Basic Needs Fund

The Basic Needs Fund Grant Program is administered by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, an established philanthropic organization that supports community-serving initiatives in the Greater New Haven area. Since its founding, the Foundation has focused on strengthening nonprofits, building endowments, and advancing equity and opportunity. The Basic Needs Fund itself was launched in April 2020 as an endowment to provide both immediate and long-term resources for meeting essential human needs. The fund reflects the Foundation’s broader mission of ensuring that residents have access to the basic materials necessary for daily life and wellbeing. The primary objective of the Basic Needs Fund Grant Program is to provide targeted financial support to organizations addressing material hardships in key areas such as food insecurity, shelter and housing stability, and clothing and hygiene. These grants are designed to assist agencies that are on the front lines of providing critical, tangible support to community members who face systemic barriers and limited access to essential resources. By prioritizing funding in these areas, the Foundation aims to improve quality of life and stabilize vulnerable households in the region. Each grant award under the Basic Needs Fund program may total up to $10,000. This ceiling applies per grantee and is intended to support a wide array of material support services. Eligible uses of the funds include, but are not limited to, initiatives that increase access to food, help with eviction prevention and emergency shelter, provide household and energy assistance, and meet hygiene-related needs through the distribution of items such as clothing and toiletries. The Fund does not list restrictions on specific expenditures, suggesting flexibility within the eligible categories. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations with an annual operating budget under $2 million that provide services in one or more of the following Connecticut municipalities: New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, East Haven, Ansonia, or Derby. Within these regions, preference is given to organizations that reach into neighborhoods that are traditionally underserved or face significant resource barriers. While the criteria outlined are specific to the 2024 cycle, applicants are advised that they may change in 2025. The application window for the 2025 cycle opens on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and closes on Monday, October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. All applications must be submitted within this time frame. Applicants will be notified of award decisions during the week of November 18, 2025. There are no intermediate deadlines such as letters of intent or preliminary proposals noted for this opportunity. The grant is not offered on a rolling basis but appears to be offered annually, as past awards are referenced and updated guidance is promised for future cycles. Prospective applicants with questions or those requiring support during the application process are encouraged to contact Hannah Elias, Program and Evaluation Manager at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. She can be reached via email or phone at 203-777-2386. The Foundation’s office is located at 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT 06510. Updates, governance details, and a list of past grantees are available through the Foundation's website, offering additional context and transparency regarding the use and oversight of the Basic Needs Fund.