Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Connecticut

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary grants from Costco Foundation; awards fund programmatic needs rather than capital or equipment. Dance organizations with youth education or child-focused community programs may be eligible if they meet these priorities and other funding guidelines.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children’s health, education, development, or welfare can apply for up to US $15,000 to support youth-focused programs, services, or enrichment. Focused on child welfare and development, the Dan Paul Foundation invites Connecticut dance and arts organizations with youth programming to seek support when their projects align with these priorities.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in Connecticut tackling urgent social or environmental problems can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable, systems-based solutions. Dance and arts organizations serving underserved communities may be eligible if they operate in priority geographies and demonstrate measurable impact and growth potential.

Connecticut nonprofit and NGO programs using technology to tackle education access, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience for predominantly underserved communities can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Dance organizations may be eligible if their tech-enabled initiatives advance these social impact areas rather than general arts programming.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S., including Connecticut, can seek funding for safety, community development, and education initiatives from State Farm Companies Foundation. Dance organizations with programs in areas like K–12 academic performance, STEM, or community revitalization may be eligible through its Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts and science programming, especially those engaging youth and demonstrating lasting impact, can seek major support for program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funding may benefit Connecticut dance and ballet organizations focused on arts education, artist development, or STEAM-related initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for more than US $100,000 to support social service programs promoting economic independence and family stability. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help large, well-established groups, including those in Connecticut, with program, capital, or general operating support that tackles chronic poverty at scale.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Nonprofit charities in Connecticut can seek support for humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts and culture projects that promote sustainable development and community benefit. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities engage local partners and employees in high-quality programs, which may include dance or other cultural activities, through its global Corporate Donations and Philanthropy initiative.

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.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs conducted in the U.S. Dance and ballet nonprofits that qualify as tax-exempt charities may be eligible if their initiatives advance general welfare and serve broad populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting arts and culture, education, children, animals, the environment, or humanitarian causes, including those in Connecticut, can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Smaller organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% may be especially well positioned to seek support for dance-related programming.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships that aid key service and financial goals. Focused on community involvement, Insperity invites organizations connected to its employees, client base, or local communities to request once-yearly financial, volunteer, or in-kind assistance.

Connecticut dance and arts nonprofits can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support 501(c)(3) charitable programs in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding. Organizations whose dance initiatives intersect with community engagement, environmental themes, or social harmony may be competitive for this nationally focused opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX location can apply for TJX Foundation grants to support basic needs, youth education and enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Connecticut dance nonprofits that also provide these services for vulnerable children and families may be eligible to submit a letter of inquiry.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work can access funding through Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Program and general operating requests are eligible, and dance organizations that fit these priorities may be considered alongside applicants nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut seeking support for arts, education, health, environmental, or community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their work. With a mission to help impactful organizations, Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with flexible project or program funding that may benefit dance-focused organizations and related cultural initiatives.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting dance and other performing arts can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ New England States Touring (NEST) grants, offering up to US $15,000 toward artist fees. Funding supports public performances, readings, or screenings with meaningful community engagement and multi-site tours across New England.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants, which may benefit Connecticut dance organizations offering arts education or access. Funding supports programs that show measurable outcomes, financial stability, and, especially, strong volunteer engagement from Ameriprise employees and financial advisors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic or cultural, or environmental projects can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help arts and community organizations, including dance nonprofits, fund one-year projects rather than general operating support.

Connecticut arts and culture nonprofits and municipal entities in Connecticut can receive funding for creative programs that expand access to culturally responsive, participatory arts, especially those led by BIPOC artists. Connecticut Community Foundation supports inclusive dance and other arts initiatives, youth involvement, artist development, and community-building projects, with preference for work in its 21-town service area.

Connecticut dance and arts nonprofits working with youth on democracy-focused projects can access funding through Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, with awards of US $500 - US $2,000. Eligible applicants include public libraries, schools, civic groups, and youth-serving organizations in its 42-town region, including projects using dance, theater, music, or other arts to build civic understanding.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including Connecticut, with strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for recognition and support from Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. Focused on impactful, replicable collaborations, this national competition honors six partnerships each year, which may include dance or ballet nonprofits working with public, private, or social sector partners.