Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Connecticut

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions to fund monetary program needs. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diverse financial support may be competitive, and local Costco warehouses handle separate in-kind donation requests. Teacher development initiatives housed within eligible nonprofits may be considered.

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.

Connecticut nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle education, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience for mostly underserved communities can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants. U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and international equivalents may receive up to US $100,000 for innovative, early-stage programs that expand reach and effectiveness, which may include teacher-focused 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.

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.

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 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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, or community vitality initiatives can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants. Funding supports programs such as food access, shelters, workforce readiness, financial literacy, arts education, and community development, which may include teacher or staff training components for organizations serving Connecticut communities.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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 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) 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.