The Small Grants Program offered by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations within the Foundation's twenty-town service area. The program aims to bolster local nonprofits by offering flexible funding options that address project support, capacity building, or general operating support. It is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to strengthen the nonprofit sector, promote equity and opportunity, and serve the local community through targeted philanthropy and capacity-building investments.
Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or operate under a fiscal agent with qualifying status. Organizations must also have an annual operating budget of $2 million or less and be actively serving communities within the Foundation’s service area. Importantly, organizations cannot apply if they currently hold a Responsive Grant that concludes after December 31, 2025, or if they have received a Small Grant within the past two calendar years. Applicants who have received past funding must also be up to date with all reporting requirements.
The program offers grants up to $15,000, with specific amounts based on the organization’s budget size. Nonprofits with a budget under $40,000 are eligible for grants up to $5,000, along with potential capacity-building support. Those with budgets of $40,000 or more may request up to $15,000. Funding can be used for distinct project support, capacity building activities such as strategic planning or board development, or general operating support to enable greater organizational flexibility. However, regional and statewide organizations are not eligible for general operating support through this program.
The Small Grants Program operates in two cycles annually. The first round opens January 6 and closes March 17 at 5:00 p.m., while the second round opens August 1. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and reviews take approximately 8 to 10 weeks. The second round remains open until all funds are allocated, emphasizing the need for timely submission.
Applications are submitted by contacting the Foundation's Grants Manager, Logan Roddy, via email. Interested applicants should include their name, organization, budget size, and funding request in the initial email. Logan Roddy can be reached at 203-777-7084. Organizations are encouraged to apply early due to the rolling review process and the limited pool of available funds.
This program is an accessible funding mechanism aimed at helping local nonprofits grow their capacity, maintain operational stability, or launch new projects. By targeting smaller organizations within Greater New Haven, the Foundation ensures that its philanthropic resources reach grassroots efforts and community-based initiatives.
