Basic Needs Fund Grant Program

The Basic Needs Fund Grant Program, administered by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, provides targeted financial support to nonprofit organizations addressing fundamental material needs among vulnerable populations in the Greater New Haven region. Established in April 2020 with initial support from the Seedlings Foundation, the fund aims to ensure that all residents in the region have access to essential resources such as food, shelter, clothing, and hygiene items, while also preserving individual dignity and promoting well-being. In the 2025 cycle, up to $310,000 in total grant funding is available. Individual grants of up to $10,000 may be awarded to eligible organizations. The application window closes at 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified of funding decisions during the week of November 25, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online portal. To be eligible, applicants must be organizations providing direct material support in at least one of the following areas: food security, shelter and housing stability (which may include eviction support, energy assistance, or provision of essential household items), and clothing and hygiene. Applicants must operate within one or more of the following six towns: New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, East Haven, Ansonia, or Derby. Priority consideration will be given to those that serve historically underserved communities and reduce barriers to accessing essential services. Additionally, applicants must have an annual operating budget of under $2 million. Unlike some narrowly scoped grant programs, the Basic Needs Fund allows funding to be used for not only direct material support but also staffing, infrastructure, and administrative costs that are necessary for effective service delivery. This flexibility is intended to strengthen organizational capacity while ensuring responsive service provision to those most in need. The grantmaking process is overseen by an advisory committee composed of representatives from donors, cooperating funders, and basic needs service providers. This participatory structure helps ensure that the fund's decision-making remains rooted in community realities and guided by principles of dignity, equity, and collective impact. Since inception, the fund has awarded over $1 million in grants across numerous organizations serving the Greater New Haven area. Prospective applicants with questions or in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Hannah Elias, Program and Evaluation Manager at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, via email. Additional information on fund governance, past recipients, and guiding principles is available on the foundation’s website.

Priority to organizations working in underserved areas and with under $2 million annual budget.