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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Connecticut can apply for Creag Foundation’s invitation-only funding. Eligible groups must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and may include organizations serving women and girls through new or unaddressed approaches to social issues.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

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.

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+.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year support for programs serving animal welfare, children and families, education, health, poverty relief, disaster relief, veterans, conservation, or spiritual endeavors. Robinson Foundation provides Southern-region nonprofits, including those supporting women and girls, with project funding that delivers tangible, meaningful impact and demonstrable results (excluding capital projects).

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.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut working on youth education, food security, housing, or environmental programs may be eligible for the True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community projects. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives that benefit underserved young people and their families across these focus areas.

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 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.