Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Community organizations, schools, and public agencies in Connecticut working on civic engagement can receive up to US $1,000 to deepen understanding and participation in civic life. Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut provides these mini-grants for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and partners serving 42 communities in Eastern Connecticut, including New London, Tolland, and Windham counties.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Municipalities, nonprofits, community housing development organizations, for-profit developers, and individuals in Connecticut can obtain loans or grants for affordable housing rehabilitation, new construction, demolition, homeownership, rental housing, and related activities. Grants from Connecticut Department of Housing help expand nonprofit housing development capacity and support services like relocation, pre-development loans, operating expenses for CHDOs, and homebuyer education.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Connecticut can apply for support to expand services and outreach. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to request funding for food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Connecticut nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and other agriculture-focused groups can seek funding to strengthen farming and food systems through social science research and education projects. Grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education support community-based initiatives in areas like marketing, crop and livestock production, aquaculture, climate and bioenergy, and economic, social, and ecological sustainability, with awards from US $50,000 - US $250,000.

Rural public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Connecticut facing drinking water emergencies can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, offering up to US $1,000,000 for water source, treatment, or transmission projects. This funding can help Connecticut nonprofits restore or protect safe, reliable community water systems.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Connecticut can receive funding for water and waste infrastructure projects, including drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs such as legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, permits, start-up operations, and necessary equipment.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut offering educational, human services, or health care programs for underserved residents may be eligible for this one-year grant. With a mission to relieve human distress and suffering, the Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund prioritizes organizations serving Middletown and the wider Middlesex County community.

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) public charities, public schools, and libraries can access funding through the Lawrence Foundation for environmental, human services, disaster relief, and related programs. U.S.-headquartered organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted support for general operating or project expenses within the foundation’s stated areas of interest.

Early-stage, community-focused nonprofits in Connecticut can receive one-year capacity-building support to test ideas and strengthen operations through the Emerging Grant Program. New Alliance Foundation provides Connecticut nonprofit growth and development efforts with smaller grants via fiscal sponsors, prioritizing work in literacy, education, community development, health and human services, arts, and racial and economic equity within its service area.

Connecticut nonprofit arts organizations seeking flexible support for programming, operations, or equipment can apply for this endowment-based funding, including general operating expenses. Focused on arts and culture, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development invites Connecticut groups that have raised over $15,000 in private donations for two consecutive years to seek awards up to US $1,000,000.

Nonprofits, municipalities, state departments, and tribal governments in Connecticut can receive funding for planning, building, maintaining, and improving recreational trails, including accessibility and safety education. With a mission to support trail projects, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection provides grants up to US $1,000,000, covering up to 80% of project costs with a 20% match.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit organizations running summer camp or out-of-school programs for underserved children in Connecticut can seek support for traditional camp experiences through the Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Grant. Fry Memorial Trust, administered by Bank of America, prioritizes programs that take urban youth from Fairfield, Hartford, New York, and Westchester counties into natural environments.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Connecticut and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians funding; awards up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition. Grants can also cover project development, stewardship, community engagement, and related operational costs.

Connecticut nonprofits running local environmental projects can receive up to US $2,000 to support initiatives with clear environmental benefits, from clean-ups to education. The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals funds projects across Connecticut that improve the environment and encourage leadership and development among women in environmental professions.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth STEAM education programs can access funding through Cox Communications via the Cox Charities Community Grant Program. Grants from US $5,000 - US $12,000 support innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math initiatives, as well as conservation, sustainability, and inclusion projects within Cox’s Connecticut service areas.

Connecticut nonprofits, public transit operators, and government authorities can obtain funding to improve transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including capital and nontraditional mobility projects. Connecticut disability and senior service providers can access funding through Connecticut Department of Transportation for accessible vehicles, mobility management, travel vouchers, and volunteer driver or demand-response operating support statewide.

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.

Rural public entities, nonprofit corporations, higher education institutions, tribes, and eligible cooperatives in Connecticut can access funding to support small and emerging rural businesses, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $500,000. Grants from USDA: Rural Development support technical assistance, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and broader community and technology-based economic development projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Danbury, Connecticut running community music programs can receive up to US $40,000 to support resident participation in music performance. Donald N. Tweedy Trust provides Connecticut nonprofits with funding specifically for organizations where Danbury residents actively study, perform, and engage in music-focused activities.

Nonprofit organizations presenting public musical performances in New Britain, Connecticut can apply for one-year support from the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Charles Parker Trust for Public Music Fund. Funding helps provide quality music to the public at low or no admission cost, benefiting Connecticut audiences and expanding arts access.