Best Grants for Special Education in Connecticut

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.

The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation offers general grants aimed at promoting arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Currently, they are not accepting applications for 2025 but will reopen in January 2026. Eligible organizations must be IRS-registered 501(c)(3) entities serving specific regions, with a focus on environmental, medical, and veterans initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission and provides opportunities for quality arts programming.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Goodnow Fund is a family foundation that provides approximately $1.5 million in grants annually to nonprofit organizations. Focused on supporting vulnerable children, Alzheimer's research, educational opportunities for low-income students, and environmental improvement, the Fund primarily aids organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It identifies potential grantees directly and does not accept unsolicited proposals. For more information, organizations can contact the Fund's Executive Director.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers regular grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Greater Hartford, aiming to address systemic issues and enhance community well-being. Organizations can apply for one grant every three years, focusing on program/project support, continuation, capital improvements, or general operating support. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that tackle critical human needs, promote equity, and align with its goal of dismantling structural racism, fostering a resilient and inclusive Hartford community.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Connecticut's New London and Windham Counties through education and community support. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $60 million in grants, with a commitment to empowering local non-profits that foster educational opportunities, human welfare, civic engagement, and arts and culture. With a strong emphasis on measurable impact, the Foundation aims to create sustainable, vibrant communities by supporting initiatives that promote long-term self-sufficiency and community enrichment.

The Elizabeth Carse Foundation, established in 1970, focuses on enhancing education and child welfare in Connecticut. It offers one-year grants to organizations that provide impactful teacher training, aiding children in achieving improved living standards. However, the foundation does not support general operating costs or capital projects and limits funding to a maximum of three consecutive years per applicant. This ensures that resources are allocated effectively to promote educational advancements.

The Thriving Neighborhoods Grant, offered by the Travelers Foundation, aims to strengthen Hartford and St. Paul communities through support for organizations focused on safety, stability, and economic growth. Prioritizing equity and inclusion, funding is directed towards accessible housing, small business development, and disaster resilience initiatives. This grant is exclusively available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in specific locations, fostering vibrant, culturally enriched neighborhoods and enhancing the lives of historically underrepresented groups.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The SBM Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties through funding programs in health, education, human services, housing, and the arts. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt or municipalities, focusing on community benefit. The Foundation prioritizes educational scholarships and health programs, emphasizing direct services and broad-based community projects. Applications are accepted annually, promoting accessibility and support for local initiatives.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The Lena Benas Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1986, aims to support the health, human services, and housing needs of underserved individuals in Litchfield, Connecticut, and nearby communities. The fund prioritizes organizations that serve these populations, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing maintenance. Special consideration is given to established nonprofits that demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of those in need, ensuring impactful community support.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Katharine Matthies Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational, human services, and health care for underserved communities, particularly in the Lower Naugatuck Valley of Connecticut. Established in 1987, it prioritizes organizations preventing cruelty to children and animals. Grants typically last one year, with occasional multi-year support, focusing especially on the towns of Seymour, Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Shelton, and Beacon Falls.

The Anna Fitch Ardenghi Trust Grant aims to enhance educational, cultural, and health services for underserved populations in New Haven, Connecticut. Established in 1981, the trust prioritizes support for arts and youth-related programs. Eligible organizations must be based in New Haven and can receive grants for one year, with a preference for those focusing on impactful community services. Notably, capital project requests are excluded, and funding is limited to three consecutive years.

The Mabel F. Hoffman Charitable Trust, established in 1969, supports quality educational, health care, and human services programs for underserved populations, particularly in Hartford, Connecticut. Grants are awarded for one year and special consideration is given to local organizations. However, capital projects are not funded, and applicants can receive grants for a maximum of three consecutive years. This trust aims to enhance the well-being of the community through its dedicated funding.