The Connecticut Community Foundation offers funding through its Women’s Fund and the Lois Livingston McMillen Memorial Fund to support initiatives that benefit women and girls in a 21-town region of Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. The Women’s Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations that promote advocacy, skill development, and resilience among girls and young women. The Lois Livingston McMillen Memorial Fund focuses on supporting agencies that assist women and children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse, prioritizing direct services that address immediate crises and provide emotional support.
The Women’s Fund was established to foster self-esteem, self-respect, and resilience among young women in the region. It supports programs that create inclusive and welcoming environments, increase participation from underrepresented populations, and involve youth in program planning and implementation. Funded projects should contribute to positive youth development, incorporate the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets framework, and have well-defined goals and tracking systems. Collaborative efforts between multiple organizations are encouraged, as are planning grants for feasibility studies, partnership building, and project development.
The Lois Livingston McMillen Memorial Fund was created by Lois Livingston McMillen’s parents in honor of her dedication to helping victims of domestic violence and abuse. This fund awards grants to organizations providing vital services, with an emphasis on programs that promote self-confidence, dignity, and personal advancement for survivors of social, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. The funding is intended to support direct services that offer immediate crisis intervention and long-term emotional support.
Both funds accept proposals once per year, and priority is given to programs that demonstrate strong impact, clear objectives, and measurable outcomes. Grant applications must outline project goals, target populations, and implementation plans. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that serve women and girls in the Connecticut Community Foundation’s service area.
Evaluation criteria for the Women’s Fund include the extent to which programs promote inclusivity, positive youth development, and measurable personal growth among participants. The McMillen Fund prioritizes programs that provide immediate crisis assistance and ongoing support to victims of domestic violence. Successful applicants will be those that clearly articulate their approach to addressing these critical needs.
Applicants should review past grant recipients for reference and prepare proposals that align with the Foundation’s priorities. More information on the application process can be obtained from Wanda Y. Correa, Vice President of Community Impact, at wcorrea@conncf.org or 203-753-1315, x 114.
