Best Hartford County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Enfield Greater Together Community Fund Grant aims to enhance community well-being by awarding grants of $250 to $5,000 to programs that address local needs. Established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the fund encourages civic engagement and supports innovative programming. With an initial investment of $100,000, it seeks to empower residents and organizations in Enfield to drive positive change. Grant announcements will be made in September 2025, following a thorough review of applications.

The George H.C. Ensworth Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable organizations in Glastonbury, Connecticut, focusing on health, human services, youth services, education, and the arts. Established in 1949, it provides one-year grants to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charities. Notably, it does not fund capital projects or grant requests from individuals, and organizations cannot receive funding for more than three consecutive years. Submission details can be found in the provided guidelines.

The Roberts Foundation - Excellence in the Arts Grant supports arts organizations in Hartford County, emphasizing the importance of artistic endeavors for community vitality. With a focus on funding exceptional aesthetic experiences, the foundation prioritizes nonprofits in key cities while encouraging visual artist compensation. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and limited to one application per year, ensuring the cultural heritage of Hartford thrives for generations to come.

The Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant supports diverse community initiatives, emphasizing education and environmental sustainability. Established in 1952, it funds accredited educational programs, ecological preservation, and health services, while encouraging employee volunteerism and matching contributions. The Foundation prioritizes support for 501(c)(3) organizations and local projects that enhance community welfare. With a history of impactful giving, it plays a vital role in fostering societal well-being and innovation across various sectors.

Adult learners in the Greater Hartford region whose college education was interrupted can receive $1,000 - $2,000 in scholarship support from the Your Chance Scholarship Fund. Focused on higher education access, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation assists Bloomfield and nearby residents with financial need attending accredited 2- or 4-year colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

Graduating high school seniors in Hartford County, Connecticut pursuing full-time undergraduate study in technology or entrepreneurship can receive $1,000 - $2,000 for college costs. Greater Hartford Gives supports one student annually who lives in or attends high school in the Greater Hartford region and demonstrates academic achievement, financial need, and community or extracurricular involvement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hartford County, Connecticut that support literacy and STEAM education for children can apply for funding to improve reading, writing, and cross-disciplinary learning. The Stocker Foundation supports programs building foundational literacy skills, implementing project-based STEAM learning, and providing safety-net services that remove barriers to student engagement and academic achievement.

Students in Hartford County, Connecticut pursuing post-secondary education and demonstrating financial need can receive $1,000 - $1,500 for college or university costs through this scholarship. Grants from Greater Hartford Gives Foundation support residents of the Greater Hartford region who excel academically, study foreign languages, engage with international issues, and have participated in Model UN or similar intercultural programs.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Adult women age 25+ in Hartford County, Connecticut pursuing undergraduate degrees at eligible local colleges can receive up to US $5,000 in scholarship support. Focused on higher education, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation invites financially needy students with at least 15 completed credits and a 2.5+ GPA to apply for 5–10 awards annually.

Graduating high school seniors in Hartford County, Connecticut seeking undergraduate education funding can receive US $3,000 scholarships for full-time study. Grants from Greater Hartford Gives Foundation help Hartford County students who live in the City of Hartford, attend a Connecticut public high school, and demonstrate both financial need and at least a 2.0 GPA.

Students with strong academics who graduated from public high schools in Hartford or West Hartford and need financial assistance for college or graduate school in the U.S. can receive $1,500 scholarships through the Walter S. Kapala Scholarship Trust. Administered by Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, this fund offers 1–2 awards annually to support higher education costs.

Hartford County, Connecticut students seeking higher education scholarships can access funding through Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Middlebury Fund. Awards of US $1,000 - US $4,000 support “worthy and intelligent” young people with demonstrated financial need who are residents of Middlebury, CT, with 5–10 scholarships available each year.

The Sylvia Parkinson Fund, established in 1975, supports medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine who plan to practice in the Hartford area. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund awards 4 to 8 scholarships annually, contributing to the education of deserving students pursuing careers in medicine. The Hartford Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting higher education, having awarded nearly $30 million since 1945.

The Stanley D. and Hinda N. Fisher Scholarship Fund, established by the Fisher Family Foundation, supports local students from the Greater Hartford area pursuing a four-year college degree. As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Scholarship Program, it aims to foster academic achievement and community involvement. Since 1945, the program has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to help students access higher education opportunities. One award is available for eligible candidates.

The South Asian Bar Association Endowed Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports summer public interest fellowships for law students of South Asian descent or those committed to serving the South Asian community. Eligible applicants must be enrolled at select law schools and demonstrate financial need. This initiative enhances opportunities for underrepresented students while fostering community engagement and legal advocacy within the South Asian community.

The Shyaam Bachman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors a dedicated science teacher and supports Black/African American males from the Greater Hartford area. This fund assists students with financial need who are graduating high school and planning to pursue a degree in a science-related field. With a history of awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships since 1945, the foundation continues to empower local students in their educational journeys.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund aims to reduce health disparities by supporting local nonprofits in Hartford, CT, and St. Louis, MO. With an annual commitment of $3 million, the Fund focuses on enhancing access to culturally appropriate healthcare, transportation, and mental health services. By addressing root causes of health inequities, the Fund empowers communities to improve overall health outcomes and foster sustainable change in underserved areas.

The Men & Boys' Fund Grant, established in 2016, aims to enhance the lives of men and boys in Connecticut's Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott areas. Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, leadership, and workforce readiness. Eligible applicants must serve males of any age and provide strong documentation of community impact. The Fund prioritizes self-sufficiency and requires follow-up reports from previous grantees to ensure continued support and accountability.

Civic Education and Civic Participation

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity designed to support organizations that seek to engage in nonpartisan civic education and civic participation efforts leading up to the 2026 Midterm and Gubernatorial elections, particularly supporting civically underrepresented residents of the Greater Hartford 29 town region. The Foundation welcomes requests of up to $25,000 for nonpartisan activities implemented through the Spring and Fall of 2026.

This grant opportunity is by invite only. Organizations that received a 2020 Civic Engagement grant or a 2023 or 2024 Civic Engagement and Get Out the Vote grant can reach out to Cynthia Wills, Community Impact Officer, cwills@GreaterHartfordGives.org for access to the application. New applicants must participate in an eligibility interview to be invited to apply. Please contact Senior Community Impact Associate, Tiana Starks, tstarks@GreaterHartfordGives.org to discuss a project’s potential fit and eligibility by March 3.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The Bloomfield Greater Together Community Fund Grant, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to empower local organizations by providing financial support for projects that benefit Bloomfield residents. Eligible organizations must be classified as 501c3 or have a fiscal sponsor. The fund seeks to foster community ownership, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen the Hartford Foundation's presence in the town. This initiative is vital for building inclusive and vibrant communities in Greater Hartford.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.