Connecticut grants for Nonprofits

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups with limited resources to launch new environmental projects or significantly shift existing ones, focusing on those that amplify diverse voices and address environmental justice issues.

The Town of Trumbull is allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding to support community-based organizations and nonprofits serving Trumbull residents. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating legally in Connecticut or community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor. Funds are aimed at addressing the COVID-19 public health and economic response, focusing on public health impacts and economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Applications are due by July 31, 2024, with funding decisions announced by August 31, 2024. Program funds are not to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance and must be used exclusively for projects, programs, and services within Trumbull. The maximum grant award is $20,000, and all funds must be expended by June 30, 2025. Indirect costs are limited to 15% of the total funding request. Funded organizations are required to submit mid-term and final reports detailing expenses and progress.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation, and Sylvamo, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.

This program provides funding for municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut to implement small-scale projects that improve community living for residents, particularly those aged 50 and older.

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Grant invites applications from public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the United States. The Foundation's core mission is to inspire philanthropy and community service, supporting organizations that address complex problems or assist people in need. This specific grant program aligns with their commitment by focusing on critical community support, particularly during the holiday season, by funding initiatives that provide meals to vulnerable individuals and families. The grants available range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a key funding constraint that requests over $25,000 will not be considered for this particular call. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and families in need within the New York City metropolitan area, specifically targeting those requiring meal assistance during Thanksgiving 2024. The impact goal is to alleviate food insecurity during this critical time by ensuring access to Thanksgiving meals. Eligible activities must occur on or around Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) and conclude by December 6, 2024, emphasizing immediate and direct relief. The program prioritizes organizations operating in New York City (five boroughs), Westchester County, NY, or Fairfield County, CT, ensuring geographic focus on communities served by the Foundation. The main focus of this grant is strictly on the purchase of foods related to Thanksgiving meals. This specificity highlights the Foundation's strategic priority to address immediate, tangible needs within communities. While the grant does not explicitly detail a "theory of change," its direct approach to funding meal provisions implies a straightforward theory: providing resources for food directly leads to reduced food insecurity and increased well-being for beneficiaries during a significant holiday. The Foundation also requires that it not be the sole funder, encouraging shared responsibility and broader community engagement in addressing these needs. Expected outcomes include a demonstrated impact on underserved communities through the provision of Thanksgiving meals. Measurable results would likely involve the number of individuals and families served, the quantity of meals provided, and the effective utilization of funds for food purchases. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with eligibility criteria, operational feasibility, documented impact on underserved communities, the financial health of the organization, and the appropriateness of activities in relation to the Foundation's mission. These evaluation criteria underscore the Foundation's strategic intent to support well-managed projects that deliver concrete, positive outcomes.

Under the broader Program Enhancement Projects for Adult Education, Section 225 targets corrections education and education for other institutionalized individuals in Connecticut. This initiative seeks to provide educational services to those likely to leave correctional institutions within five years, aiming to enhance their literacy, employment, and reintegration prospects. It emphasizes the importance of basic skills and literacy for effective societal participation. Funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the project promotes collaboration to meet the educational needs of this specific population, with a commitment to multi-year funding that spans from fiscal year 2025 to 2028. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

The Grow grant program, offered by the Grassroots Fund, is designed to support groups with existing project implementation experience in their communities. The program aligns with the Grassroots Fund's broad interpretation of "environment," funding a wide range of activities focused on local, grassroots work. The mission is to deepen community work by fostering vision development, increasing participation, identifying new stakeholders, and incorporating diverse voices and lived experiences into decision-making processes. Target beneficiaries for the Grow grant program are community-based, local initiatives, specifically those operating in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. The program emphasizes supporting groups that represent a broad range of community voices and are not currently being reached by other funders. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen community-led efforts and ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and reflective of various perspectives. The program prioritizes volunteer-driven groups or those with no more than two full-time paid staff (80 hours/week combined) and an approximate annual operating budget under $100,000. These priorities underscore the fund's strategic focus on supporting smaller, community-rooted organizations that may have limited access to other funding sources. The Grassroots Fund's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local groups to drive community development and foster more equitable and participatory processes. Expected outcomes include communities with further developed visions, reduced barriers to participation, engagement of new stakeholders, and increased integration of diverse voices and lived experiences in core decision-making. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond these outcomes, the emphasis on "deepening their work" and "bringing more voices" suggests qualitative and potentially quantitative shifts in community engagement and project effectiveness. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, providing crucial financial support to these initiatives. It's important to note that the fund does not support individuals, national or international work, lobbying, partisan political activity, land/building acquisition, studies without follow-up, publication of books/reports, micro/re-granting programs, or retroactive expenses. This clear outline of what is not supported further defines the strategic priorities of the Grassroots Fund, ensuring that grants are directed towards community-level, action-oriented initiatives that align with their mission of fostering grassroots environmental and social change.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is offering a competitive grant opportunity aimed at increasing local civic participation and supporting community-wide social change for the benefit of residents in Greater Hartford. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a more engaged and equitable community by empowering residents and community groups. The grant seeks to fund efforts that can enhance civic trust, raise awareness of social issues, and promote allyship with marginalized communities, contributing to the Foundation's strategic goal of strengthening civic infrastructure and promoting social justice. Target beneficiaries for this grant include residents of Greater Hartford, particularly those in marginalized or underrepresented communities. The program specifically encourages efforts that lead to increased resident leadership on racial/social justice issues and greater civic education and issue awareness. The impact goals are centered around fostering a more civically engaged populace, leading to improved community well-being and addressing systemic issues such as housing, education, healthcare, the concerns of returning citizens, and issues affecting LGBTQIA+ persons. The priorities and focuses of this grant opportunity are multifaceted. It supports local civic participation efforts through activities like community meetings, forums, workshops, informational outreach campaigns, and volunteerism projects. It also complements the Community Organizing RFP by specifically looking to support change efforts led by people of color and/or individuals representing traditionally marginalized communities. This dual focus ensures that both broad civic engagement and targeted support for specific communities are addressed. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in civic participation, heightened awareness of social justice issues, and stronger allyship with marginalized communities. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "potential to increase civic trust, increase social issue awareness and promote allyship" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate progress in these areas. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by empowering residents and community groups, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, lasting positive social change can be achieved, leading to a more inclusive and just Greater Hartford.

This program provides financial assistance to licensed child care providers in Connecticut for urgent repairs needed to ensure safe operations.

The Harold & Rebecca H. Gross Foundation is dedicated to supporting and promoting charitable organizations that primarily assist individuals with physical disabilities in adapting to their environments. This mission aligns directly with the grant program's focus on improving the lives of physically disabled people by fostering better adjustment to their surroundings. The foundation's strategic priority is to fund organizations that provide direct services, ensuring that grants have a tangible and immediate impact on the target beneficiary group. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are persons with physical disabilities. The primary impact goal is to enhance their ability to integrate and function within their environments. This is achieved by supporting programs under broad categories such as Education, Health, and Human Services. The foundation prioritizes organizations that offer direct services, ensuring that the funding directly benefits those in need rather than being allocated to administrative overhead. Expected outcomes include improved educational opportunities, better health outcomes, and enhanced access to human services for individuals with physical disabilities. Measurable results could include increased participation in educational programs, improved physical well-being as reported by beneficiaries, and a greater number of individuals receiving essential human services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by directly funding service-oriented organizations, it can create a positive and lasting impact on the independence and quality of life for physically disabled individuals. Grants from the Gross Foundation typically range from $10,000 to $60,000, with a duration of one year. While the listed size of the grant in the description is $10,000 to $100,000, the funding information specifies grants range from $10,000 to $60,000. This indicates a focused approach to funding that allows the foundation to support a significant number of impactful projects within its financial capacity. The grant deadline is 07/01/2024, emphasizing a structured timeline for applications and reviews.

Under the broader Program Enhancement Projects for Adult Education, Section 243 focuses on Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE). This program supports English language learners in improving their literacy and understanding of American civics, aiming for better integration, employment, and educational opportunities. Eligible providers are encouraged to propose projects that combine IELCE educational services with integrated education and training (IET), reflecting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s (WIOA) objectives. This funding opportunity, spanning fiscal years 2025 through 2028, promotes collaborations to fulfill the educational needs of English language learners in Connecticut. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Greater Hartford, Connecticut, to deliver essential emergency services and support for vulnerable residents facing basic needs like food security, medical aid, and financial assistance.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in select U.S. markets that focus on youth education, storytelling, and community engagement initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance urban forestry management through data collection and planning.

The Latino Endowment Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for initiatives that support the Latine community in the Greater Hartford area, focusing on housing equity, educational equity, and linguistic justice, with priority given to collaborative proposals from grassroots organizations serving Latino/a residents within the Foundation’s 29-town region.

This program provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations for hosting community events that promote cultural and recreational opportunities for residents of Avon, Connecticut.

The Program Enhancement Project for Adult Education, as part of the AEFLA Section 231 Comprehensive Adult Education Services, aims to expand and enhance educational programs for adults in Connecticut. With an emphasis on improving basic skills and literacy, the project facilitates effective participation in society and the workforce. It supports a variety of activities including adult literacy, workplace education, family literacy, and English language acquisition, among others. This initiative, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), encourages collaborations to avoid service duplication, address local needs, and ensure seamless educational transitions. The project is open for proposals from eligible agencies with the intent to award multi-year grants, ensuring sustained impact from fiscal year 2025 through 2028. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

The Thomaston Savings Bank Phase II Grant Program is an annual initiative by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc., designed to enhance the lives of community members in Litchfield County, Connecticut. The Foundation is deeply committed to addressing the human and material needs of the community, aligning its mission with a broader goal of improving the quality of life for its neighbors through dedicated grant programs and community outreach initiatives. This grant cycle specifically targets local nonprofit and government agencies that demonstrate significant local impact within the designated geographic areas. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies. Religious organizations may also be considered if their programming supports community needs and falls within the priority focus areas. The impact goals are centered on assisting organizations that address critical community needs within specific towns, aiming to foster positive change and improve overall well-being. The Foundation seeks to support initiatives that will have a tangible and meaningful effect on the lives of residents in these communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to ensure alignment with the Foundation's strategic objectives. These include Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education & Youth Services, Health & Human Services, and Public Safety. Grant applications are carefully considered based on how well an organization's mission or services align with these identified priority areas. The geographic areas of focus are Bethlehem, Harwinton, Plymouth/Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, and Watertown/Oakville, ensuring that the grants directly benefit the communities served by Thomaston Savings Bank. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the Foundation's strategic priorities imply an expectation of improved community well-being and enhanced quality of life within the supported towns. The theory of change suggests that by investing in organizations that address these critical focus areas, the Foundation will contribute to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. The program explicitly states what it generally does not invest in, such as individuals, endowment campaigns, lobbying, political activities, religious purposes, other foundations, and discriminatory organizations, which further refines its strategic approach to grantmaking and ensures resources are directed towards its core mission.

The Ledyard Rotary Foundation offers annual grants targeting community organizations within the local area, emphasizing support for emergency relief, educational enhancements, quality of life improvements, health care access and quality enhancements, and addressing social problems. This initiative aims to benefit the residents of Ledyard and southeastern Connecticut but is also open to supporting state, national, and international programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: May 15th

This grant provides $10,000 to support impactful projects that benefit youth in the community, specifically targeting initiatives rather than general operating expenses.