Best Grants for Veteran Nonprofit Organizations in Connecticut

Veteran-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut can seek general operating or program support for military and veterans services, arts access, environmental ingenuity, or medical research projects. Grants from Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation help organizations serving Florida, New York, Connecticut, and DC residents whose work advances arts, education, nature, or science-based initiatives.

Veteran-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut can seek funding to expand veterans assistance services and service dog programs, with awards up to US $25,000. Grants from Cornelia T Bailey Foundation help organizations provide healthcare, housing, mental health care, employment support, and acquisition and training of service dogs for veterans, especially those with disabilities or significant service-related challenges.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Connecticut supporting military members, veterans, or community first responders can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations. Support includes intermodal transportation services and occasional donations of railroad equipment or materials for organizations within the CSX rail network communities.

Connecticut nonprofits serving veterans, military families, children, or communities in need through health, education, or recreation programs can seek programmatic support, typically ranging from US $1,000 - US $10,000. Focused on community well-being, the Red Sox Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations in New England to request once-per-year funding for non-capital initiatives.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Connecticut that engage AmeriCorps members in community service projects can apply for Serve Connecticut’s CT AmeriCorps Formula Funding Opportunity. Grants from Serve Connecticut help Connecticut military and veterans services, youth mental health, poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, and other community-focused programs that use evidence-based interventions and national service to strengthen communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions in Connecticut serving veterans, active military, or first responders can apply for CSX Foundation’s Pride in Service grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, mental health, community-bridging, workforce development, and basic needs programs. Eligible veteran-focused nonprofits may benefit from both monetary and in-kind support.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Beacon Grants offers a unique opportunity for Elks Lodges to initiate and lead charitable projects in their local communities. This program encourages Lodges to develop sustainable initiatives, allowing them to address community needs effectively. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, the Beacon Grants enhance the quality of life for residents, including veterans and families. In 2025-26, all Lodges will have the chance to participate, promoting a culture of giving back.

Connecticut law enforcement officers who have performed an exceptional act or service can be nominated for national recognition through the NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. Connecticut public safety and military police personnel serving veterans or broader community safety may be eligible when their qualifying actions occurred within the U.S. and meet NRA Foundation criteria.

Veteran-serving and military family nonprofits in Connecticut seeking to address poverty through economic opportunity, education, or healthy futures initiatives can apply for AmeriCorps VISTA support administered by Volunteer Mississippi. With a mission to strengthen communities through national service, Volunteer Mississippi provides organizations with VISTA members to build capacity for sustainable, anti-poverty programs benefiting veterans and their families.

Students connected to veterans seeking higher education funding, including those in Connecticut, may be eligible for the Purple Heart Gary Gutelius Memorial Scholarship supporting military- and veteran-related studies. With a mission to strengthen community philanthropy, Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley provides scholarships for family members of qualifying veterans and ROTC sophomores or higher, prioritizing families of combat-wounded veterans.

Veteran-serving nonprofits and community organizations in Connecticut offering education, workforce, literacy, or arts programs may be eligible for funding to reduce barriers to self-sufficiency. Justamere Foundation supports military and veterans services, trade education, childhood literacy, and arts education, working through community partners to develop or expand non-traditional scholarship and support programs.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut that support trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, or arts education can apply for Justamere Foundation’s Grants That Make a Real Impact to remove barriers to self-sufficiency. Funding can help cover practical tools, equipment, or program needs that open clear paths to stable, family-sustaining incomes for veterans and others.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct assistance to active duty or reserve military personnel, veterans, and their families in the U.S., including Connecticut, can apply for Warrior Assist Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $7,500. Grants from Warrior Assist Foundation help strong, well-governed organizations with clear goals and measurable impact deepen their engagement with those they serve.

Connecticut veteran- and first responder–serving organizations can share this opportunity with full-time undergraduate students from Kent County, Michigan, whose parent was a veteran or first responder killed or disabled on duty. Through the Folds Grand Rapids Scholarship, Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards US $2,000 - US $5,000 for college or trade school costs, paid directly to the institution.

Full-time graduate students or third-year and higher undergraduates in healthcare or engineering from Kent or Ionia County can apply for the Armando “Frank” Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship, awarding US $2,000 - US $5,000 for college costs. Veterans and immediate family members of veterans pursuing higher education may particularly benefit.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Major General Duane L. 'Duke' Corning Scholarship

To provide financial support to scholarships established by the National Guard Association of South Dakota and the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association.

The funding for this scholarship endowment is made possible by donations from the South Dakota National Guard Officer and Enlisted Associations, honoring the memory of Major General Duane L. “Duke” Corning. It reflects his love and dedication to these associations, as well as his loyalty, dedication, and service to his state, nation, and fellow individuals.

The Colonel David Marcus Memorial Scholarship Award supports students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education, particularly in military programs. Established by the Jewish Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes candidates who embody Col. Marcus's ideals. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and may apply for multiple awards. The fund has a strong community leadership background, managing over $35 million in assets to support educational initiatives.

The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota American Legion Scholarship

To provide financial support to South Dakota high school graduates that are children or grandchildren of United States veterans.

This scholarship is funded through voluntary contributions from legion posts, private individuals, and businesses. It is designated to provide educational opportunities beyond high school to eligible veterans, their children, and their grandchildren.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Parsons Prize for Military-Affiliated Artists is a prestigious award recognizing the exceptional contributions of artists with military ties. Established by the Center for Military-Affiliated Students and Parsons School of Design, it offers $3,000 for first place, alongside $1,000 for second and third places, emphasizing the unique perspectives that military-affiliated artists bring to contemporary art. This initiative reaffirms The New School's dedication to supporting veterans and service members in the arts.

The Vets Serving Vets Scholarship, established by North Central Washington Vets Serving Vets through the Community Foundation of NCW, supports residents of Chelan and Douglas counties who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. This scholarship is aimed at individuals pursuing full-time college education, helping them achieve their academic goals while honoring their service. Since its inception in 2017, it has played a vital role in assisting veterans in their educational journeys.

The Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation Scholarship aims to support children of active or retired military personnel in the San Antonio area by providing scholarships for higher education. Established in 1954, this foundation integrates military and civilian communities, emphasizing the importance of education for military families facing unique challenges. Scholarships are available to high school seniors across all military branches, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering patriotism and community support.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation presents the Young Alumni Excellence Award to honor recent graduates who exemplify leadership, service, and excellence. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant professional or philanthropic contributions within 0 to 15 years of graduation. Nominees must maintain high standards of integrity and character, reflecting the prestigious values of the Air Force Academy while positively impacting their communities.

The Sullenberger Award for Courage, presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, recognizes exemplary acts of bravery by graduates of the Academy. This prestigious award honors those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service, reflecting the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. Nominations can be submitted by anyone, and the award celebrates acts that positively impact the Academy and its legacy.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation's Leadership Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have exemplified exceptional leadership, integrity, and character in their professional endeavors. This prestigious honor is awarded to graduates who have achieved notable accomplishments 16 to 39 years post-graduation, thereby enriching the legacy of the Long Blue Line. Nominations must be submitted by fellow graduates and reapplication is necessary for previous nominees.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation honors exceptional graduates with the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing their significant contributions to the nation and communities over the past 40 years. This prestigious award celebrates those who exemplify the core values of integrity, service, and excellence, serving as an inspiration for current cadets and graduates. Nomination is exclusive to U.S. Air Force Academy alumni, reinforcing the legacy of the Long Blue Line.