Best Grants for Women in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking general operating or program support can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust for work in the arts, environmental conservation, medical research, and veterans initiatives. Organizations serving women and girls within these focus areas may be eligible if their programs align with the foundation’s mission and active regions.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations integrating visual or performing arts into education, including those in Connecticut, can seek funding to enhance arts-based learning and close achievement gaps. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust’s P/Arts Program supports programs that revitalize curricula, motivate students of all ages, empower educators, and connect school and home through evidence-based arts instruction, with awards up to US $25,000.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofits serving women and girls in Eastern Connecticut can apply for Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s Women & Girls Fund grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for programs in eligible towns. Funding supports empowerment, healthy relationships, economic security, health and mental health services, advocacy, and, in Southeast, aging-in-place support for low-income women 62+.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Connecticut

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving under-served populations can seek $100,000 to launch or expand high-impact programs or strengthen core capacity in Fairfield County. Focused on transformative community impact, Impact 100 Fairfield County invites women-led and women-focused organizations to propose projects benefiting local residents over a 24‑month period.

Early-career faculty scientists and engineers at invited U.S. research institutions, including those in Connecticut, can receive unrestricted support for innovative work in life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, or chemical sciences. The Blavatnik Family Foundation’s National Awards provide US $250,000 to three laureates annually, with a strong encouragement to nominate women and other underrepresented groups in STEM.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on youth substance use prevention in Connecticut can receive up to US $125,000 to implement evidence-based strategies reducing underage drinking and related risks. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services funds up to ten projects that build resilient youth and communities, which may benefit programs serving girls and young women ages 12–20.

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.

Qualified Crisis Intervention Team–trained providers in Connecticut can receive up to US $306,100 to deliver statewide CIT training for law enforcement, first responders, dispatch staff, and behavioral health clinicians. Focused on evidence-based crisis response, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services seeks partners whose work may also benefit women and girls in crisis.

Connecticut organizations planning local environmental projects can receive funding for initiatives with clear environmental benefits, from clean-ups to education, in Connecticut. The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals provides up to US $2,000 to support projects that improve the environment and may particularly interest groups advancing women’s leadership in environmental fields.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities running programs that promote the independence of women can seek project, capital, or limited operating support, particularly in Fairfield County. With a mission to support charitable purposes, Anne S. Richardson Fund also considers initiatives for lower-income residents, youth development, LGBTQIA+ communities, and environmental conservation in Ridgefield and across Connecticut.

Nonprofits, municipal entities, or fiscally sponsored groups in Connecticut can seek funding to build self-esteem, resilience, and leadership among pre-teen and teenage girls. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, Connecticut Community Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for advocacy, skill-building, inclusive programming, planning grants, and collaborative efforts in its 21-town service area.

Connecticut organizations serving women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse can access funding through the Lois Livingston McMillen Memorial Fund to support critical direct services and crisis response. Administered by Connecticut Community Foundation, this fund prioritizes 501(c)(3)s and municipal entities in its 21-town service area, including core operations and BIPOC-led programs.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving women and girls in Greater New Haven can apply for funding to support economic autonomy, leadership, education, and health and wellness initiatives. Focused on women and girl services, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven offers up to US $15,000 for gender-specific direct service, advocacy, and community organizing in Connecticut.

Connecticut women’s and gender-responsive residential addiction treatment providers in Connecticut can access funding through the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to expand substance use disorder bed capacity. Grants support adding beds or new programs at ASAM 3.5 and 3.1 levels of care, jointly funded with CT Medicaid, with emphasis on trauma-informed services.

Connecticut public libraries, schools, civic groups, and youth-serving organizations can access funding through Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for projects that deepen school-aged youths’ understanding of democracy. Grants of US $500 - US $2,000 may support arts, storytelling, or history projects, including those uplifting marginalized women and girls’ roles in building and protecting democracy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, education, or basic needs in Connecticut can access funding through the Evelyn S and K E Barrett Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $20,000. Programs serving girls and young women up to age 18 may be especially relevant, including start-up, pilot, or renewing initiatives in health, education, or human services.

Connecticut nonprofits serving underserved senior women with health or human services in Fairfield or New Haven Counties can access funding through the David N. Lane Trust for Aged & Indigent Women. Grants support quality programs for older women; organizations focused on women and girl services in these counties may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for national recognition and awards from Mutual of America Foundation. Focused on impactful collaborations, this program honors six partnerships each year, so Connecticut groups serving women and girls through cross-sector alliances may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut working on women’s rights, social justice, grassroots advocacy, the environment, or the arts can apply for support from Bydale Foundation. This grant can help women- and girl-serving programs in Connecticut that fit these priorities, including initiatives in performing arts, poetry, human rights, and peace advocacy.

Connecticut organizations serving women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott can access funding through Main Street Community Foundation to run or expand programs and related capital projects. Priority goes to services for senior women, confidence and leadership building for girls and teens, and non-clinical mental health and well-being initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities in Connecticut can apply for Connecticut Community Foundation’s Health and Environmental Justice Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for programs improving health outcomes and environments. Funding may benefit women and girls through efforts in housing, food access, preventative healthcare, behavioral health, and environmental justice in New Haven County’s 21-town region.