Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Connecticut

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Connecticut can apply for Creag Foundation’s invitation-only funding. Eligible groups must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and may include those advancing teacher development, training, or related educational initiatives as part of broader human services work.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations that serve youth through teacher development, early childhood programs, or other educational initiatives can seek up to US $15,000 from the Dan Paul Foundation. Funding supports workshops and conferences for parents and teachers, scholarships, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and environmental education focused on clean air and water.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations with scalable social or environmental solutions can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, including those operating in Connecticut. Funding supports capacity, capital, and community for ventures addressing urgent problems affecting underserved communities, which may include innovative teacher development and training initiatives.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or STEAM programming, especially for young people, can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. Hearst Foundation supports culture-focused organizations, and Connecticut teacher development or training programs housed in museums or arts institutions may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs may be eligible for substantial support to expand direct services. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations tackling chronic poverty through economic independence, family strengthening, housing, food access, legal aid, reentry, and youth development, including work that may support educator and student communities in Connecticut.

Connecticut education and community nonprofits can seek funding for health, welfare, and education initiatives that may include teacher development or training. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations through grants for STEM programming, healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle programs, reviewed in March and September.

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.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut that integrate visual and/or performing arts education into their programs can use this grant to enhance curricula, motivate students, and deepen teacher professional development. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust supports arts-based education initiatives that revitalize learning, apply evidence-based instruction, and address inequities, with awards up to US $25,000.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Connecticut education and human services nonprofits working in health, literacy, or humanitarian aid can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable communities. Grants may benefit programs such as teacher-led health education, child welfare, or community literacy initiatives, within the foundation’s broader global focus on health, education, and disaster relief.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) educational, scientific, medical, and other charitable organizations serving Connecticut can seek support for programs that advance their missions. With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides funding that may benefit teacher development and training initiatives that improve general welfare.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations offering teacher development or training can access funding for storytelling projects that highlight their impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness across the U.S., with awards of more than US $50,000 to share their community-changing work.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern region with programs in education, youth and family services, poverty relief, or related areas can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects. This private family foundation supports efforts that create tangible, meaningful impact, which may include teacher training or school-based initiatives that fit its stated interest areas.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for Insperity’s corporate contributions, including grants and event sponsorships. Focused on community involvement, Insperity invites organizations connected to its employees, client base, or local communities to request annual support, which may benefit teacher development or training initiatives within eligible areas.

Connecticut nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support their charitable programs. Education-focused nonprofits that provide teacher development or training as part of broader community or environmental initiatives may be eligible to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities in Connecticut communities served by Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment programs. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports initiatives located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community, which may include teacher development or other school-based professional growth efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near Connecticut TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants. Eligible groups within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office may find support for out-of-school programs that benefit teachers’ students and school success.

Connecticut schools, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for teacher development or related educational programs can access funding through Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants are unrestricted and may support general operating or project costs within the foundation’s broader interests in environment, human services, disaster relief, and other community services.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut seeking support for teacher development, education programs, or related community services can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to strengthen community-based initiatives, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for schools, skills-training, youth programs, and cultural or educational institutions that benefit educators and students.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, teacher development, or related programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives, including projects that strengthen teacher training and professional development.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life can seek project, operating, or capital support for community-focused programs, including workforce development and teacher-related literacy or training efforts. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S. organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities addressing economic stability, health and social services, disaster relief, and related services for underserved individuals and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth education, basic needs, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship in Connecticut and other eligible regions can apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 grants. Chick Fil A Foundation supports programs for underserved young people and their families through its True Inspiration Awards categories.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award, which honors impactful collaborations addressing significant social issues. Programs involving schools or educator partnerships in Connecticut may be eligible if they demonstrate exemplary, model community collaboration and measurable social impact.

Non-sectarian 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying foreign nonprofits providing social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or humanitarian aid can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, it may benefit Connecticut programs focused on teacher development within these broader service areas.