Best Grants for Museums in Connecticut

The Bulkley Foundation Grant offers support for charitable organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut, with a focus on those serving Norwalk. Eligible areas include animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health and medical research, human and social services, and religious initiatives. This grant aims to enhance community welfare and promote various programs that benefit local residents.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Elizabeth Long Anderson Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who plan to matriculate at a Connecticut State College or University or a Connecticut State Community College. Previously awarded recipients are eligible to re-apply should they continue to attend a Connecticut State College or University or a Connecticut State Community College.

The WCGMF Director’s Discretionary Fund Grant offers financial support of up to $10,000 for community projects that promote equity in education, combat racism and poverty, and are initiated by communities of color. This fund is ideal for organizations that do not qualify for the Equity Grants Program, enabling them to pursue impactful initiatives that align with the mission of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.

The WCGMF Rapid Response Grants are designed to support organizations and individuals in Connecticut who confront systemic oppression through community-building and education. These grants aim to foster healing and inclusion while opposing hatred and divisiveness. Funding will be allocated swiftly to aid local groups in their advocacy efforts, ensuring timely support for critical initiatives that promote equity and well-being.

The Northwest Community Bank Foundation supports non-profits that enhance community life through grants focused on education, housing, basic human services, and community impact. Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) entities aligned with the Foundation's mission, serving areas across Connecticut. With an average grant size of $3,500 and a cap of $25,000 per year, the Foundation aims to foster economic success, empower youth, and provide essential services to those in need.

The Ludcke Foundation

Guidelines

To identify and support charitable endeavors that provide needed resources and services to children and families, with an emphasis on emotional and physical health, education, and social development.

The Foundation devotes its grants to the fields of education, health, and human services. The trustees have a special interest in programs that focus across two or three of the foundation’s areas of interest and in partnering with other donors with similar objectives to enable more ambitious projects.

Current Grantmaking Preferences

Job training for systems involved young people, job training for adults facing significant barriers, and limited support for innovative approaches to helping children in underserved New England communities overcome significant and often overlapping barriers to educational success.

Access to health programs for all ages, and behavioral health services for children and teens in underserved communities or otherwise facing significant barriers.

Homelessness prevention, housing assistance, food security, legal assistance, holistic family support, support for young people at risk, and support for victims of domestic violence.

The NCC Foundation: ESOL Award provides financial support for students enrolled in ESOL courses at CT State Norwalk. Eligible students can receive tuition for up to two main classes and a maximum of two books, promoting access to higher education. This award is specifically for Fairfield County residents who have been accepted into the ESOL program at the college and have not previously failed any courses, ensuring a focus on student success.

The NCC Foundation's DREAM Scholarship supports DACA and undocumented students from CT State Norwalk who wish to pursue their education at a four-year institution. With funding available for up to two years, this scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and active engagement with the Foundation. Awarded students must maintain enrollment, submit regular updates, and participate in mentoring, ensuring they receive support throughout their academic journey.

The NCC Foundation: Academic Year Scholarship offers vital tuition assistance for Fairfield County residents enrolled at CT State Community College Norwalk. This scholarship covers the entire academic year, including winter and summer classes, ensuring accessibility to education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80, complete between 12 to 64 credits, and be actively pursuing a degree or certificate program. This financial support fosters student success and enhances educational opportunities.

John Estrella Foundation: Helping Hand GrantThe John Estrella Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in memory of John Estrella.

Our funding supports a clinical protocol to acquire tumor samples from kidney cancer patients who have a kidney removed. These important samples are being used to identify factors that help predict which patients are likely to require additional therapy for their disease. With our continued funding, this protocol has been expanded to other major hospitals in the area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Purpose of the Grant: In addition to the ever-mounting cost of medicines and treatment, people with Kidney Cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, living expenses, home care, and childcare. The purpose of our grant is to provide support to individuals and their families experiencing financial burdens associated with a diagnosis of and treatment for Kidney Cancer.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

The Connecticut GI Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program offers two $2000 scholarships for students diagnosed with chronic gastrointestinal illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. Aimed at supporting higher education, this initiative recognizes the challenges faced by these students and encourages their academic pursuits. Eligible applicants must be Connecticut residents or enrolled in Connecticut post-secondary programs and must provide documentation and recommendations as part of the application process.

The Connecticut Health Foundation Program Grants support projects aimed at improving health equity for people of color. The foundation focuses on initiatives that influence health systems, funding innovative approaches that can lead to sustainable change. Eligible applicants include organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies. Grants typically exceed $25,000 and prioritize projects that address racial and ethnic health disparities, ensuring community voices are included in policy discussions.

The Connecticut Health Foundation President’s Discretionary Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for projects that aim to improve health equity and access within communities. This grant supports innovative approaches, research on sustainable funding, and efforts to elevate community voices in policy discussions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies. This rolling grant opportunity is ideal for time-sensitive projects that address systemic health disparities in Connecticut.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

Nuvance Health is committed to enhancing community well-being through strategic sponsorships. By partnering with nonprofit organizations, Nuvance Health promotes initiatives that align with its mission of providing exceptional healthcare. Eligible organizations must be not-for-profit, located near Nuvance Health facilities, and support the health system's goals. However, Nuvance Health does not sponsor individuals, political events, or groups lacking direct community benefit. This commitment reflects Nuvance's dedication to fostering health and wellness in the Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is a four-year renewable award aimed at high school seniors and first-time college freshmen who demonstrate exceptional innovation and creativity. Unlike traditional scholarships that prioritize academic achievement, this scholarship seeks to reward students who have solved problems creatively, whether in the arts, sciences, or community challenges. It encourages innovative thinkers from Connecticut or New York City to pursue their higher education goals.

Connecticut farms and agricultural cooperatives seeking to launch new products or expand operations in Connecticut can access matching funds for innovation and diversification projects. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture provides up to US $49,999 for farms with at least three years of production history, which may benefit museum-affiliated or educational farm programs focused on agriculture.

Connecticut farms and agricultural cooperatives can access funding to research new products, services, or markets through the Farm Transition Grant’s Research and Development category. Connecticut museums that operate farms or agricultural programs may be eligible if they meet the farming criteria. Grants from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture provide up to US $24,999 with a 40% match.

Connecticut farms and agricultural cooperatives can access matching funds to expand, diversify, or transition their operations in Connecticut. The Farm Transition Grant: Infrastructure Investment Grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture offers up to US $24,999 with a 50% match requirement for infrastructure projects supporting value-added and in-state agricultural production.

The CT Library Buildings and Construction Grant, offered by the CT State Library, supports public libraries in Connecticut by funding construction projects that expand usable space or enhance existing facilities. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Eligible projects include new buildings, renovations, and improvements for accessibility or compliance with safety codes. A minimum grant of $30,000 is available for projects totaling $60,000 or more, ensuring vital resources for local libraries.

New ERA Writers Program Goals

The New Era Writers Program aims to inspire those who seek to improve their current abilities or find a community with like-minded individuals and writers. We want to provide support and resources to writers and writing programs to help amplify their voices and improve their capabilities. Our Foundation believes that one of the most important life skills is the ability to be an effective writer and communicator. We support programs that will provide anyone with the knowledge and skills to express themselves through the art of writing and encourage higher levels of training designed to assist in delivering clear and persuasive arguments for change and equality. This program was designed to support writers as they pursue a career and love of writing.

Program Outline

The New Era program was created to encourage writing professionals, teachers, counselors, professors, and schools to start or continue programs supporting professional and creative writing career paths.

The program can support:

• Any writing genre: Journalism, Fiction, Poetry, Prose, Blogging, Novel, Autobiography, Book Reviews, Comic Strips, Diaries, Essays, Fables, etc.
• Programs can be Workshops, Writing Clubs, Curriculum Based Programs, After-school programs, Summer Programs, Retreats, etc.
• Program space that provides a safe and inspiring environment.
• Community Partnerships or On-Staff Writing Professionals or Teachers with Writing Degrees or who Minored in Writing or any Humanities, Liberal Arts or another degree that teaches or encourages writing.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship

The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are identified as: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. 

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

Visual-arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut and other eligible regions can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support exhibitions, publications, residencies, or community and museum-based arts education programs. The Wolf Kahn Foundation prioritizes projects that advance artists’ careers and promote social justice or environmental awareness through the arts, and may also provide aligned general operating support.