Responsive Program Support Grants

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation offer Program Grants to support programming that serves the 20-town region under their shared purview. This opportunity is specifically designed for multi-regional or statewide nonprofit organizations whose local engagement represents less than 75% of their total service population. The grant supports specific programming activities that take place within the Community Foundations’ service area. The Program Grants are available for either one, two, or three-year terms, offering flexibility depending on the project scope and needs. To be eligible, applicants must have an active presence in the region and meet several foundational requirements. These include having a published profile on giveGreater.org®, an operating budget of at least $100,000, and a minimum of three years of active programming history. Fiscal sponsorships are permitted if accompanied by a local Advisory Board or Board of Directors. Additionally, organizations with active Responsive grants extending beyond December 31, 2025, are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate their tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or an equivalent statute. While local nonprofits are prioritized, grants may be extended to government agencies and community groups with appropriate fiscal sponsors. However, all applicants must comply with non-discrimination laws and ensure inclusive practices across operations. Individuals are not eligible, with the exception of specific leadership and scholarship programs run by the foundation. Applications for the 2025 cycle are now closed, with the giveGreater.org® profile submission deadline having passed on March 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. All applicants must be current on any previous grant reporting obligations to be considered. Required documentation includes the giveGreater.org® Profile Checklist, and guidance materials such as “How to Develop Outcomes” and the foundation’s Guiding Principles for Nonprofits are available to support preparation. Ineligible uses include faith-based activity promotion, endowment drives, retroactive funding, deficit coverage, and organizations without a localized advisory structure. Certain sports or booster groups without academic or social programming are also excluded. For assistance or inquiries, applicants were directed to contact Sandra Arburr, Grants and Nonprofit Support Manager, by phone or email.