Best Hartford Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

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 Dennis and Barbara Marion Family Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of causes including children's well-being, education, the arts, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With a focus on community impact, the foundation empowers organizations to address pressing challenges and create meaningful change. Since its inception, it has funded transformative initiatives that enhance quality of life and uplift communities, reflecting the Marions' legacy of compassion and dedication to service.

The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program supports distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities in enhancing urban green spaces. It provides funding for projects such as community gardens and green infrastructure, aiming to improve public enjoyment and environmental education. Eligible applicants must be municipalities or registered non-profits, with a focus on projects that demonstrate public accessibility. This match-share reimbursement program requires applicants to secure 50% of the total project cost.

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Since 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has been the area’s signature resource for those who, like us, aspire to make our community a better place.

The Foundation has been at the forefront of positive community change and charitable impact since The Stanley Works and New Britain Machine pooled $30,000 in gifts before World War II to begin what was then called the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. Primarily a grant maker for many years, providing funding to support New Britain non-profits and their programs, our Foundation today is leading and collaborating to shape the Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington of tomorrow.

First Years First Early Childhood Grants

The goal of the Initiative is to support optimal learning and development of children, birth through preschool so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. 

First Years First Strategies

Increase Social Emotional Learning (SEL) among young children to support school readiness, success and outcomes. Support SEL training for parents/caregivers, teachers and other adults that work with young children.

Strengthen Parent/Caregiver Education by building skills, knowledge and relationships in one or more of the following ways: 1) increase knowledge of child development, early brain development and the lasting impact of high quality early childhood education, 2) support deepening relationships among caregivers, educators and young children that increase and incorporate Social Emotional Learning, 3) strengthen parenting and caregiver skills so that children are supported and ready to learn and succeed in school.

Support Foundational Skill Development that is age appropriate in math, pre-writing, and pre-literacy among young children and families.

Support teacher training that increases skill, knowledge and expertise and teachers’ ability to support the optimal learning and development of children birth through preschool.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

The Career and Technical Education Secondary Supplemental Enhancement Grant, established under Perkins V, aims to enhance the academic and vocational skills of secondary students in CTE programs. With funding ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, it supports initiatives that foster partnerships among educational institutions and industry, ensuring students gain the skills needed for high-demand careers. This grant promotes innovative educational practices and increases opportunities for underrepresented populations, contributing to workforce development and economic competitiveness.

The Glastonbury Greater Together Community Fund invites applications for annual grants up to $5,000 aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Glastonbury, CT. Nonprofits and town resident groups can apply for funding to support innovative initiatives, improve access to programs, and address critical community needs. All projects must be inclusive and benefit local residents, fostering collaboration for greater impact within the community.

The Dime Bank Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on affordable housing, basic human services, and educational programs. Established in 1998, the foundation has three grant cycles annually, requiring a post-grant report within a year of funding. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve specified regions in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster self-sufficiency and collaborative efforts for underserved populations.

About the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, formerly known as the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is the largest community foundation in Connecticut. We serve 800,000 residents across 29 towns that make up Greater Hartford. Community is at the heart of what we do. We want to make this region a more inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and start a family.

OAHSTRIDES Fund

The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for grants through the OAHSTRIDES Fund. OAHSTRIDES is the philanthropic arm of Orthopedic Associates of Hartford, PC. They work with under-resourced populations in the Greater Hartford Community to provide the support needed to build essential life skills and live healthier lifestyles. Their Mission is to improve physical, emotional, and mental health with an emphasis on movement and mobility.

For the 2026 grant cycle, OAHSTRIDES is focused on supporting veterans in the Greater Hartford community through adaptive physical activity, mental wellness initiatives, and opportunities for meaningful community connection and reintegration. We recognize that many veterans carry visible and invisible impacts of service, including physical injuries, chronic pain, mobility challenges, post-service transition difficulties, and social isolation.

Through this funding opportunity, OAHSTRIDES seeks to partner with organizations that honor veterans’ experiences and are committed to empowering them through movement-based and wellness-centered programs. We aim to support initiatives that foster resilience, restore confidence and connection, and promote lifelong health and well-being for those who have served.

Programmatic and project-specific requests are strongly encouraged.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers Resident Engagement Grants aimed at nonprofits and community groups to enhance civic participation and trust within communities. This program supports projects that foster social issue awareness and allyship with marginalized populations through activities like community meetings and workshops. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 and are available for initiatives addressing various social justice issues, including housing and education.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Tolland Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives

This grant opportunity supports projects that directly benefit town residents and reflect the priorities, aspirations, and lived experiences of the community.

Community Funds at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation was created to empower residents with resources to identify needs and champion solutions in their own towns. Each fund is guided by a committee of volunteer residents who review applications, elevate local voices, and recommend grants that respond to emerging issues, longstanding disparities, or new opportunities for improvement. These committees bring deep local knowledge and a commitment to strengthening the places they call home. 

Through this RFP, the Tolland Community Fund seeks proposals that are responsive, communitycentered, and feasible within a one-year grant period. Applicants will be asked to articulate how their project addresses a clear local need, engages or benefits residents, and contributes to a stronger, healthier, or more connected community. 

The Rev. Vouros Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, honors Reverend Carl G. Vouros by supporting impactful initiatives in the community. This fund prioritizes grants to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on areas such as education, human services, and cultural enrichment. The Foundation aims to inspire philanthropy and strengthen the local fabric through strategic partnerships, ensuring that the legacy of Reverend Vouros continues to benefit the Greater New Britain area.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Grant, managed by Bank of America, focuses on supporting summer camp opportunities for underserved children. Established in 1954, this grant prioritizes traditional camp programs that allow urban children to experience the natural environment, promoting their personal growth and development. By targeting specific community needs, the grant aims to provide enriching outdoor experiences that foster a sense of belonging and adventure for children in urban settings.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Dorothy E. Hofmann Pembroke Scholarship Fund, established by a dedicated teacher, provides scholarships for female residents of Hartford who plan to attend specific colleges. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. This fund honors the legacy of Dorothy E. Hoffman, encouraging young women to pursue their academic dreams at institutions like UConn and Brown University. Award range: 2-6 annually.

The Dr. Booker T. DeVaughn and Dr. Elena L. Haynes DeVaughn Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to support African-American students from Greater Hartford in pursuing undergraduate degrees. Since 1945, this fund has contributed to the scholarship program, which has awarded nearly $30 million to local students. This initiative addresses the rising costs of college education and encourages academic success among underrepresented communities.

The Dr. Frank and Florence Marino Scholarship Fund, established in 1994, honors Dr. Marino, an obstetrician/gynecologist. This fund supports Connecticut-educated students attending medical school, contributing to the Hartford Foundation's mission of granting nearly $30 million to local students since 1945. With 2-3 awards available, it aims to assist dedicated individuals pursuing their medical education, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their studies.

The Dr. Nicholas J. Piergrossi Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends, supports first-year students at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, a community foundation serving Greater Hartford, has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to local students pursuing higher education. This fund honors Dr. Piergrossi, a dedicated president of the Hartford Dental Society and admissions committee member, ensuring future dental professionals receive essential support.

The Dr. Sidney Rafal Memorial Fund, established by Dr. Rafal's family, honors his legacy in dentistry. Managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund supports scholarships for Connecticut residents pursuing dental education at the University of Connecticut. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, aiding local students in their pursuit of higher education. This fund reflects a commitment to fostering future dental professionals.

The Drs. Nima Patel and Daniel McNaughton Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students in the Greater Hartford area, including Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Bloomfield, as well as military veterans. This scholarship aims to assist those pursuing a certificate or associate's degree at eligible community colleges, with a focus on fields such as science, medicine, engineering, or technology. Annually, 1-2 awards are offered to aid students in need of financial assistance.

The Drs. Nima Patel and Daniel McNaughton Scholarship Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, offers scholarships for 2-3 students from the Greater Hartford region. Established in 1925, the foundation supports local students pursuing higher education in Connecticut. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and military veterans with a GPA of 3.0 or above, demonstrating financial need and an interest in science, medicine, engineering, or technology.

The Windsor Locks Greater Together Community Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to enhance community ownership and engagement. This fund, which has grown significantly since its inception, supports local 501(c)3 organizations focusing on equity and social mobility, especially for Black and Latino communities. As part of its commitment, it allocates grants for projects that meet community needs and aligns with five strategic outcome areas, fostering a more inclusive Greater Hartford.

The Ethel Cushing Gardner Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, provides scholarships for Eastford, Connecticut students with musical talent who are intent on pursuing music studies. This fund, part of a broader scholarship program that has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, aims to support local students in their post-secondary education endeavors. Typically, 1 to 3 awards are granted each year, making a significant impact on aspiring musicians in the community.