Connecticut Arts Grants

This grant provides financial support to organizations that deliver educational, cultural, human services, and healthcare programs to underserved communities in Greater New London County, Connecticut.

This grant provides matching funds to nonprofit organizations in Connecticut for various historic preservation projects, such as restoring building exteriors and upgrading safety systems.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut municipalities and regional entities for projects that improve waste management infrastructure and promote recycling and waste reduction initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Connecticut that help individuals meet essential needs related to food, housing stability, and clothing or hygiene.

This grant provides funding to distressed municipalities and registered non-profits in Connecticut to develop or improve urban green spaces and community gardens for public enjoyment and environmental education.

The Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant Program, hereafter referred to as the CTG4CTK Grant, provides funds to Connecticut local or regional boards of education, regional educational service centers, cooperative arrangements pursuant to section 10-158a of the general statutes, child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes, as such terms are described in section 19a-77 of the general statutes, or any organization or entity administering or assisting in the development of a farm to school program. Donor Name: Connecticut Department of Agriculture State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The CTG4CTK Grant shall, “assist schools, school districts, childcare centers and homes, and organizations to develop farm to school programs that will increase the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, allow educators to use hands-on educational techniques to teach students about nutrition and farm to school connections, sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of children in the state and enhance the state’s economy.”  These funds are intended to provide a combination of resources to build capacity for long-term Farm to School Programs in schools, school districts, childcare centers, and homes. Priorities To fund applicants located in alliance districts, as defined in section 10-262u of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or who are providers of school readiness programs, as defined in section 10-16p of the general statutes To fund applicants who demonstrate a broad commitment from school administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, and community stakeholders. In the grant narrative, applicants are requested to describe both the support that they have for the project and detail how input was gathered to formulate the idea Tracks The one-time Shipping Container Growing grant program has a funding cap of $250,000 and a 24-month timeline to complete. Track 1: Farm to School (K-12) Local Procurement Assistance Grant Track 2: Farm to School (K-12) Experiential Learning Grant Track 3: Producer Capacity Building Grant Track 4: Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Grant Track 5: Shipping Container Growing Grant Funding Information The maximum amount awarded to any applicant through the CTG4CTK Grant shall not exceed $75,000 in Tracks 1, 2, & 4. Project Period 24 months Eligibility Criteria Local and regional boards of education; Regional education service centers; Private schools or institutions; Cooperative arrangements pursuant to section 10-158a of the general statutes; Childcare centers, group childcare homes and family childcare homes as such terms are described in section 19a077 of the general statutes; or  Any organization or entity, including Connecticut farmers, administering or assisting in the development of a farm-to-school program. For more information, visit Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity to support nonprofits as they increase access to emergency services and immediate assistance for the most basic of human needs for vulnerable residents in Greater Hartford. Donor Name: Hartford Foundation for Public Giving State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Hartford Foundation is continuing the historic tradition of supporting emergency aid and basic needs throughout its service area in alignment with the Foundation’s Basic Human Needs desired outcomes to increase food security, decrease homelessness, and improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of residents. The Foundation is seeking requests to directly provide emergency services and assistance that address the most basic of human needs of Greater Hartford residents. Examples of emergency services and assistance might include one or more of the following: Food or food assistance Emergency clothing needs (e.g., shoes, school uniforms, coats) Personal care items (e.g., deodorant, diapers, sanitary products) Emergency financial assistance (e.g., rent and/or mortgage assistance and utility expense assistance, childcare assistance, bus fare/tokens, gas money) Emergency medical aid or immediate expense assistance (e.g., dental, medical, mental health supports, and prescription expenses) Aftercare programs for victims of domestic violence Emergency and/or informal case management services. Funding Information The Foundation welcomes requests of $1,000-$15,000 for individual projects and up to $20,000 for collaborative projects for items and/or services to be provided during a one-year time-period. Eligibility Criteria  Applications must be submitted by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Community groups can use an organization with a 501(c)(3) designation as a fiscal sponsor. Nonprofits may serve as a fiscal sponsor for multiple projects.  Both the organization and program in the application should be in existence for at least one year prior to applying.  If your organization is named as a direct beneficiary in a collaboration grant that was awarded in Round 1, your organization is now ineligible to receive a grant in Round 2.  A nonprofit or community group can only submit one application for one project or program each round for consideration. If you received a grant in July, you are not eligible to receive a grant in November.  If a nonprofit organization or community group is currently the recipient of a multi-year core or project/program support from the Foundation you are ineligible for this opportunity (excluding those serving as a fiscal agent for another applicant).  To increase funding equity, applicants are eligible to receive a Basic Human Needs Emergency Assistance grant based on a “3 years on 1 year off policy”. Grantees are eligible to receive a grant for three consecutive years and will be ineligible the 4th year. Applicants will then be eligible to apply after year 4th. Organizations subject to this RFP’s 3 years on 1 year off policy are organizations reporting an average annual operating budget of $2.5 million or more. Exceptions might apply to organizations whose primary purpose or mission is to increase food security. The 3 years on 1 year off policy applies to 2022 BHN Emergency Assistance grantees. Requests from the Foundation’s entire service area will be considered. However, this RFP prioritizes serving vulnerable residents in Foundation towns where the percentage of households living under Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed (ALICE) or below the Federal Poverty Line is comparable to or higher than the State percentage. For more information, visit HFPG.

The Town of Avon is pleased to welcome applications for its Support for Community Events Grant Program. Donor Name: Town of Avon State: Connecticut Town: Avon Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of these regulations is to provide the criteria that will govern the consideration of an application submitted for Town of Avon funds for the purpose of supporting a local non-profit organization that sponsors a community event. The Support for Community Events Grant Program aims to provide financial aid to local festivals, special events, or community programs designed to provide recreational and/or cultural opportunities for residents and generally promote the Town of Avon. Goals The approval of financial aid will be considered for local festivals, special events, or community programs designed to provide recreational and/or cultural opportunities for residents and generally promote the Town. Special attention shall be given to events that promote the attractiveness of the Town as a place to visit and/or live, celebrate the heritage of the Town and its residents, promote recreational opportunities and/or enrich quality of life. Funding Information Grant awards will be capped at 25% of an applicant’s event budget or $7,500, whichever is less. For example, the maximum award for an event with a budget of $5,000 would be $1,250. The maximum award for an event with a budget of $40,000 would be $7,500. Eligiblity Criteria The applicant must meet all of the following requirements, eligibility criteria and conditions: The applicant must be identified by the IRS as tax-exempt under a 501c category. Note that successful applicants will be required to submit a copy of its IRS Tax Exempt Determination Letter or its most recent IRS Form 990 to verify its tax exempt status. Grants will not be awarded to organizations whose primary purpose is of a political or religious nature The event supports the aforementioned goals and objectives. Funds are not to be used to support an applicant’s regular operational costs. The applicant’s event must not be financially dependent upon receiving support from the Town of Avon. Event must be held within the limits of the Town of Avon. The recipient of the funds shall provide the Town with recognition as a sponsor in a method consistent with other sponsors who have provided funds of an equivalent value. Preference will be given to grant requests that fund the purchase of items or services that will assist event organizers in protecting the public health, safety and welfare. Examples of such items and services include, but are not limited to, emergency medical services, refuse and recycling collection and disposal, portable restrooms and wash stations, portable lighting, security services, and transportation.  Grant requests to fund the purchase of products or services that are prohibited for use by, or sale to, minors will not be funded. Applicants may not have any outstanding liabilities or debts owed to the Town of Avon. For more information, visit Town of Avon.

The Women & Girls Fund assists women and girls with obtaining the skills and competencies to develop their potential and improve the quality of their lives. Donor Name: Main Street Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Women & Girls Fund seeks to deepen its impact by providing grants that will allow organizations to build internal capacity to ensure ongoing support of women and girls in the local communities. Applications will be accepted for program grants and capital requests that are related to a program that meets grant guidelines. Grantmaking Priorities  Preference will be given to grant requests that address the following needs: Services for Senior Women: Programs that provide supports to senior women to increase self-sufficiency such as – basic needs, financial literacy resources, and opportunities to decrease social isolation Confidence Building and Leadership: Programs that build self-esteem and self-reliance particularly in young girls and teens such as – programs that promote connections with a caring and stable adult, programs that promote financial literacy and life-skills, and programs that develop skills to be a successful leader in school, the community or in a career. Mental Health and Well-being: Programs that reduce anxiety and stress through non-clinical methods, teach mindfulness skills, and improve overall self-care and well-being for women of all ages. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria: Grants are made for a charitable purpose and must serve the public to be a charitable expenditure. Competitive Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) not for profit organizations while grants to 170(c)(1) public or governmental units are considered on a case-by-case basis. Either the organization or the program for which funding is requested, must provide a service to the residents of at least one of the following communities: Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, Wolcott. Strong documentation must be provided from out-of-area organizations that they serve individuals from the six-town service area. A Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy must be signed. Repeat requests from organizations are welcome. If an organization’s request for funding is approved three years in a row, the organization is asked to wait one year before submitting another request for funding. Follow up reports from all closed grants must have been completed and submitted to Main Street Community Foundation to be eligible for funding. Grantmaking Criteria Each request must include stated outcomes and criteria by which the program/project will be assessed. In general, grants are made for future, planned expenditures and not to cover operating deficits or previously incurred obligations. A proportionate amount of salaries, overhead expenses and transportation costs may be included in the program or project budget for which funding is being requested. Requests for capital expenditures will be given consideration if related to a project that meets the grant guidelines. The Main Street Community Foundation, at its sole discretion, may provide discretionary grants, challenge grants or grants which require matching funds. For more information, visit MSCF.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington, Connecticut, to enhance community services and improve the quality of life for local residents.

The Women’s Business Development Council is offering the Torrington Grant Program to help businesses in the City of Torrington, Connecticut grow. Donor Name: Women’s Business Development Council State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses (e.g. inventory, on-going marketing expenses, salaries), real estate improvements (e.g. construction costs), reimbursement for past purchases or debt repayment. Funding Information Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, the business must: Have been in business for at least two years (as of the date of your application submission) with a record of sales Have a record of annual sales/revenue in the last twelve months greater than $25,000 and less than $2,000,000 Be registered in Connecticut Be located in Torrington, Connecticut and have a zoning permit from the City of Torrington Be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Have an established business checking account Currently utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting) Be a for profit business Be owned by a person that is at least 18 years old The following businesses are not eligible: Child care businesses are not eligible for the WBDC/Torrington Small Business Grant.  If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you Any individual or business who has already received a grant from WBDC is not eligible Current vendors or contractors of WBDC are not eligible. Former vendors are eligible to apply a year after working with WBDC Medical marijuana; liquor stores and alcohol distributors; adult businesses such as strip clubs; vape retailers; tobacco shops and smoking lounges; businesses having to do with gambling; gun stores and ranges; cash advance, check cashing, or pawn shops; bail bonds; collection agencies or services; and auction or bankruptcy or fire or “lost-our-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale. For more information, visit WBDC.

The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund supports organizations that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities. This grant is closed Donor Name: Westport Weston Family YMCA State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This common grant application form was developed as a program planning tool by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and an advisory committee of foundation and nonprofit professionals working to simplify the grant-seeking process. It is for use solely by Connecticut nonprofit organizations. Uses of Fund The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund supports organizations that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities.  Eligibility Criteria 501(c)(3) organization Located in and serving one or more of the following communities: Westport, Weston, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk and Wilton Serving children and/or young adults. Ineligibility  Endowment funding Indirect/overhead or administrative expenses Capital projects Reduction of debt or operating loss Annual campaign or fundraising. For more information, visit Westport Weston Family YMCA.

The Town of Trumbull is providing grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents with eligible programs, services, and capital investments. Donor Name: Town of Trumbull State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Town will distribute funding from the federal government ARPA program to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents with eligible programs, services and capital investments. Program funds are not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance; applicants may not receive program funding for project expenses that were funded through other federal, state, or local grants. Nonprofit funding requests must “Support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and its impact on public health as well as addressing economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Funding Information The maximum grant award for the Town of Trumbull ARPA Nonprofit Grant program will be $20,000. Eligibility Criteria  All applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit the required information to be considered for a funding recommendation. All applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization legally allowed to operate within the State of Connecticut or community-based organization with a fiscal sponsor. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2025. Funding shall be used exclusively for projects, programs, and services within the Town of Trumbull that “supports the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and its impact on public health as well as addressing economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Applicant organization must have a demonstrable presence in the Town of Trumbull. Indirect costs (e.g., salaries and fringe benefits) must not exceed 15% of the total funding request. The applicant must be in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and orders applicable to it. Applicants must disclose any circumstances that could have an adverse material impact on the project. Adverse material impact includes lawsuits, criminal or civil actions, bankruptcy proceedings, regulatory action by a governmental entity or inadequate capital to complete the project. The applicant must not be in default under the terms and conditions of any grant, loan, leases, or other financing arrangements with its other creditors that could have an adverse material impact on the proposal. If applicable, the applicant must be in good standing with the Connecticut Secretary of State in terms of required business/nonprofit filings. Applicant organizations must be able to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including but not limited to periodic project and expenditure reports. Document backup related to this award must be retained for 5 years or until audited by the State or Federal Government. For more information, visit Town of Trumbull.

The Town of Trumbull is providing grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents with eligible programs, services and capital investments. Donor Name: Town of Trumbull State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Town will distribute funding from the federal government ARPA program to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents with eligible programs, services and capital investments. Program funds are not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance; applicants may not receive program funding for project expenses that were funded through other federal, state, or local grants.  Nonprofit funding requests must “Support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and its impact on public health as well as addressing economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Funding Information The maximum grant award for the Town of Trumbull ARPA Nonprofit Grant program will be $20,000. Eligibility Criteria  All applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit the required information to be considered for a funding recommendation. All applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization legally allowed to operate within the State of Connecticut or community-based organization with a fiscal sponsor. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2025. Funding shall be used exclusively for projects, programs, and services within the Town of Trumbull that “supports the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and its impact on public health as well as addressing economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Applicant organization must have a demonstrable presence in the Town of Trumbull. Indirect costs (e.g., salaries and fringe benefits) must not exceed 15% of the total funding request. The applicant must be in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and orders applicable to it. Applicants must disclose any circumstances that could have an adverse material impact on the project. Adverse material impact includes lawsuits, criminal or civil actions, bankruptcy proceedings, regulatory action by a governmental entity or inadequate capital to complete the project. The applicant must not be in default under the terms and conditions of any grant, loan, leases, or other financing arrangements with its other creditors that could have an adverse material impact on the proposal. If applicable, the applicant must be in good standing with the Connecticut Secretary of State in terms of required business/nonprofit filings. Applicant organizations must be able to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including but not limited to periodic project and expenditure reports. Document backup related to this award must be retained for 5 years or until audited by the State or Federal Government. For more information, visit Town of Trumbull.

The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation is now accepting grant applications from local 501(c)(3), 170(c)(1), and other qualified non-profit organizations in the communities served by Jewett City Savings Bank. Donor Name: Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Established in 2004, the Foundation was created for the support and benefit of community, charitable, educational, and other benevolent purposes. In 2023, the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation provided more than 70 grants totaling $96,211 to local non-profits that provide health, social and emergency services, and in support of food pantries, libraries, and arts and culture. The Foundation has donated more than $1.2 million since its establishment. For more information Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation.

Applications are now being accepted for the Thomaston Savings Bank Phase II Grant Program to enhance the lives of the community members through its annual grant cycle in Litchfield County. Donor Name: Thomaston Savings Bank State: Connecticut County: Litchfield County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. remains committed to responding to the human and material needs of our community. The Foundation seeks to assist in improving the quality of life for neighbors through its dedicated grant programs and community outreach initiatives. Focus Areas An organization whose mission or services align with Thomaston Savings Bank’s in the following priority focus areas: Arts & Culture Community Development Education & Youth Services Health & Human Services Public Safety Geographic Areas Grant applications will be considered to assist local nonprofit and government agencies who are addressing community needs in the following towns: Bethlehem Harwinton Plymouth/Terryville Thomaston  Torrington Watertown/Oakville Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for a Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation Grant, your organization must meet the following criteria: A registered 501(c) 3 organization or government agency that demonstrates significant local impact. Applications from religious organizations will be considered for grant purposes that support programming that assists in meeting the needs of the community and/or falls under the scope of the above priority focus areas. The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation generally does not invest in the following causes: Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships or sponsorships for a personal cause Endowment campaigns Organizations designed primarily for funding lobbying, political action committees or political candidates Activities for religious purposes Other Foundations Organizations which are discriminatory in their practices For more information, visit Thomaston Savings Bank.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Kensington, Connecticut, that deliver essential human services or health care programs to underserved populations.

This fund provides financial support for educational, cultural, human services, and healthcare initiatives that benefit underserved communities in New London, Connecticut.

The City of West Haven is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of West Haven State: Connecticut County: New Haven County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The storefront facade program will provide funds to businesses to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas, as well as to provide added safety measures such as additional lighting to these areas. Successful applications will preserve or upgrade existing storefront facades to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrance. Uses of Funds Storefront/exterior improvements to facade  New windows  Doors  Awnings  Painting  Signage attached to facade  Siding, brick appointing  Exterior Lighting attached to façade  HVAC installation and/or upgrades  Outdoor dining and patio space (must be affixed to building, no furniture) Grant Information  Eligible applicants can apply for up to $10,000. Ineligible Grant Uses Work that has been completed prior to the execution of an agreement with the Department of Community Development and Planning are not eligible to participate in the program.  New construction  Temporary, portable, or non-permanent improvements  NEON SIGNS  The following improvements are not eligible under this program:  Interior improvements  Roofs, not part of a larger project  Removal of architecturally significant features  Other improvements not included in this list that are deemed ineligible by the City Property Owner/Business Eligibility Criteria  For-profit businesses must meet the definition of a small business, meaning:  Have no more than 50 full time employees, and  Are a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (which includes, among other requirements, that the business is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field of operation). Project Eligibility Criteria Criteria complies with the most recent US Treasury Guidelines and has been reviewed by our partners at UHY.  Business must be located within the City of West Haven  Business must have less than 50 FTE’s  Improvements must comply with City building and zoning standards. Proposed improvements may be required to receive SHPO approval to ensure any historical features are preserved or considered in the renovation Business must address how the requested funds will be used and relate to the Program objectives  Improvements are limited to the explicit uses listed above  Business must be in good standing with the City of West Haven AND the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service (ie. Fully permitted, up-to-date on taxes)  Business cannot have received alternate Federal, State, or Local funding to cover the        same intended costs  Business cannot have any pending litigation or legal action  Projects concerning outdoor dining are subject to proper permitting and zoning requirements  Note: If Business leases space to which intended capital improvements are to be made, Copy of  Lease and Prior written approval of Lessor will be Required. Additionally, Only Businesses that  Own Property or Businesses with lease term extending through June 2026 will be eligible. For more information, visit CWHC.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for educational, cultural, human services, and healthcare programs aimed at helping underserved communities in Greater New London County.