Best New Haven County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Valley Community Foundation

Valley Community Foundation's mission is to inspire philanthropic growth, provide and foster leadership, engage donors, and strengthen the Valley community both now and for future generations. Its vision is a vibrant inclusive Valley that is thriving, collaborative, generous, with a shared sense of community and opportunity.

Valley Needs and Opportunities Grants

It has been the policy of the Valley Community Foundation to make grants in a range from $250 to $10,000 to contribute to and support innovative programs and the urgent needs of our local nonprofits serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and/or Shelton, Connecticut.

Nonprofit and community organizations serving New Haven County, Connecticut can seek funding for charitable, educational, scientific, literary, and community service programs. Focused on improving the well-being of the greater Meriden community, Meriden Foundation invites local institutions providing public, charitable, or educational services to apply for support that benefits individuals, families, and neighborhoods.

The Emerging Leaders Program by NYFA offers a year-long professional development opportunity for manager-level arts administrators in NYC. This program enhances leadership skills through workshops, peer-learning pods, and intensive retreats. Participants will engage in strategic career planning and receive support from experienced alumni. The program aims to empower arts leaders and is supported by The Willem de Kooning Foundation. It's open to those committed to their professional growth within the arts community.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, by funding organizations and projects in key focus areas such as basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and youth services. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies that demonstrate a positive impact. BCF prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and community joy, while fostering collaboration and capacity building among local organizations.

The BCF Emergent Needs Grants provide funding for urgent projects and emergencies that fall outside the typical annual grant cycle. This initiative is designed for 501(c)3 organizations and governmental agencies in Branford that can demonstrate a significant need for funding. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting May 15th, allowing for timely support to innovative or unforeseen initiatives.

The VCF - Basic Needs Fund Grant Program aims to support organizations providing essential material assistance in food security, housing stability, and hygiene needs. With grants up to $10,000, the Valley Community Foundation focuses on uplifting individuals in underserved areas of Greater New Haven. Established in April 2020, this fund addresses immediate needs while ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations, promoting dignity and well-being in the community.

Volunteer-led and small nonprofit community groups in New Haven County, Connecticut can seek funding for new or recurring civic and community engagement programs, with awards of US $250 - US $2,500. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Valley Community Foundation provides support to organizations serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton that meet its staffing and non-discrimination criteria.

The PSEG Foundation provides funding for events and initiatives that enhance community safety and environmental stewardship in areas where they operate, such as New Jersey and New York. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's focus areas, including sustainable neighborhoods and safety preparedness. The application process is rolling, with a response time of 8 to 12 weeks. Proposals must be submitted online between January 1 and October 31, at least eight weeks before the event.

The Guilford Foundation Sponsorships aim to support organizations that serve the Guilford community by providing funding for qualifying events. This initiative, in partnership with GSB, is designed to enhance visibility and facilitate fundraising efforts. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and governmental agencies that contribute positively to the community. By sponsoring events such as galas and road races, the foundation seeks to foster community engagement and support local initiatives.

The CCF: Grassroots Leadership Grants aim to empower Waterbury residents and local organizations by providing funding for community-driven projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing civic engagement, fostering youth leadership, and supporting collaborative efforts to revitalize neighborhoods. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,000, the program prioritizes smaller, resident-led groups and encourages innovative projects that strengthen community ties and promote active participation among residents.

The Southbury Community Trust Fund Grant aims to support programs benefiting Southbury residents through collaboration and partnerships. Priority is given to initiatives in social services, health education, youth development, and community enhancement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipal entities. The fund does not support political or religious requests and encourages projects that serve the local community and promote advocacy efforts. This grant fosters community resilience and cultural heritage.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local governments in New Haven County, Connecticut can use this grant to fund job-related classes and courses for their employees. With a mission to strengthen community-focused services, TD Charitable Foundation supports staff training that serves low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities; awards are up to US $1,000.

The Smith Family Awards Program for Excellence in Biomedical Research aims to support early-career investigators in biomedical science. Over its 30-year history, the program has invested $46.1 million, funding 202 scientists. It provides three-year awards of $400,000 to full-time faculty at eligible institutions in Massachusetts, Brown University, or Yale University. The program prioritizes innovative research proposals, excluding clinical trials, and encourages collaboration within the scientific community, enhancing medical breakthroughs.

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.

Webster Bank Corporate Giving focuses on supporting underserved communities through essential programs in workforce development, community development, financial empowerment, and basic human services. The bank prioritizes registered nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic goals, encouraging initiatives that promote economic inclusion and address racial equity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Webster's footprint, demonstrating a history of success and a commitment to community enhancement.

Cox Charities Northeast offers community grants ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 annually to support nonprofit organizations focused on STEAM education. Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in youth programming across Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The grants prioritize innovative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and sustainability initiatives, encouraging applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cox East serviceable footprint.

The Lois Livingston McMillen Memorial Fund at Connecticut Community Foundation provides critical support to agencies aiding victims of domestic violence in our region. Established by Lois's parents, the fund aims to promote emotional recovery and personal advancement for women and children affected by abuse. Grants prioritize immediate crisis intervention and advocacy efforts, fostering self-confidence and dignity. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering vulnerable communities through essential services and support.

The Connecticut Community Foundation's Women's Fund Grant aims to empower girls and young women by fostering self-esteem, resilience, and advocacy through targeted programs. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Fund emphasizes collaboration among organizations to create inclusive environments, meaningful youth involvement, and positive role models. Funding projects may include planning grants for feasibility studies and core operational support for nonprofits. The initiative seeks to address low self-esteem among pre-teen and teenage girls in its 21-town service area.

The Connecticut Community Foundation offers the Older Adults: Pathways Grants & Mini-Grants to support programs enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Established in 2009, the fund focuses on healthy aging, community engagement, and educational opportunities. Grants are available to nonprofits and municipalities within a 21-town service area, promoting intergenerational projects and civic participation. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative solutions to meet the needs of the aging population.

The CCF: Arts and Culture Grants aim to enhance access to creative arts programs while addressing disparities in the arts. By supporting initiatives led by BIPOC artists, the program fosters community engagement through participatory arts, collaboration, and advocacy for underrepresented groups. The Connecticut Community Foundation encourages applications from nonprofit organizations that create impactful cultural experiences, promote economic development, and nurture a diverse, inclusive arts sector, ultimately enriching the community's cultural landscape.

The SWE Hartford Scholarship aims to empower women in engineering by providing a $1,000 tuition award for high school senior female students pursuing a Baccalaureate in Engineering or Computer Science. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also encourages women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, showcasing the importance of diversity in engineering. By informing young women and their families about career prospects, the scholarship fosters a supportive community for future leaders.

The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) offers grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 to support innovative programs and address urgent needs of nonprofits in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, Connecticut. Funding may cover virtual programs or capacity-building needs, but cannot be used for past debts or general operating costs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or have a fiscal sponsor with such status and adhere to a non-discrimination policy.

About Us

Our mission is to inspire philanthropic growth, provide and foster leadership, engage donors, and strengthen the Valley community both now and for future generations.

Our Vision:

A vibrant inclusive Valley that is thriving, collaborative, generous, with a shared sense of community and opportunity.

Mission Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

To create a more inclusive and equitable Valley where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.

The Yale Teaching Fellowship (YTF) offers a unique opportunity for current teachers in New Haven Public Schools to earn a Master’s degree in Special Education and gain cross-endorsement. This fellowship, designed to address teacher shortages, covers full tuition and requires a commitment to teach in the district for three years after graduation. With support from Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University, the program aims to foster educational excellence and diversity within the teaching workforce.

The Yale Teaching Fellowship (YTF) aims to cultivate high-quality teachers for New Haven Public Schools, addressing teacher shortages and enhancing retention. This program offers full tuition for graduate studies and a living stipend, encouraging a commitment of at least three years of teaching. Designed for diverse candidates, including NHPS staff, the fellowship supports certification in critical areas like Math, Science, and Special Education, fostering educational equity and community engagement.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.