Best Hartford Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Michael J. Vanderlaan Scholarship Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students majoring in Accounting or Finance at public four-year colleges in Connecticut. Established in 1945, this fund aims to assist junior and senior students from the Greater Hartford region who demonstrate financial need and academic potential, contributing to their pursuit of higher education.

The Meyer-Kimball Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Harry and Mary Meyer in memory of Mabel Meyer and Alberta Kimball, supports students from the Greater Hartford area pursuing a four-year college degree. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund exemplifies a commitment to education and aims to empower local youth by providing essential financial assistance. Since its inception, the fund has aimed to honor the legacy of lifelong learning and generosity, impacting future generations.

The Mari Shinoda Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports local students from the Greater Hartford area who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. This scholarship targets those pursuing careers in helping professions such as social work and public health. With a history of nearly $30 million awarded, the program continues to empower students in their pursuit of higher education, fostering community commitment and professional ambition.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers Community Organizing Grants aimed at nonprofits and community groups led by people of color. These grants support community organizing efforts that enhance civic participation and empower marginalized communities. Proposals may include building organizational capacity, increasing awareness of social justice issues, and developing infrastructure in the Greater Hartford area. Grants range from $5,000 to $60,000 and are available for projects lasting up to one year.

The Mr. & Mrs. William Foulds Family Foundation Grant aims to support charitable interests in Manchester, CT, focusing on public, recreational, cultural, and educational purposes. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with an average of $1,500. Applications are prioritized based on diversity and alignment with the Foundation's goals. Note that capital project requests are not eligible, and agencies receiving funding for three consecutive years may face lower priority for future grants.

The Mae Passini and Juliet Anderson Memorial Fund, established by Frank T. Passini, honors his wife and step-daughter, both dedicated to nursing. This scholarship supports nurses pursuing graduate studies, prioritizing Simsbury residents. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, aiding local students in their quest for higher education. With a commitment to educational advancement, this fund exemplifies community support and the importance of healthcare professionals.

The Linda Starikov Singer Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students pursuing careers in musical theater and the performing arts. This scholarship is aimed at high school seniors in the Greater Hartford area who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. With a legacy dating back to 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded millions in scholarships to empower local students in their educational pursuits.

The William T. Sloper Trust for Andrew J. Sloper Musical Fund Grant aims to enhance musical culture in New Britain, Connecticut. Established in 1937, it supports local organizations that conduct high-quality musical performances, including orchestras and choral groups. Grants are limited to one year and applicants must serve the New Britain community, ensuring that performances occur locally. Preference is given to organizations demonstrating exceptional merit in their musical offerings.

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 Lebbeus F. Bissell Scholarship Fund, established in 1971 by Lebbeus F. Bissell, offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Rockville, Ellington, and Tolland, Connecticut. Managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, this fund aims to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. Typically, 3-4 awards are granted annually, focusing on those with financial need and strong community involvement.

The American Savings Foundation offers ASF Program Grants to support programs enhancing life quality for children, youth, and families, especially in New Britain and Waterbury. Emphasizing education, human services, and arts & culture, the foundation funds established and innovative programs that address community needs. Grants are awarded once per year per program, requiring organizations to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Ineligible entities include individuals, religious institutions, and political advocacy groups.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The Amiel and Mary Anne Zak Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports Suffield, CT students who enhance community safety and quality of life. Since 1945, the Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education in Connecticut and beyond. This fund honors the contributions of Amiel and Mary Anne Zak, providing financial assistance to deserving local high school seniors committed to public service.

The Anna C. Klune Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the American Marketing Association Connecticut Chapter, supports Connecticut residents pursuing an MBA with a focus on marketing. Managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships since 1945, this fund aims to foster education and career development in marketing. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership and innovation in their pursuits.

The Barbara Kelco Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2010 by her sister, honors Barbara Kelco's dedication to education. This fund provides scholarships for graduating seniors from Granby High School who plan to major in Education at a four-year college or university. It is part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's extensive scholarship program, which has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, supporting local students pursuing higher education.

The Bartlett Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports graduates from Greater Hartford high schools who have participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters or Boys and Girls Club programs. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education. This fund aims to empower youth by assisting those with financial needs to achieve their educational goals.

The Joseph S. Sudarsky Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors the legacy of Joseph and Edith Sudarsky. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Hartford public high schools pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and active participation in community service or extracurricular activities. The program has awarded significant funding since 1945, helping local students achieve their educational goals.

The Joyce and Philip Acquaviva Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in 2012, supports local students pursuing undergraduate studies in nursing, science, or mathematics. With a rich history since 1925, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships. This fund aims to assist students from the Greater Hartford region, fostering their educational aspirations and community engagement. Awards range from 1 to 5 scholarships annually, emphasizing the importance of financial aid for higher education.

The Charles Nelson Robinson Fund Grant, established in 1970, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations in Hartford, Connecticut. This grant supports initiatives that align with its mission, with a duration of one year. Organizations applying must have their principal office in Hartford and will receive notification of decisions within 2-3 months. Notably, capital project requests are not eligible for funding.

The Sean Warner Memorial Endowment Fund, established by Mark and Susan Warner, honors their son by supporting children in need. This grant focuses on emotional support services for children of divorced parents and is awarded every other year through a competitive process. With a value of approximately $500, it aims to assist in general charitable purposes, making a meaningful impact on the lives of affected children.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has launched the Basic Human Needs Emergency Assistance Grants to support nonprofits in Greater Hartford. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, aim to enhance access to essential services, including food, personal care items, and emergency financial aid. The Foundation emphasizes equity and aims to address food security and homelessness, while fostering resilience and community well-being. Nonprofits must meet eligibility criteria, including being a 501(c)(3) organization.

The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund Grant supports music concerts in Hartford's public spaces during the summer months. Established in 1978, it is open to nonprofit organizations, including arts groups and cultural centers. Eligible projects must feature at least two instruments and be accessible to the general public. The fund emphasizes community engagement and artistic collaboration, aiming to enrich the cultural landscape of Hartford while ensuring concerts are free for all attendees.

The Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Kensington, Connecticut, focusing on education, arts, environmental, and health services for underserved populations. Established in 1957, it prioritizes organizations classified as 501(c)(3) charities, providing one-year grants with potential multi-year support for capital projects. Preference is given to those delivering human services or health care programming, ensuring impactful community development and support for local needs.

The Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund, managed by the Main Street Community Foundation, aims to support local artists in Bristol and surrounding towns. Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 are awarded annually to individual artists to foster creativity and skill development. Eligible candidates must have resided in the area for at least two years, promoting artistic growth and cultural enrichment within the community.

The Ruth M. and Adolph J. Betterini Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from Berlin and New Britain High Schools. Eligible students must maintain at least a C+ average and intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering or a medical field. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need and good citizenship, ensuring that motivated individuals can further their education and contribute positively to their communities.