Best New Haven County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Basic Needs Fund Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, provides grants of up to $10,000 to organizations addressing essential needs such as food security, housing stability, and hygiene. Established in April 2020, this fund aims to ensure that all residents in Greater New Haven have access to basic necessities. Priority is given to organizations serving underserved neighborhoods and those with an annual budget under $2 million.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Claire C. Bennitt Watershed Fund Grant Program supports the acquisition of watershed lands to protect water quality and enhance community life. Grants are aimed at non-profits, municipalities, and educational institutions, focusing on projects that benefit the South Central Connecticut Regional Water District. Eligible projects must enhance water supply protection and include appraisals and purchase agreements. The Fund emphasizes conservation easements and environmental education, ensuring sustainable management of vital water resources.

Nonprofit Animal Shelter Grants

Flexible funding for any nonprofit animal shelter serving Greater New Haven. 

The Community Foundation's animal shelter grants are made possible by The Lillian and Henry A. Konopacke Fund. The fund was created in 2013 by the bequest of New Haven native and North Haven resident Henry Konopacke, who worked as a machinist at the Winchester Repeating Arms Factory. Other funds contributing to Animal Shelter grants include the Baxter Fund, Judith Corchard Fund and Diva Fund. 

Purpose

The Fund’s intent is to assist nonprofit animal shelters in the Greater New Haven area in performing the services for which they have been established. 

Available Grant types

• New or existing projects
• Capacity building assistance to strengthen the infrastructure of an organization for long term success. Examples include board development, strategic planning, evaluation and capital expenditures in equipment, technology, building renovations or relocation.

Funding 

Grants are available in amounts up to $10,000. 

Multi-Year Core Support

Core Support (general operating support) is for organizations based in and serving Greater New Haven and/or the Valley; organizations must have had active programming for 3 years and a budget last fiscal year of >$250,000. 

General Operating Support is defined as a grant made to further the general mission and work of an organization, rather than for a specific purpose or project. General Operating Support gives nonprofits flexibility to direct their spending where it is needed most and allows greater focus on achieving an organization’s mission. 

Multi-Year Regional Civic Health Program Grants

Program support is for organizations based outside Greater New Haven and/or the Valley with a mission dedicated to advocacy, civic engagement, community organizing and journalism. Organizations must have had active programming for 2 years and a budget last fiscal year of >$250,000.   

Available only to organizations based outside of the 20-town region served by The  Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation.  The mission of eligible organizations must focus on civic health, including advocacy, community organizing, civic engagement, and journalism. Organizations working in other issue areas will not be considered.

Programming support is defined as a grant made for a new or existing specific segment of an organization’s work that services one or more towns in the Community Foundations’ region.

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 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 Pride in the Hills Fund, managed by the Connecticut Community Foundation, aims to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals in Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills. Established in 1923, the fund seeks to inspire generosity and foster an equitable community by funding programs that address critical issues and support local organizations. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or municipal entities, and the fund encourages projects that promote advocacy, system change, and core nonprofit operations.

501(c)(3) organizations serving the United Way of Greater Waterbury ten-town area, including parts of New Haven County, Connecticut, can apply for the United Way of Greater Waterbury’s Community Needs Fund to support education, financial stability, and basic needs programs. Eligible nonprofits may benefit if they offer early learning, after-school, economic security, or basic human services.

The GNH Green Fund Micro Grants support initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality and public health in New Haven. The fund addresses local challenges such as pollution and aims to promote sustainability through community engagement and innovative projects. Eligible applicants include 501c(3) non-profit organizations seeking to implement impactful environmental solutions. By funding various community activities, the grant fosters collaboration among organizations to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents.

The GNH Green Fund offers grants up to $10,000 to support initiatives that enhance environmental quality, public health, and equity in the Greater New Haven area. The fund seeks innovative proposals addressing climate change, sustainability education, and community engagement. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations and established nonprofits serving New Haven, East Haven, Hamden, and Woodbridge. Applications must demonstrate clear impact, feasibility, and alignment with the fund's mission to promote a sustainable future and reduce pollution.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The American Savings Foundation offers After School Grants aimed at supporting high-quality after-school programs for children and youth, particularly in New Britain and Waterbury. The Foundation prioritizes educational, human services, and arts programs that demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and provide programs that engage at-risk youth. The Foundation encourages collaboration and requires regular attendance reporting to ensure program effectiveness.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The American Savings Foundation provides capital grants to support projects aligned with its mission, prioritizing direct service programs for children, youth, and families in New Britain and Waterbury. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can request funding for one-time capital needs, typically up to $10,000. The Foundation emphasizes measurable impact and community benefit, making it a vital resource for local nonprofits aiming to enhance the quality of life in their communities.

A New Haven County, Connecticut nonprofit holding a charitable fundraiser can request in-season ticket donations to support its event. The Amazin Mets Foundation provides one ticket donation per organization every 12 months for eligible 501(c)(3)s in the tri-state area, with requests due at least three weeks before the scheduled event.

New Haven County, Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering direct education, human services, or arts and culture programs can access funding through American Savings Foundation, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible local programs must serve the foundation’s 64-town service area and focus on measurable benefits for children, youth, families, and residents in need.

Junior biomedical science investigators at Massachusetts academic institutions, hospitals, or nonprofit research facilities can apply for the Smith Family Foundation Odyssey Award, administered by Health Resources in Action, with awards up to US $400,000 for high-risk, high-reward pilot projects. Eligible institutions serving Greater Boston may include those whose work benefits nearby regions such as New Haven County, Connecticut.

Nonprofit organizations in New Haven County, Connecticut working in children’s well-being, education, arts, healthcare, or environmental conservation can apply for grants from the Dennis and Barbara Marion Family Charitable Foundation. The foundation primarily supports NYC tri-state organizations and may also consider proposals from New Haven County that create lasting, positive community impact.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) offers sponsorships to support organizations serving the Branford community. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific review dates: January 15, April 15, and July 15. BCF seeks events that provide meaningful community impact, positive exposure, and opportunities to build relationships with a targeted audience. Sponsorships are awarded for single events or a series of events, but not for ongoing programming or political events.

Wallingford Education Foundation

Our Mission

The Wallingford Education Foundation is a non-profit, community-based partnership supporting educational innovation and excellence in our town.

Our Vision

The Wallingford Education Foundation empowers ideas and enhances educational experiences for students, educators and community members. It provides financial support outside the education budget that is aligned with the goals and focus areas of the school district’s strategic plan.

Educational Impact Grant

Educators and other school staff routinely develop creative programs to enhance students’ educational experiences. Often these programs require funding that is not available in the annual school budget. In order to support these innovative endeavors, the Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) awards funds based on specific requests. Educational Impact Grants typically range from $500 – $5,000.

These grants comply with school district guidelines and are intended to provide:

• Educational opportunities for students that are not available within current district budget constraints. These may be curricular or extra-curricular.
• New initiatives that enhance the educational mission of the schools through collaborative partnerships with the community.
• Matching dollars when external grants require the inclusion of local matching funds. Matching grant requests must be related to the above two areas of WEF funding.

Wallingford Education Foundation

Our Mission

The Wallingford Education Foundation is a non-profit, community-based partnership supporting educational innovation and excellence in our town.

Our Vision

The Wallingford Education Foundation empowers ideas and enhances educational experiences for students, educators and community members. It provides financial support outside the education budget that is aligned with the goals and focus areas of the school district’s strategic plan.

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004 to honor and showcase individuals whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding accomplishments, leadership, and/or service to their community. This award is presented annually and alumni need not have graduated from a Wallingford high school in order to be considered.

Members of the community are invited to nominate candidates for this award by completing the nomination form.

All submitted nominations are reviewed with the final selection of award recipients made by the Distinguished Alumni Committee and endorsed by the WEF Board of Directors. Only those individuals selected for the award are notified of their nomination. Nomination forms of individuals not selected will be kept on file for three (3) years for future consideration. Award recipients are honored at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner held each spring.

The Wu Tsai Institute (WTI) Postdoctoral Fellowships Program at Yale University supports early-career researchers pursuing interdisciplinary research to uncover insights about human cognition through a comprehensive study of the brain. This fellowship offers a collaborative environment where fellows can engage in innovative projects with access to structured programming, mentorship, and shared research facilities. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.