Best Grants for Youth Programs 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 CCF: Grassroots Leadership Grants aim to empower Waterbury residents and local organizations by providing funding for community-driven projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing civic engagement, fostering youth leadership, and supporting collaborative efforts to revitalize neighborhoods. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,000, the program prioritizes smaller, resident-led groups and encourages innovative projects that strengthen community ties and promote active participation among residents.

The Civic Engagement Mini-Grants program, funded by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive civic participation. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies serving 42 communities in Eastern Connecticut. This initiative emphasizes the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry, particularly from communities of color and youth, to strengthen democratic values and community well-being.

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.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering organizations that promote the arts and develop programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage. Our vision is a world where the arts are not viewed as a luxury or elective, but as a vital part of every individual’s development and well-being.

Through strong community partnerships, we harness the transformative power of the arts to elevate educational outcomes, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life.

We believe in the synergy that arises when artists, educators, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines—musicians, museum professionals, actors, writers, and teachers—come together and collaborate. It is scientifically proven that the arts play a fundamental role in youth development, nurturing healthy brain function, social growth, and emotional resilience.

Aligned with our mission, we also support initiatives that protect and utilize nature as a source of enrichment and healing. Conservation and beautification efforts are not only essential to environmental health but also to individual and community well-being. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature supports both physical and mental health, especially for children. We are committed to partnering with organizations that recognize the vital connection between a thriving natural environment and a thriving population.

Equally important is our dedication to supporting veterans. We recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and believe they deserve meaningful pathways to recovery, healing, and renewed purpose. That’s why we invest in programs that provide therapeutic support, service animals, respite opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that help veterans and their families thrive. Veterans’ well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of a strong, resilient community.

As a charitable foundation, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive progress, improve lives, and create lasting, positive impact across the arts, the environment, education, and veteran support.

The P/Arts Program

The P/Arts Program was created to strengthen connections between the philanthropic, arts, and education communities, fostering meaningful collaborations that enrich learning and inspire growth.

Eligible applicants must be accredited 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual and/or performing arts education into their work. Through P/Arts, we seek to support programs that:

• Revitalize learning by enhancing and transforming outdated public school curricula.
• Motivate and inspire students of all ages, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
• Empower educators by deepening professional development opportunities for teachers, professors, and childcare providers.
• Bridge the gap between school and home, creating continuity in learning and support for children and families.
• Apply evidence-based, arts-based instruction proven to strengthen both academic and personal outcomes.
• Address inequities in education by helping to close the achievement gap and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities.

At its heart, the P/Arts Program reflects our belief that the arts are a powerful driver of educational transformation, unlocking potential not just in the classroom but in entire communities.

The Peridot Foundation Grant aims to enhance the welfare of the Hebron, Connecticut community by supporting local charitable organizations. This includes funding for children's programs, public safety initiatives, and community services. Additionally, the foundation promotes medical research activities and provides assistance to various charitable organizations. Through these efforts, the Peridot Foundation seeks to create a positive impact on the lives of residents and foster a spirit of giving within the community.

The Whittemore Travel Scholarship Fund for Youth supports domestic and international travel for youth under 21, prioritizing experiences that promote education, justice, and cultural diversity. Funded by the Connecticut Community Foundation, this initiative aims to connect young people across various cultures, enriching their understanding of diverse lived experiences. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities within the designated service area, ensuring that opportunities are made accessible to a wide range of youth.

The Rockfall Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Environmental Grants Program, aimed at non-profit organizations, municipalities, and schools. This program supports projects focused on environmental conservation, restoration, and education in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Eligible expenses include materials, transportation, and program fees. Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the environment and align with the foundation's priorities, including environmental justice and youth engagement.

The AgEnhancement Grant, awarded by Farm Credit East and CoBank, provides funding between $500 to $10,000 annually to support projects that enhance agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in the Northeast. Since 1996, over $3.5 million has been distributed to various organizations. The program seeks initiatives that promote diversity and provide opportunities for all-sized farms, ensuring long-term benefits to the community and industry.

The New Alliance Foundation's Emerging Grant Program supports early-stage nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing local needs in Connecticut. By providing one-year grants, the program aims to help these organizations build capacity, test innovative ideas, and foster community impact. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission of advancing literacy and dismantling systemic inequities. This program empowers nonprofits to grow and create lasting change in their communities.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and administers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services in the areas of mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention and treatment throughout Connecticut.

While the Department's prevention services serve all Connecticut citizens, its mandate is to serve adults (over 18 years of age) with psychiatric or substance use disorders, or both, who lack the financial means to obtain such services on their own. DMHAS also provides collaborative programs for individuals with special needs, such as persons with HIV/AIDS infection, people in the criminal justice system, those with problem gambling disorders, substance abusing pregnant women, persons with traumatic brain injury or hearing impairment, those with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness, and special populations transitioning out of the Department of Children and Families.

Building Resilient Youth and Communities with Prevention (BRYCWP)

RFP Purpose

DMHAS seeks to fund up to ten (10) eligible proposers to implement evidence-based prevention strategies aimed at reducing underage drinking / alcohol use and an optional second prevention priority among youth ages 12-20 in communities. Funded organizations will be required to apply the SPF to guide their work, with a focus on reducing risk factors, strengthening protective factors, and achieving sustainable, community-level impact.

Contracts may be awarded for a term of up to five (5) years, and applicants must demonstrate the capacity to lead local prevention coalitions, implement effective strategies, and evaluate outcomes using measurable indicators.

The Anne S. Richardson Fund Grants offer support for charitable purposes, focusing on organizations in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Funding priorities include initiatives that assist lower-income individuals, promote women's independence, support the LGBTQ+ community, foster youth development, and encourage environmental conservation. This fund, established in the mid-1960s, aims to enhance community wellbeing and is available to public charities classified under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS.

Cox Charities Northeast offers community grants ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 annually to support nonprofit organizations focused on STEAM education. Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in youth programming across Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The grants prioritize innovative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and sustainability initiatives, encouraging applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cox East serviceable footprint.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, by funding organizations and projects in key focus areas such as basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and youth services. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies that demonstrate a positive impact. BCF prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and community joy, while fostering collaboration and capacity building among local organizations.

The Bruce N. Griffing Trust Grant supports organizations serving youth in Derby and Shelton, Connecticut. Established in the 1930s, the trust honors Mr. Griffing's legacy of helping children. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while the trust does not typically fund general operating support or fundraising events. Preference is given to projects focused on early childhood development, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.

The Connecticut Community Foundation's Women's Fund Grant aims to empower girls and young women by fostering self-esteem, resilience, and advocacy through targeted programs. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Fund emphasizes collaboration among organizations to create inclusive environments, meaningful youth involvement, and positive role models. Funding projects may include planning grants for feasibility studies and core operational support for nonprofits. The initiative seeks to address low self-esteem among pre-teen and teenage girls in its 21-town service area.

The EPOC Grant Program provides funding to non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, as well as community-based organizations, for local projects that enhance the environment. Eligible projects include property clean-ups, reforestation, biodiversity initiatives, and environmental education efforts aimed at youth. Applications will be evaluated based on the environmental benefits they propose, with a focus on improving Connecticut's ecosystems.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 as a Section 501(c)(3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million dollar donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has awarded over $8.1 million in grants to non-profit organizations in the Bank’s Connecticut and Rhode Island market areas.The Foundation’s mission is to support the ongoing commitment in partnership to the long-term growth of our community. Along with Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation is committed to belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring an ongoing sense of belonging for all, today and in the future.

The Chelsea Groton Foundation, established in 1998, has awarded over $6.79 million in grants to nonprofits in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Committed to community growth, equity, and inclusion, the Foundation will implement updated grant procedures starting January 2025. Organizations must ensure prior grants are fully expended before applying for new funding, with a maximum grant request set at $10,000 to support more community partners effectively.

The George H.C. Ensworth Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable organizations in Glastonbury, Connecticut, focusing on health, human services, youth services, education, and the arts. Established in 1949, it provides one-year grants to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charities. Notably, it does not fund capital projects or grant requests from individuals, and organizations cannot receive funding for more than three consecutive years. Submission details can be found in the provided guidelines.

The Building Equitable Opportunity Grant by the Connecticut Community Foundation aims to address systemic disparities affecting low-income communities in Waterbury. By combining various grant areas, the initiative focuses on creating equitable pathways to economic mobility through education, advocacy, and job development. The program targets BIPOC families and emphasizes culturally responsive education, community collaboration, and support for underserved populations, fostering long-term economic resilience and systemic change.

Liberty Bank is committed to enhancing community engagement through its Corporate and Branch Sponsorships, supporting a variety of non-profit organizations and events. With a focus on cultural, educational, and health services, Liberty Bank contributes to initiatives within Connecticut and Greater Springfield, Massachusetts. Sponsorship opportunities include fundraisers, concerts, and sporting events, fostering long-lasting community ties. By investing in local programs, Liberty Bank aims to make a meaningful impact and support the causes that matter most to its communities.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. They focus on funding programs that enhance affordable housing, economic development, youth services, health, arts, and environmental initiatives. Multi-year grants may support capital projects and campaigns that directly benefit local communities. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in the areas they serve.

About NASA CTSGC

NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) is a federally mandated grant, internship, and scholarship program that is funded as a part of NASA Education. There are Space Grant Consortia in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. NASA CTSGC, in an effort to encourage broader participation in NASA research programs, was formed in 1991 by the following post-secondary education institutions: Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and University of New Haven with the University of Hartford as the lead institution.

The CTSGC Purpose

• Inspire the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially within groups who have traditionally been underrepresented within the STEM disciplines
• Be the model for STEM-based professional development
• Contribute to the development of Connecticut’s economy and STEM pipeline
• Provide an environment in which all stakeholders understand and contribute to the Consortium’s mission.

Funding Opportunities for Informal Education Organizations

NASA CTSGC offers funding to museums and other informal education settings to support activities that are focused on aeronautics and aerospace and/or STEM-related activities.

Examples of Possible Fundable Projects

• Presentations at local K-12 schools on the topics of aeronautics/ aerospace and/or STEM
• Create a curriculum/an exhibit focused on NASA initiatives/activities
• Funds to develop an after-school/weekend program for youth focused on STEM