Strengthening Nonprofits Grant

The Strengthening Nonprofits grant, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, is designed to support nonprofit organizations in building their operational resilience. Recognizing the increasing demand for nonprofit services, this grant seeks to enhance organizational infrastructure by funding key capacity-building initiatives. The grant prioritizes investments in leadership development, financial management, technology, fundraising, and communications, all of which contribute to greater efficiency, improved program delivery, and overall impact. The funding is intended to help nonprofits become more adaptable and sustainable in their efforts to serve their communities. The primary purpose of the grant is to empower nonprofits to seek organizational development assistance that aligns with their unique needs. It emphasizes culturally competent and culturally responsive strategies, ensuring that resources benefit a broad range of organizations, particularly those addressing disparities within Connecticut communities. The program is also committed to rejecting traditional “readiness” models that have historically contributed to inequities in the nonprofit sector. Instead, the grant prioritizes smaller organizations that meet the eligibility criteria. The grant awards range from $5,000 to $10,000 and support a variety of initiatives. These include training and professional development for nonprofit staff and board members, one-on-one coaching with industry experts, strategic planning, financial management system improvements, program evaluation, fundraising efforts, and communication enhancements. Additionally, the grant supports efforts to increase inclusive representation of Black and Brown individuals in leadership roles within nonprofit organizations. However, funding does not cover staffing costs or multi-year requests. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed project will contribute to the organization’s long-term health and its impact on the community. Proposals should include a detailed plan with identified resources and consultants that align with the organization’s mission and culture. Statewide organizations must explain how their work benefits the specific service area covered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, and funding requests should be proportionate to the work conducted within the region. Preference is given to applications that focus on a single priority rather than multiple capacity-building components. Nonprofits are encouraged to reach out for an initial discussion about the grant, especially if they are first-time applicants. The Strengthening Nonprofits grant is available on an annual basis, with only one application round per year. Prospective applicants should prepare their proposals in advance, particularly by obtaining cost estimates from consultants or trainers, to provide the grant committee with a clear sense of anticipated expenses. For further information or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact Patrick McKenna, Senior Program Officer, via email at pmckenna@conncf.org or by phone at 203-753-1315, extension 118.