Best Grants for Charter Schools in Connecticut

Connecticut K–12 charter schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual or performing arts into education can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust. Grants up to US $25,000 support arts-based programs that revitalize curricula, motivate students, empower educators, and address inequities in education through evidence-based instruction and strong community partnerships.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) education and K–12 organizations can seek project support for programs in human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality. With a mission to strengthen communities, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation provides grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 to nonprofits in its Connecticut service area, including charter schools and related educational initiatives.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits, K–12 schools, colleges, universities, and public libraries offering comprehensive family literacy—adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time—may receive up to US $10,000 for programming within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports K–12 education and literacy efforts that can benefit charter schools meeting these criteria.

Connecticut education and child welfare organizations can apply for Elizabeth Carse Foundation grants of up to US $10,000 for one-year projects, excluding general operating or capital needs. Charter schools and related K–12 programs that support teacher training or help children achieve better standards of living may be especially competitive, though funding is limited to three consecutive years.

Connecticut K–12 schools, charter schools, child care providers, and organizations developing farm to school programs can access funding through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to build long-term farm to school capacity. Microgrants up to US $5,000 support projects that increase local foods in child nutrition programs and provide hands-on agricultural and nutrition education.

K-12 educators in Connecticut seeking support for STEM, aerospace, or aeronautics programming can use this grant to fund classroom or school-wide projects and activities. With a mission to inspire STEM careers, NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium provides funding for presentations by experts, design contests, robotics teams, and similar enrichment initiatives that charter schools may implement.

K–12 educators in Connecticut seeking support to attend STEM professional development programs can apply for scholarships that cover registration or related expenses. Offered by NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, this opportunity may benefit charter school teachers focused on K–12 education, space science, aerospace engineering, or broader STEM/STEAM instruction and teacher training.

Connecticut schools, school districts, childcare centers and homes, and education-focused organizations can obtain funding to develop or expand farm-to-school programs in Connecticut, supporting K–12 nutrition and agricultural education. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s CT Grown for CT Kids Grant offers up to US $50,000 for projects that increase local food in child nutrition programs and provide hands-on learning.

Charter schools and K–12 education nonprofits in Connecticut seeking support for student preparation, academic success, and college or career readiness can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help organizations advance K–12 education, financial literacy, and workforce preparation within its Connecticut service area.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

Charter school educators and K–12 professionals in Connecticut supporting girls’ and women’s sports can apply for the National Girls and Women in Sports Legacy Award, which provides US $1,000 for projects like research, after-school programs, or leadership development. Society of Health and Physical Educators awards this annually to current SHAPE America members nationwide.

Charter schools and K–12 education nonprofits in Connecticut working on youth education, workforce development, or basic needs may be eligible for this community grant supporting programs that build stability and growth. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help organizations nationwide, with primary focus areas including education-based learning, workforce readiness, and food security and housing stability.

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund provides Connecticut K–12 music education programs and other youth-serving groups with support to help people age 21 and younger experience and learn to play bluegrass. Administered by the IBMA Foundation, funding may assist school-based or extracurricular bluegrass education initiatives for children and teens.

Connecticut higher-education faculty who mentor future K–12 educators can access recognition through the Mentor of the Year Award, honoring exemplary professional role models and advisors. Society of Health and Physical Educators highlights faculty who involve students in service, research, and professional organizations, and who actively support student clubs and honorary projects in education and athletics.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund to enhance year-round, direct-service programming. With a mission to support educational and charitable purposes, this private fund primarily serves select regions including Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Washington DC, and West Virginia.

The Local President Release Grant, offered by the National Education Association, aims to support local associations by providing financial assistance for the release of local presidents. This program facilitates critical leadership work, professional development, and member engagement within the community. Eligible local associations, including those offering part-time release, can apply to enhance their capacity without compromising existing programs. The initiative ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of local associations in achieving NEA's strategic priorities.

K–12 educators seeking agricultural literacy materials in Connecticut can use this grant to purchase classroom resources from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture store. With a mission to educate students about agriculture, American Farm Bureau provides US $100 in store credit to 100 selected teachers, which must be used on AFBFA resource items.

Connecticut K–12 schools, districts, and education partners can seek funding to develop innovative STEM and biomedical science education projects for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students and teachers. Charter schools may be eligible for classroom or informal science education initiatives, including after-school programs and activities that build quantitative and computational skills, through the NIH Science Education Partnership Award program.

Connecticut K–12 education programs focused on agricultural literacy can access funding through the American Farm Bureau Federation’s White-Reinhardt Grant, which offers up to US $1,000 for reusable educational resources. State and county Farm Bureaus apply competitively, so charter schools may participate by partnering with their local Farm Bureau to start or expand ag-literacy initiatives.

K-12 teachers and educators in Connecticut can seek up to US $2,500 to run insect-focused science projects and classroom programs. The Entomological Society of America supports hands-on entomology education through the Chrysalis Fund, covering project-related costs like supplies, guest speakers, and educational materials for charter and other K-12 schools.

Full-time preK–12 classroom teachers planning individualized professional learning experiences can receive fellowship funding for teacher development and training, including those at charter schools in Connecticut. With a mission to strengthen K–12 education, Fund For Teachers provides U.S. educators with support to design fellowships that deepen their practice and ultimately improve student achievement.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The NCUEA-NEA Urban Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, aim to enhance membership growth through focused organizing proposals. These grants specifically support initiatives that promote density growth, bargaining readiness, and the development of new units. By prioritizing these areas, the program seeks to strengthen collective action and empower educators in their bargaining efforts.

The National Education Association's Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy Department offers grants to support affiliates in creating student-centered initiatives through collective bargaining and advocacy. These grants aim to unite educators with communities, enhance transparency in negotiations, and advocate for students' rights, focusing on improving education funding, working conditions, and student outcomes. Affiliates can apply for funding to develop strategies that foster collaboration and promote positive learning environments.