Best Middlesex County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Dudley West Scholarship

The Dudley West Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

The recipients may attend any accredited public or private, two-year or four-year college, university, trade, technical, vocational, undergraduate, or graduate school, located in the United States, in any field of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Recipients must be enrolled full-time each semester and working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards each year. An award is not guaranteed, and students will be included in the pool of new scholarship applicants.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship

The Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Jonathan Culler, his high school classmate and teammate, Andrea Ault, his devoted mother who never left his side, and the River Valley Class of 2017, after he lost a 3-year battle to childhood cancer, osteosarcoma.     

The Cooper Fund supports seniors and graduates from the River Valley Local Schools district. Alex’s scholarship gives special consideration to students active in River Valley athletics, especially football or baseball, and/or music. To honor Alex’s untimely passing, the Cooper Fund seeks to assist students who have been diagnosed with cancer personally, those with an immediate family member with the disease, and those who demonstrate financial need resulting from cancer treatment.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship

The A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship Fund is Marion Community Foundation’s first multi-year scholarship.

Created in 2009 by a gift from the Hazel & A.B. Augenstein Scholarship Foundation Trust, it supports students from River Valley. The trust was created by the Claridon Alumni Association to honor and memorialize the significance of A.B. Augenstein’s role in the Claridon School community. The Claridon Alumni Association continues to be the main supporter of this endowment fund.

Gilead Sciences

At Gilead, we are relentlessly committed to advancing transformative therapies for the most serious diseases, delivering an exponentially positive impact on health.

For more than three decades, we have combined scientific rigor with a deep sense of purpose to improve health outcomes and reimagine care. Our work spans more than 35 countries with a focus on three therapeutic areas: virology, oncology, and inflammation, where unmet medical needs remain greatest.

From individual patients to whole populations, we’re committed to delivering healthier futures for people and communities worldwide.

Our Mission: To discover, develop and deliver innovative therapeutics for people with life-threatening diseases.

HIV Prevention NOVA 2026

Program Description

Gilead Sciences invites research proposals that advance the evidence base for innovative and scalable models of delivery for long-acting (LA) HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the United States.

This Topic of Interest (TOI) is focused on care delivery models implemented in non-traditional settings, defined as clinical and non-clinical environments where PrEP services are not routinely provided. Emphasis is placed on approaches that reflect real-life practice and address gaps in current PrEP delivery infrastructure.

Persistent inequities in PrEP uptake in the U.S. suggest that expanding availability within traditional clinical settings alone is unlikely to reach all populations with unmet PrEP need.1,2 Rigorous implementation studies in non-traditional settings where PrEP services are not routinely provided are needed to evaluate whether these models can reduce access barriers and improve equitable reach among individuals who may benefit from PrEP.2,3,4

The goal of this TOI is to generate practical, decision-relevant evidence that informs how LA PrEP can be implemented, scaled, and sustained in real-life U.S. settings.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Family Scholarship

Created in 2007 from the estate of Helen L. Alex, this fund makes annual awards in support of higher education for seniors from Marion Harding High School. The fund honors Helen’s son, Nicholas, a former faculty member at Harding who passed in 2008.

The Alex Family Fund was established by another of Helen’s sons and Nicholas’ brother, James L. Alex. The family, which includes a rich Greek heritage and numerous relatives in Greece, belonged to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, Ohio. 

Recipients of the Alex Family Scholarship must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their graduating class. Those demonstrating excellence in the study of history or pursing a college major in history are given special consideration.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship

Following the unexpected passing of their son, Alex Masters, a memorial scholarship fund was created at the River Valley Education Foundation by Randy and Kathy Masters and Morgan Masters Quickel, Alex’s sister. In 2013, the fund was migrated to Marion Community Foundation and became the Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Alex never knew a stranger and loved to discuss and debate any subject with others. He loved baseball and football, was an avid reader, and was pursuing a career in medicine. But, perhaps his biggest love—outside of his family—was his love for music. It is his family’s hope that his song will live on through this scholarship.

The fund honors Alex’s memory and supports the educational goals of graduating seniors from River Valley High School. According to Kathy, the family created the scholarship with the intention of supporting those who have encountered adversity and to overcome and cope with life’s challenges through education.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial Scholarship

Originally the Claridon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, this endowment (created in 2021), was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Allen ‘Bus’ Augenstein. The scholarship supports seniors and graduates of River Valley High School, with special consideration for students who pursue an education in the fields of engineering, health care, or education (especially science education). Awards also favor students active in band, choir, FFA, or school sports, especially golf and cross country.

Allen lived in Marion for more than 90 years. His father, A.B. Augenstein, served as Superintendent of Claridon Schools and River Valley School District, 1960–1965, and is well remembered for, among other accomplishments, starting football (6 man) in the district. His mother, Hazel, taught mathematics at Claridon during World War II.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship

Andrew Wigton lost his young life in an automobile accident during his senior year at Pleasant High School. His parents and family created this scholarship in 2006 to honor his memory. Special consideration is given to applicants who have been members of the varsity basketball or varsity soccer team, two sports that Andrew loved.

In addition to memorial contributions, this fund is supported by the proceeds of the Dre 5K Run and a golf outing and by Andrew’s parents, friends, and family members.

Seniors of Pleasant High School in the upper 25th percentile of the graduating class are the focus of the Andrew Wigton Memorial Scholarship.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Aris Kasotis Memorial Scholarship

Aris Kasotis was a young man who liked to see people included. “He made friends easily,” said his mother, Joan Kasotis, Marion County Auditor, “and he liked to make sure that no one was overlooked.”

Aris’ enjoyment of life and his desire to share with others prompted his parents, Joan and long-time local restaurateur and caterer, George Kasotis, to establish a memorial scholarship in Aris’ name following his untimely death in an automobile accident. More than 100 memorial contributions from friends and family helped to establish this scholarship fund in 2007.

The Kasotis Fund provides an annual scholarship for a senior from Marion Harding High School who ranks in the upper 50 percent of his or her senior class, but not the top 10 percent. Special consideration is given to applicants who have participated in Harding Singers, interscholastic wrestling, and/or interscholastic football—school activities that Aris enjoyed.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship

The Art & Anne Huggler Memorial Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing a degree in education or engineering.

Art hailed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from Penn State. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and worked for GTE for 35 years. He enjoyed travel and golf and was a licensed pilot. Anne was a teacher and homemaker. They are the parents of two, grandparents of five and great-grandparents of nine. The couple was active with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where Art directed Art Market Marion.

The Huggler Scholarship seeks especially to assist Marion area students with substantial financial need. It was established in 2015 by their daughter, Linda Halt.

The Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program, managed by the Rural Utilities Service, seeks Letters of Interest for loan applications to fund renewable energy generation and energy storage projects. With approximately $410 million available from the Inflation Reduction Act, the program offers up to 75% financing for project costs, along with potential loan forgiveness options. This initiative aims to enhance energy infrastructure in rural areas, promoting sustainable energy solutions.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Scholarship

The Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Scholarship Fund provides a college scholarship as part of Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program. Each year the high school senior members participate in the selection process to recommend a scholarship recipient.

The scholarship awards are available to graduates and seniors from any high school in Marion who have been a resident of Marion County throughout their entire high school experience and have demonstrated commitment and dedication to community service, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative studies aimed at enhancing reconstructive transplant research and patient care. It emphasizes projects with military relevance, focusing on all research phases from basic to clinical. Essential components include rigorous study design, preliminary data, and the potential for significant short- and long-term impacts on patients and the reconstructive transplant field.

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

In-Kind Donations

To apply for an in-kind donation from Carnival Foundation, submit an online application complete with the following information:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Contact name and information, including phone number and address for the individual who is organizing the event
• Name and date of the event
• Average amount of funds raised from the auction in previous years and estimated number and demographics of the event audience
• Description of how funds raised from the donation will be used within the organization
• List of other cruise suppliers, if any, participating in the event
• An outline with details of Carnival’s publicity/promotional opportunities associated with the event
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Geographical area(s) served

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

Grants Or Sponsorships

To apply for a grant or sponsorship from Carnival Foundation, prospective applicants must complete an online application and include the following information and documents:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization, including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Purpose for which the grant is requested
• Grant amount requested
• Listing of other sources of financial support
• Operating budget of the project for which the funds are requested
• Organization’s annual budget
• Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation
• Organization’s completed W-9 form
• Geographical area(s) served
• Organizations applying for a grant renewal must submit a final report detailing use of the prior grant award. Interim and final reports will be submitted through our online portal.

Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation distributes millions annually in grants and scholarships across the state. These awards are made possible by individuals, families, businesses, affiliates, giving circles, and everyday Idahoans who care for their community.Robert C. Weaver Memorial Scholarship FundEstablished by Neola Weaver in memory of her late husband, residents or former residents of Buhl are eligible for scholarship support as either traditional or nontraditional students. For part-time or full-time traditional or nontraditional students pursuing post high school vocational or academic training. 

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) invites applications for FY2028 funding to safeguard privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. This USDA Forest Service initiative collaborates with State agencies to protect vital forest ecosystems threatened by development. Participants can ensure the preservation of traditional forest uses and public benefits such as clean water, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities. For more details, visit the USDA Forest Service website.

The Rural Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program, administered by the USDA's Rural Housing Service, offers funding to support very low- and low-income homeowners in rural areas. This program also assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in making necessary repairs and renovations, ensuring that housing remains accessible to those in need. Preapplications must be submitted by September 8, 2026, to comply with regulatory requirements.

The Higher Education Challenge Grants Program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance institutional capacities in food and agricultural sciences education. This initiative focuses on improving curriculum, faculty, and student recruitment for master's and doctoral programs, particularly in veterinary medicine. By strengthening these educational frameworks, the program seeks to ensure the availability of skilled professionals in critical agricultural sectors.

The BJA FY 2025 Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program invites public and state-controlled higher education institutions to collaborate with law enforcement and the ATF. This funding opportunity aims to enhance forensic education in firearm ballistics and crime gun intelligence, ensuring students receive hands-on training. By developing specialized curricula, the program will foster a skilled workforce in forensic science and law enforcement, while establishing sustainable partnerships to address violent gun crime across the nation.

The RNomics Technology Enhancement Centers, supported by the NIH Common Fund, aim to enhance tools for comprehensive RNA analysis, facilitating insights into health and disease. This initiative focuses on developing technologies for RNA sequencing, modification mapping, and functional testing. By fostering collaborations and strengthening existing resources, RTECs will advance the study of RNA molecules, ensuring broad community access to improved experimental and computational methods.

The RNomics Outreach and Coordination (ROC) Center, established by the NIH Common Fund, aims to enhance understanding of RNA molecules through integrated analysis. This center will serve as a hub for data management and community engagement, developing a central data portal, supporting data standards, and coordinating consortium-wide analyses. By fostering collaborations and providing training, the ROC Center seeks to ensure the long-term availability of essential RNomics resources, ultimately advancing health and disease research.

The RNomics Molecular Standards initiative, supported by the NIH Common Fund, aims to enhance research on RNA molecules by developing standardized references. This program will facilitate the creation, testing, and distribution of RNA molecular reference standards, which are crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in RNA research. By providing guidance on best practices and planning for long-term availability, RNomics will help advance technologies that analyze RNA sequences and functions, ultimately improving health and disease understanding.

The NIH Common Fund is launching the RNomics program to advance RNA research through innovative technologies. This initiative focuses on developing tools for comprehensive analysis of RNA molecules, addressing current methodological limitations. Key priorities include sequencing RNA, detecting modifications, and studying RNA function across various biological contexts. The program encourages high-risk, early-stage projects that demonstrate potential for significant impact. Successful Phase 1 projects may transition to Phase 2, aimed at delivering validated resources for the research community.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

More than 70 years ago, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) was founded with a mission to advance basic biomedical research and science education. Today, we invest in exceptional scientists at all career stages, catalyzing breakthroughs, new technologies, and the next generation of transformative clinical therapies. Our pathbreaking science takes place at more than 60 host institutions across the US, and at our Janelia Research Campus.

Cech Fellows Program

The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience empowering the next generation of scientific leaders. 

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (the Cech Fellows Program) gives undergraduate students in the life sciences the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside leading scientists at HHMI laboratories across the US, from universities and research institutions to HHMI’s research campus outside of Washington, DC. Students are matched with HHMI scientists conducting fundamental research that advances our understanding of biology and health.

This immersive program gives students the chance to contribute to real scientific discovery, gain professional mentorship, and explore potential careers in biological and biomedical research.

Gain Hands-On Experience in Research & Lab Work

Through the summer, students will:

• Work full time conducting research and contributing to ongoing projects in an HHMI laboratory
• Learn and practice new techniques and approaches in disciplines such as cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and more
• Work closely with and be mentored by exceptional scientists, from lab heads to PhD students
• Build critical thinking and communication skills necessary for future research careers

What the Program Offers

Beyond meaningful lab work, the program provides:

• A stipend to support summer travel, housing, and living expenses 
• An opportunity for participants to present their research and connect with a national cohort of peers at an end-of-summer research symposium at HHMl’s research campus outside of Washington, DC 
• An engaging virtual seminar series with HHMI scientists as well as professional development sessions focused on relevant skills building

Puget Sound Energy (PSE)’s Solar Grants are funding to increase equitable access to the benefits of solar. In 2026, PSE is offering $1,000,000 in competitive funding awards to community-based organizations, government agencies and Tribal entities in PSE’s electric service area to install solar at their property.What makes a solar project eligible?

• Proposed projects must receive sufficient sunlight, as determined by a solar installer. The total solar resource fraction (TSRF) must be at least a 75% average of all points in the proposed solar array.
• Property that solar arrays are installed on may be owned or leased. If the property is leased, the applicant must demonstrate project support from the property owner and affirm that they will be in that space for at least five years.
• Projects must be less than or equal to 100 kW AC in size and will apply for interconnection and Net Metering.
• Grantees must maintain insurance coverage of the solar system for a minimum of five years, and PSE recommends maintaining insurance for the life of the system.
• Grantees must retain Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for the life of the project or sell them to PSE. RECs are a market-based instrument that represent the non-power, “green” attributes of renewable electricity generation. Grantees comply simply by not selling these attributes to any entity other than PSE.
• Solar is a long term investment. The roof or structure this array is being placed on should be in good condition and should not need to be replaced for at least 20 years.

About Samba RecoverySamba Recovery is dedicated to empowering individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction by restoring confidence and fostering resilience. Through a foundation of compassion, support, and holistic care, we guide individuals toward renewed health and wellness, meaningful relationships, and the discovery of their inner strengths—assisting them to achieve their fullest potential.Hope for Addiction ScholarshipSamba Recovery’s Hope for Addiction Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award dedicated to encouraging more young people to join the fight against addiction by pursuing degrees that directly support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

We welcome applications from all eligible students, with special encouragement for those who are in recovery themselves or who have been impacted by addiction within their families.Application requirements:

• Proof of college enrollment or acceptance
• Pursuing a degree with the goal of working with individuals and/or families impacted by addiction
• Completed application form
• An original 500 to 1000 word essay on how you are planning to use your degree to help individuals and families struggling with addiction, and why helping those affected by substance use disorder is important to you