in Crown Point Cal Ripken Baseball for at least three years. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, fostering community engagement and growth through sports participation and academic achievement.