Best Hartford Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Farmington UNICO Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports local students from Farmington and nearby areas pursuing higher education. As part of a broader scholarship program that has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, this fund aims to aid students demonstrating financial need and academic success. Each year, 3-4 scholarships are awarded, reflecting UNICO's commitment to community and opportunity.

The Folabomi & Olusegun Akinbajo Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to empower local students from the Greater Hartford region. Supporting graduates and current college students of Black/African American or Latino/Latina descent, this scholarship promotes higher education as a key to achieving social mobility. With a commitment to education, the fund honors the legacy of its founders by offering 1-2 awards annually, ensuring financial assistance to those in need.

The Gerard Thomas Lynch Fund, established by New England Asset Management, Inc., honors founder Jerry Lynch. As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this scholarship program supports local students from Hartford and its surrounding areas. Since 1945, nearly $30 million has been awarded to help students pursue higher education. Eligibility criteria include participation in Boys and Girls Clubs, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrating financial need.

The Hartford Whalers Booster Club Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors the legacy of the Whalers hockey team. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to support Connecticut students. This fund specifically recognizes high school seniors excelling in academics and hockey, helping them pursue higher education at four-year institutions with hockey programs. It continues to celebrate the spirit of community and sportsmanship in Greater Hartford.

The Jack Maerz and Mary Rago Future of Healthcare Scholarship Fund, established by Rich Rago and Beth Maerz, supports Hartford students pursuing healthcare degrees amid a critical nursing shortage. This fund honors their families' legacies and strives to provide educational opportunities for all, regardless of financial background. With a focus on equity in education, the fund aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Annually, 1-2 scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates.

The Jackson-Batchelder Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports Hartford high school students with financial needs pursuing full-time education at a public four-year college or university. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, assisting hundreds of local students each year to achieve their post-secondary academic goals, thereby enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The John Bell and Lawrence Thornton Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students from the Greater Hartford region attending Hampton University. This fund honors the friendship of its namesakes and aims to provide financial assistance to those in need. Since 1945, the Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education opportunities. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering youth in the community.

The Jonathan E. Clark Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to support students pursuing trades through community colleges or technical schools. The fund awards scholarships to eligible high school seniors and adult learners in the Greater Hartford area, particularly those in need of financial aid. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million to local students, fostering higher education and career readiness in vocational fields.

The Enfield Greater Together Community Fund Grant aims to enhance community well-being by awarding grants of $250 to $5,000 to programs that address local needs. Established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, the fund encourages civic engagement and supports innovative programming. With an initial investment of $100,000, it seeks to empower residents and organizations in Enfield to drive positive change. Grant announcements will be made in September 2025, following a thorough review of applications.

The Middlebury Fund, established in 1942 by Austin L. Adams, provides scholarships for students from Middlebury, CT. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, it aims to support worthy and intelligent young individuals with financial need. Each year, the fund awards between 5 to 10 scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education opportunities. With a strong legacy since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has invested nearly $30 million in Connecticut college-bound students.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Sylvia Parkinson Fund, established in 1975, supports medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine who plan to practice in the Hartford area. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund awards 4 to 8 scholarships annually, contributing to the education of deserving students pursuing careers in medicine. The Hartford Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting higher education, having awarded nearly $30 million since 1945.

The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts offers community grants for projects related to the fine arts and culture. Grants, ranging from $50 to $1500, support activities such as concerts, performances, festivals, and workshops. Eligible applicants must ensure their projects occur by June 30 of the following year and may serve surrounding towns. Co-sponsorship with Town departments requires prior approval. Ineligible expenses include capital improvements, debt reduction, and personal events.

The Stanley D. and Hinda N. Fisher Scholarship Fund, established by the Fisher Family Foundation, supports local students from the Greater Hartford area pursuing a four-year college degree. As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Scholarship Program, it aims to foster academic achievement and community involvement. Since 1945, the program has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to help students access higher education opportunities. One award is available for eligible candidates.

The South Asian Bar Association Endowed Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports summer public interest fellowships for law students of South Asian descent or those committed to serving the South Asian community. Eligible applicants must be enrolled at select law schools and demonstrate financial need. This initiative enhances opportunities for underrepresented students while fostering community engagement and legal advocacy within the South Asian community.

The Shyaam Bachman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors a dedicated science teacher and supports Black/African American males from the Greater Hartford area. This fund assists students with financial need who are graduating high school and planning to pursue a degree in a science-related field. With a history of awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships since 1945, the foundation continues to empower local students in their educational journeys.

Farmington Bank Community Foundation

The Farmington Bank Community Foundation, which continues the legacy of the former Farmington Bank, provides financial support to non-profit organizations and community programs improve economic viability and well-being of residents and communities. The Foundation’s average grant size is generally around $8,000 with a maximum grant size of $20,000. The Foundation may make larger grants in special circumstances. The Foundation awards grants over a one-year period and generally an organization is eligible to receive one grant each calendar year. The Foundation generally awards flexible grants for organizations and programs that are aligned with our mission and priorities. This may take the form of ongoing program support, or one-time start-up costs (including capital). In some circumstances, the Foundation may consider general support for an organization’s core work. This is reserved for nonprofits with a proven track record of impact and a history of Foundation support.

Cycle Two

The Foundation offers a second grant cycle, accepting applications from organizations working in the STRIVING part of the economic mobility continuum to provide support to individuals and families that are building skills and working towards their personal version of a good life. This includes various educational and career development programs and other programs focused on economic mobility. Grants in New Britain, Bristol, and Farmington Valley will receive priority consideration.

The Liberty Bank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that strengthen families and communities. Established in 1997, the foundation reflects Liberty Bank's commitment to improving the quality of life in the areas it serves. This grant program aims to empower local nonprofits through financial assistance, enabling them to deliver essential services and foster community development. Interested organizations can find further details on the foundation's sponsorship page.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

Farmington Bank Community Foundation

The Farmington Bank Community Foundation, which continues the legacy of the former Farmington Bank, provides financial support to non-profit organizations and community programs improve economic viability and well-being of residents and communities. The Foundation’s average grant size is generally around $8,000 with a maximum grant size of $20,000. The Foundation may make larger grants in special circumstances. The Foundation awards grants over a one-year period and generally an organization is eligible to receive one grant each calendar year. The Foundation generally awards flexible grants for organizations and programs that are aligned with our mission and priorities. This may take the form of ongoing program support, or one-time start-up costs (including capital). In some circumstances, the Foundation may consider general support for an organization’s core work. This is reserved for nonprofits with a proven track record of impact and a history of Foundation support.

Cycle One

The Foundation accepts applications from organizations working in the SURVIVING part of the economic mobility continuum to provide a social safety net and stability to individuals and families. This includes access to food, housing, health, mental health and other basic human needs. Grants are made across our geographic focus.

CVS Health Foundation: Hometown Fund

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

The Samuel A. Roth Scholarship Fund, established by friends and family to honor Mr. Roth's tenure as Superintendent of Schools in East Haddam, awards scholarships to seniors from Griswold, Weaver, and Nathan Hale-Ray high schools. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has facilitated this program, granting nearly $30 million to students pursuing higher education. This scholarship emphasizes well-rounded candidates who possess an interest in athletics and academic dedication.

The Richard and M. Terrye Blackstone Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports East Hartford students pursuing degrees in the Arts, Political Science, or Education. This fund honors Richard and M. Terrye Blackstone and emphasizes the importance of community service. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities. Annually, 1 to 2 scholarships are awarded, contributing to the Foundation's mission of enhancing educational opportunities since 1945.

The NewAlliance Foundation Grant offers support to not-for-profit organizations in four key areas: arts, community development, health and human services, and youth education. It prioritizes programs that engage diverse and underserved populations, promote economic self-sufficiency, and provide essential services to vulnerable communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 non-profits located within specific towns. The foundation does not fund start-ups or organizations outside its service area, ensuring targeted support for impactful initiatives.

The Pomeroy-Brace Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, provides financial support to motivated students from the Greater Hartford region. This scholarship aims to assist individuals with financial need who demonstrate high aspirations and self-motivation for academic achievement. Since its inception, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping numerous local students pursue higher education opportunities.

The Charles Parker Trust for Public Music Fund Grant aims to provide affordable music to the public in New Britain, Connecticut. Managed by Bank of America, this fund supports nonprofit organizations focused on arts, culture, and humanities. Eligible applicants must conduct musical performances within New Britain and may receive grants for one year. However, requests for capital projects are not considered, and grants cannot be awarded for more than three consecutive years.