The Herbst Fund for Eye Research is administered by the Connecticut Community Foundation and is funded through the Earl and Shirley Herbst Eye Research Fund. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, particularly across the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills regions of Connecticut. This fund specifically supports initiatives that advance knowledge and awareness of eye health and eye disease.
The grants provided through the Herbst Fund for Eye Research are aimed at three core areas. First, they promote community health education focused on eye diseases. Second, they support research institutions conducting studies in ophthalmology, with preference given to those located in Connecticut. Third, the fund supports the education and training of medical professionals involved in eye disease research, again prioritizing those based in Connecticut. These objectives reflect a commitment both to local impact and to the advancement of scientific understanding in the field of eye health.
Eligible applicants include research institutions, community education initiatives, and training programs focused on eye health. While there are no strict geographical restrictions, applicants based in Connecticut are preferred. The grants are open to a broad range of organizations involved in these activities, provided their proposals align with the fund’s stated goals.
Applications for the Herbst Fund are accepted twice per year, with upcoming deadlines on February 20 and October 15, 2025. Applicants must use the General Grant Application provided by the Connecticut Community Foundation. There is no mention of a required pre-application or letter of intent, and no indication that the grant is offered on a rolling basis.
Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Francesca Evangelista, Program Officer, for additional guidance. She can be contacted at fevangelista@conncf.org or by phone at 203-753-1315, extension 106. Detailed information about past grantees is also available through the foundation’s website, which may provide helpful context for applicants.
The grantmaking process appears structured and competitive, with a strong emphasis on advancing both community impact and scientific research within the ophthalmic field. The foundation provides transparency through regular updates on awarded grants and maintains a clear timeline for submissions.
