Search Through New Haven Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Overview

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is a philanthropic institution that was established in 1928 as the community's permanent charitable endowment. For more than three generations, thousands of donors have built our community endowment by establishing permanent funds or making gifts to existing funds that distribute grants to a broad variety of issues and organizations. These donors, past and present, make their gifts to ensure that programs and causes that matter most to them will be supported today and forever.

The Community Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the United States and remains the largest grantmaker in a twenty-town region located in the heart of central Connecticut. The Community Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, and as such is exempt from federal income tax; donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Mission: To inspire, support, inform, listen to and collaborate with the people and organizations of Greater New Haven to build an ever more connected, inclusive, equitable and philanthropic community.

Vision: A community of expanding opportunity in which all people share a sense of common destiny and have the support and connections needed to build successful lives.

We pursue our mission by:

• Inspiring people to get involved in local issues;
• Providing leadership by mobilizing the community to address key local issues and by supporting others in their leadership roles;
• Responding to community priorities through grantmaking and in other ways;
• Raising new charitable resources to address current community priorities and for permanent endowment;
• Honoring the wishes of past donors and collaborating with current donors; and
• Growing the community’s charitable endowments by managing the financial assets entrusted to us.

Overview

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is a philanthropic institution that was established in 1928 as the community's permanent charitable endowment. For more than three generations, thousands of donors have built our community endowment by establishing permanent funds or making gifts to existing funds that distribute grants to a broad variety of issues and organizations. These donors, past and present, make their gifts to ensure that programs and causes that matter most to them will be supported today and forever.

The Community Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the United States and remains the largest grantmaker in a twenty-town region located in the heart of central Connecticut. The Community Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, and as such is exempt from federal income tax; donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Mission: To inspire, support, inform, listen to and collaborate with the people and organizations of Greater New Haven to build an ever more connected, inclusive, equitable and philanthropic community.

Vision: A community of expanding opportunity in which all people share a sense of common destiny and have the support and connections needed to build successful lives.

We pursue our mission by:

• Inspiring people to get involved in local issues;
• Providing leadership by mobilizing the community to address key local issues and by supporting others in their leadership roles;
• Responding to community priorities through grantmaking and in other ways;
• Raising new charitable resources to address current community priorities and for permanent endowment;
• Honoring the wishes of past donors and collaborating with current donors; and
• Growing the community’s charitable endowments by managing the financial assets entrusted to us.

Consultant Support Program

Short-term consultancy for organizational building capacity and work in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

From time to time, a nonprofit Executive Director, senior staff member or Board member needs a thought partner or coach to work through a challenge or explore an opportunity. The Consultant Support Program can provide funding for a consultant to work a limited number of hours plus ancillary expenses (not to exceed $2,000 total).

The Consultant Support Program can be used to engage a consultant to work with your staff, board and/or volunteers around creating equity within your organization. For example, you can use the support to have a series of meetings or workshops; explore internal and external hiring and personnel policies and processes; or to attend trainings as a team.

For DE&I work, the funded project may be part of a larger project with a total budget which may exceed $5,000. Please contact us to talk about ways the Foundations can help your organization on its DE&I journey. 

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

Nonprofit Animal Shelter Grants

Funding for this grant process is made possible through The Lillian and Henry A. Konopacke Fund. The Fund was created in 2013 at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven by bequest of New Haven native and North Haven resident Henry Konopacke, who worked as a machinist at the Winchester Repeating Arms Factory. 

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.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Mission

The Greater New Haven Green Fund promotes environmental quality, public health and equity in our community by providing grants and other incentives to support initiatives that contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future and reduce air, water and land pollution.

Regular Grants for amounts up to $10,000

The Green Fund seeks innovative proposals from committed organizations and individuals for activities that advance our mission which is to promote environmental quality, public health and equity in our community by providing grants and other incentives that contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future and reduce air, water and land pollution.

Our areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Organizing, advocacy and community engagement for environmental justice, including education about adverse health effects from pollution and tools to improve health outcomes.
• Climate change resiliency and mitigation strategies.
• Environmental / conservation / sustainability-oriented educational programs.
• Sustainability initiatives, including but not limited to creating better community tools for households, businesses, organizations, etc. to integrate sustainability practices into their daily routines.
• Increased public access to natural resources.
• Air and water cleanup initiatives.
• Innovative technology or processes to advance sustainability, climate resiliency and decrease pollution.
• Applied research in environmental and public health areas that addresses community issues.
• Community planning and advocacy activities contributing to healthier neighborhoods.
• Small and Micro Grants for mission support and capacity building.

We encourage collaborative projects between environmental organizations and outreach organizations.

Our funding criteria are the following:

• Consistency with the Green Fund's mission and issue areas of interest.
• Likely or projected impact on environmental equity and environmental quality based on proposed work and clear explanation of how and why the project will have an impact.
• Evidence that the applicant will deliver on its promise in the specific proposal under consideration based on capacity (experience, committed resources, and/or management expertise), track record, evidence of support.
• Plan to measure the impact of the work, and agreement and ability to report results of fund investment.
• Cost and cost-effectiveness: budget is clear and appropriate for project.

Please refer to FAQ for additional informations.

Our Mission

Putting philanthropy into action to create lasting solutions that result in vibrant communities within the Greater Hartford region.

We are Greater Hartford's Community Foundation. 

We serve 29 towns, nearly 800,000 residents, hundreds of nonprofits, and a network of philanthropists with more than 1,500 funds. We bring together the people, knowledge, investments and passion to make Greater Hartford a more inclusive and equitable place to live, work and raise a family.

Aldo DeDominicis Scholarship Fund

Mr. DeDominicis came to the U.S. from Italy at age 16 with six dollars. He went on to co-finance, build and open New England's first television station, WTNH-TV, in New Haven. He also co-founded WNCJ-AM in New Haven and bought a radio station in New Britain, which he renamed WRCH AM-FM. DeDominicis, called "Uncle Aldo" by those who knew him, was adamant that his fortune should be shared with others. This scholarship is for students who have already received a UNICO-Farmington scholarship; these awards complement the UNICO one-year awards.

About the Fund

The Quinnipiac River Fund was established in 1990 as part of a court settlement between the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Upjohn Company, concerning wastewater discharges from the Upjohn Company's plant in North Haven. Each year the Fund distributes more than $100,000 to organizations that work toward improving the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River, New Haven Harbor and the surrounding watersheds.

Quinnipiac River Fund Grants

The mission of the Quinnipiac River Fund is to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and New Haven Harbor and their watersheds. The committee considers projects for grant funding that work toward this goal.

Examples include:

• Studying the pollution of the waterbodies.
• Studying the ecology of the waterbodies.
• Researching methods of reducing pollution, or otherwise improving the environmental health of the waterbodies.
• Addressing means of reducing both non-point and point sources of pollution to the waterbodies.
• Researching the permitting process, researching particular permits, and making recommendations as to findings.
• Providing public education about the waterbodies.
• Purchasing land in the watersheds for conservation, pollution reduction, and/or improving public access.
• Environmental advocacy (note: funding cannot be used for litigation).
• Habitat restoration.

Program Grants

Support for Greater New Haven Programming for Multi-regional and Statewide organizations

Available only to multi-regional or statewide nonprofits with less than 75% of the population it serves residing in the 20-town region served by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation.

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.

One-year and multi-year grants

• Grants are available for terms one, two, or three years.

Year-Round Small Grants

Grants of up to $10,000 are offered to small nonprofit organizations for work in Greater New Haven. Although, grants could be as much as $10,000 depending on the available resources, typical grants will be in the range on $3,000 to $7,500. Please note that the maximum amount that nonprofits are able to apply for is subject to change.

Requests considered for funding through this process include:

• Project Support - A grant for a new or existing specific project.
• Capacity Building Support - A grant for short-term financial assistance to build the infrastructure of an organization for long term success. Requests for capacity building include but are not limited to: board development; strategic planning; evaluation; and capital expenditures including equipment, building renovations or relocation.
• General Operating Support (GOS) - 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.

General Operating Support (GOS) 

Responsive grants offer general operating support that provides flexible funding for nonprofits. 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.

Background

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is a philanthropic institution that was established in 1928 as the community's permanent charitable endowment. For more than three generations, thousands of donors have built our community endowment by establishing permanent funds or making gifts to existing funds that distribute grants to a broad variety of issues and organizations. These donors, past and present, make their gifts to ensure that programs and causes that matter most to them will be supported today and forever.

The Community Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the United States and remains the largest grantmaker in a twenty-town region located in the heart of central Connecticut. The Community Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, and as such is exempt from federal income tax; donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Mission: To inspire, support, inform, listen to and collaborate with the people and organizations of Greater New Haven to build an ever more connected, inclusive, equitable and philanthropic community.

Vision: A community of expanding opportunity in which all people share a sense of common destiny and have the support and connections needed to build successful lives.

We pursue our mission by:

• Inspiring people to get involved in local issues;
• Providing leadership by mobilizing the community to address key local issues and by supporting others in their leadership roles;
• Responding to community priorities through grantmaking and in other ways;
• Raising new charitable resources to address current community priorities and for permanent endowment;
• Honoring the wishes of past donors and collaborating with current donors; and
• Growing the community’s charitable endowments by managing the financial assets entrusted to us.

Community Fund for Women & Girls

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Community Fund for Women & Girls is providing grants (up to $15,000) to Greater New Haven serving nonprofits that provide women (including those who identify as cisgender, transgender and nonbinary) with greater economic security through programs that support:

• Women’s workforce training and employment participation
• Women entrepreneurs
• Women’s housing stability
• Innovative childcare which supports women in the workforce

Funding Priorities

Support for workforce training, job readiness and employment programs which improve women’s economic security. Priority consideration will be given to programming which includes wraparound supports (ex., cash assistance, transportation, childcare), that allow women to fully participate in training and work opportunities. Sample outcomes: Women’s increased ability to seek and maintain employment; increased ability to participate in and complete job-training programs.

Support for initiatives that help women entrepreneurs in the development and maintenance of sustainable businesses. Can include training and coaching, direct financial assistance for operational and administrative costs, business planning and marketing guidance, and/or other related services. Sample outcomes: Woman-owned business’ increased financial strength, increased operational capacity, creation of employment opportunities for women.

Support for initiatives that help women obtain or maintain housing stability. Can include rental and eviction assistance, rental down payments, furniture, utility assistance and foreclosure prevention. Sample outcomes: Women’s increased housing stability through rental assistance distributions.

Support for childcare programs which incorporate creative solutions to meet the needs of working families. Examples include alternative/extended-hour childcare; childcare-employer collaborations; childcare-training program collaborations and partnerships. Sample outcomes: Increased access to childcare for families, continued program operations for childcare/youth programming, increased collaboration amongst childcare providers and local businesses.

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Our Criteria

For 2024, NMV will focus on funding early stage companies seeking venture investment and building progressive power. Our primary focus areas are media & narrative, organizing & advocacy, and elections & civic engagement. For the next few months, we are especially interested in impactful, innovative solutions in media tech, civic tech, political tech, as well as the intersection of all of our verticals and AI. 

Scalable with a proof of concept

We prefer ventures with an existing user base (even if they are only beta users), demonstrated proof of concept, and a clear plan for generating revenue and/or growth. In some cases, we will fund ventures with little or no user base if there is compelling research proving the efficacy of the idea, or a clear opportunity to build power.

Sustainable model and impact

We have a preference for work that is sustainable and clearly builds progressive power. We’d like to invest in ventures that expect to generate revenue, although they may not now, or who have a plan for sustainable growth. Note: We do not invest in one-off media projects like documentaries, although we might invest in a company building a sustainable business model for making documentaries!

Strong, diverse team

We look for leadership teams that have both the technical and business talent to create something great and who understand their market intimately. We are especially interested in democratizing access to capital and encourage people who have been historically overlooked in the startup community to apply. In our experience, founders with direct experience of the challenges they are working to solve are best positioned to do so.

Progressive & mission-driven

NMV is mission-driven and works to invest in entrepreneurs and activists building progressive power in the United States. We care about environmental protection, economic equality, racial justice, a thriving democracy, and more. The startups we support are mission-driven and seeking to make the world a better place.

What support do selected organizations receive?

$50K to $100K in funding. We typically make investments in for-profits (most often via convertible notes or SAFEs) and give unrestricted grants to nonprofits. Please note that for the remainder of 2023 and going into 2024, we will be focusing on for-profit investments. Additionally, NMV supports the portfolio through:

• A network of founders where leaders ask questions, identify problems, and surface solutions in community.
• Webinars and one-on-one coaching to help new leaders navigate organizational and operational challenges, like setting goals and managing cash on hand.
• Catalyzing additional funding by connecting them to donors and investors at our events and at other times of the year when possible.
• We’re currently refining our program in response to feedback from current portfolio members and look forward to rolling out the next iteration of our support program in the months ahead.

Our Vision

To improve the lives of children/families, communities and the environment through the involvement of successive generations of the family of Carolyn McKnight Christian.

Our Mission

To support programs and initiatives that effect positive change now and in the future.

Our Values

Background

Carolyn Foundation has been making grants to organizations serving youth in New Haven for the past fifty years. In 2020, based on feedback from the community, Carolyn Foundation began focusing narrowly on youth development programming for underrepresented youth ages 13-18, grades 7-12 in New Haven, CT. We have taken a two-pronged approach to both support: a core group of youth development partners who have distinguished themselves for serving our target population; and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations that have unique program offerings and relationships with BIPOC youth.

This approach was informed by a review of our past grantees and conversations with community leaders from the schools, city, community, and other foundations/funders.

Core Partner Funding Overview

We began this new approach with ten core partners. Our intent with these core partners is to support high-quality, role-model youth development organizations (criteria below), often serving large numbers of New Haven youth with broad and deep programs. Being funded as a Core Partner does not guarantee Carolyn funding forever. Core partners apply to receive general operating support and the opportunity for two additional years of rapid renewal grants based on their annual update reports. At the end of three years, core partners must go through a new full application process, and they may be competing with other core and newly invited applicants. Prior funding does not assure funding at the end of the three-year rapid renewal process.

BIPOC-led Youth Development Funding Overview

We started our BIPOC-led Youth Development funding category to support BIPOC-led organizations which are often underrepresented in foundation funding, make unique and valuable connections with young people, and may not be familiar with Carolyn Foundation. Most of the grant review team for this cycle are young people from the New Haven area who are aware of and familiar with community needs, organization reputations, etc. Some of these organizations are small, meeting the unique needs of smaller groups of young people, while others are large organizations. Some successful applicants may be invited to apply to become a core partner. An invitation to apply does not assure funding, merely the opportunity to be considered.

We hope that these two categories come to provide both broad youth development support for many young people in New Haven and unique support for young people whose needs and desires are not met by larger organizations. A secondary hope is that this helps build the capacity of BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations that mirror their students and provide compelling role models.

Guidelines & Priorities

Our goal is to fund organizations providing high-quality youth development for underrepresented youth ages 13-18, grades 7-12, in New Haven, CT.

When evaluating proposals, we use research-based criteria, looking for organizations and programs that:

Are on the Youth Engagement Continuum.

• We prefer organizations that offer purposeful, significant youth development and leadership development.

Are “high dosage.”

• Programs meet often, for a significant time and extended duration. For example, a program that meets several times a week for two hours throughout the year will be rated more highly than a program that is one hour a week for six weeks.

Are long-lasting

• Programs that work with young people over multiple years will be rated more highly than those that don’t.

Include meaningful, supportive relationships between young people and caring adults will be rated higher than those that don’t. Organizations with stable, well-trained youth development staff will be rated more highly than those with revolving volunteers.

Develop skills and spark interests or passions vs. merely provide safe places to hang out.

Have leadership and staff who reflect the students they serve. Students benefit from seeing leaders that look like them and share lived experiences.

BIPOC-led Youth Development Grant Cycle Guidelines & Priorities

In addition to the above-listed research-based criteria, we will prioritize youth development organizations that are BIPOC-led for the upcoming responsive grant cycle. We define BIPOC-led as either senior management or the majority of the board. In addition, organizations should:

• Serve a large percentage (>70%) of BIPOC youth community members
• Have annual budgets of ~ $1 million or less; and
• Operate programs in the City of New Haven, CT

Programmatic Grant

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven raises the funds to meet the critical needs of our community.  The programmatic grant process enables the Federation to invest in new projects, programs, and initiatives from local 501 c (3) nonprofit agencies, synagogues, and Jewish organizations, to strengthen our Jewish community by addressing the following community key priorities:

• Combating Antisemitism
• Israel Advocacy & Education
• Jewish Programming for Youth, Teens, and College Students

The goals of this new grant-based funding process are to:

• Unite our Jewish community, embracing diversity and strengthening relationships through shared values and goals.
• Empower Jewish journeys through learning and immersive experiences that create meaningful moments in Jewish life.
• Maximize impact by building bridges amongst the entire community to foster a robust Jewish community and encouraging collaboration between Jewish organizations to maximize resources.
• Advocate as a voice of the collective Jewish community.
• Enhance the quality of life in Greater New Haven by engaging unaffiliated members of our community to ensure Jewish continuity.
• Support creative and impactful community programs that nurture and advance Jewish values.

From Dale Jr.

My career as a race car driver has been well-documented. From winning NASCAR XFINITY Series championships in 1998 and 1999 to securing the coveted Daytona 500 trophy in 2004 and again in 2014, there have been many rewarding experiences that will last a lifetime. But once my career is over and I look back at the achievements that made it special, The Dale Jr. Foundation could very well be one I’m most proud of.

What we’ve accomplished since starting The Dale Jr. Foundation in 2007 has been far beyond my expectations. Thanks to the generosity of many people, we’ve raised more than $8 million to benefit charities that directly impact our communities, schools and fellow citizens. To me nothing is more rewarding than to see people’s lives take a turn for the better and know you might have had something to do with it. I’ve said for many years the best part of my race weekend is meeting kids through Make-A-Wish, which we started doing long before the start of The Dale Jr. Foundation. In fact, these kids were part of the inspiration that led us to start the foundation. Wish kids are the most genuine, respectful and courageous people I meet. They take nothing for granted.

Make-A-Wish is just one of the many organizations The Dale Jr. Foundation supports. Each charitable organization focuses on areas that are important to me, like kids, schools and the underprivileged. I started The Dale Jr. Foundation as a way to help the underdogs, those who haven’t caught the breaks that I was lucky enough to catch.

I hope you will take time to learn more about the Dale Jr. Foundation—specifically what we do, who we help, and how you can be a part of it. We have many types of fundraising efforts such as various online eBay auctions, and special event fundraisers like Dale Jr.’s Driven To Give. Large or small, there are ways to get involved and help. 

Five Areas of Giving

Empowerment

The Dale Jr. Foundation supports many organizations that provide safe homes for children who come from traumatic pasts to help them with their hurt and give them a new start. These children have been abused or neglected by no fault of their own and need the resources to overcome their adversities and regain their sense of self confidence.

Education

Research has shown that children who grow up with strong, positive values are happier and do better in school. This is why we feel that providing grants for technology, reading incentives and helping teachers with out-of-pocket expenses is vital to the success of our community.

Wellness

Children need to be healthy in order to reach their full potential which is why we support organizations that provide child-friendly services. These organizations go beyond providing medical services and extending to all forms of holistic care.

Hunger

Food is an essential building block to a child’s physical, social and educational development. Unfortunately over 20+ million children face food insecurities each week. We partner with many different organizations that provide healthy food to children who might otherwise go hungry. 

Hope

We feel that creating a connection with a child, no matter how small it may be, is the greatest way to provide them with the sense of normalcy. This connection can be the positive experience that they need to overcome their obstacles.

What is the mission of The Dale Jr. Foundation?

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to improve confidence, education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

What kind of requests does The Dale Jr. Foundation fulfill?

The Dale Jr. Foundation will only consider requests that fit within our mission statement.

The Dale Jr. Foundation believes that it is important to give back to the community and we support the work of numerous nonprofit organizations across the country. The foundation is thrilled to hear of all the good work being done across the country and would be happy to consider your request for a contribution.

PSEG Corporate Giving

The PSEG family of companies provides support for dinners, events and targeted sponsorships serving the places we do business in New Jersey, New Haven and Bridgeport, Connecticut; Albany and Long Island, New York

• Sustainable Neighborhoods
• Building safe, healthy and sustainable communities
• Our company’s commitment to environmental stewardship stretches beyond our own operations. We invest in public parks that improve the quality of life for local residents and in the environmental organizations that protect and preserve natural resources, address climate adaptation, and build sustainable communities.
• Safety and Preparedness
• Complementing PSEG’s safety vision, we seek to keep people and their homes safe, particularly around electricity and natural gas, and to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

PSEG Corporate Giving

The PSEG family of companies provides support for dinners, events and targeted sponsorships serving the places we do business in New Jersey, New Haven and Bridgeport, Connecticut; Albany and Long Island, New York

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional unit in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different units in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway units of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Gateway program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Gateway unit not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Gateway unit previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in a PLTW Gateway unit for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional module for the 2027-2027 academic year (two different modules in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

 New Alliance Foundation 

The NewAlliance Foundation is a private charitable foundation based in New Haven, Connecticut, committed to strengthening communities through strategic philanthropy. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that advance literacy, promote education, foster community development, and address social and economic inequities. With a regional focus across Connecticut, NewAlliance Foundation invests in initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact—uplifting underserved populations and fostering opportunity for all.

Mission, Vision, and Priorities

Guided by its mission to advance literacy, build communities, and dismantle systems that perpetuate poverty and racism, the Foundation envisions a community where all people can reach their fullest potential. Its funding priorities include improving literacy and early learning outcomes, supporting youth and education programs, promoting health and human services, strengthening the arts, and advancing racial and economic equity. The Foundation values collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions that empower organizations to drive systemic change and create a more equitable future for Connecticut residents.

New Alliance Foundation: Emerging Grants

The Emerging Grant Program of the NewAlliance Foundation is designed to support new or early-stage nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful impact within the Foundation’s focus areas. This program provides smaller, one-year grants to help emerging organizations build capacity, test innovative ideas, and strengthen their ability to serve the community. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission to advance literacy, build communities, and dismantle systems that perpetuate poverty and racism. Through this program, the Foundation encourages collaboration, innovation, and long-term sustainability, offering newer nonprofits the opportunity to grow and establish a strong foundation for future impact.