Connecticut Infrastructure Grants

This program provides funding to various organizations, including government units and non-profits, to improve broadband access in underserved communities across Connecticut, ensuring high-speed internet service is available and affordable for all residents.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots organizations in New England that are dedicated to anti-racist initiatives and social justice, helping them build movements and drive systemic change in their communities.

This funding opportunity supports small nonprofit organizations in Connecticut to strengthen their operations and enhance their capacity to serve communities through targeted initiatives in leadership, financial management, technology, and communications.

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: Connecticut Town and City: Selected Towns and Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: 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. Uses of funds Items and services may include food, personal care items, emergency financial aid, one-time medical device or medical aid assistance, immediate or informal case management services, or other critical basic needs you see in the community you serve. Proposal Requirements 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. 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. For more information, visit Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that restore and enhance urban forested areas and riparian corridors, focusing on improving ecosystem health and resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth/Terryville, Connecticut, that focus on promoting health, youth development, and financial stability for individuals and families.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut municipalities and regional entities to develop waste management projects that reduce solid waste and promote environmental sustainability.

The Catalyst Endowment Fund is excited to announce a competitive funding opportunity to support initiatives focused on Empowering Future Leaders and Community Builders through Youth Sports in Greater Hartford. Donor Name: Hartford Foundation for Public Giving State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This year, through a series of learning sessions, Catalyst members explored some of the positive effects youth sports can have on individuals, families, and society as a whole. From fostering teamwork and leadership skills to promoting physical and mental well-being, youth sports play a vital role in shaping resilient, confident, and empowered individuals. The focus is on sustainable support systems designed to bridge the access gaps to youth sports in Greater Hartford. Focus Areas Areas of focus include:  Infrastructure Development: Programs that improve existing sports facilities and equipment in underserved communities, ensuring long-term accessibility for youth sports activities.  Training and Capacity Building: Initiatives that train coaches, volunteers, and staff to provide quality sports programs, fostering a sustainable support network for youth sports.  Partnerships and Collaborations: Proposals that create or strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to provide ongoing support and resources for youth sports programs.  Health and Wellness Integration: Initiatives that integrate physical and mental health services with youth sports programs to promote holistic well-being and sustained participation. Funding Information The fund has $69,000 available to award. One or more grants will be awarded totaling $69,000, based on the size of the project, funding need, and the quality of plans responding to the forthcoming Request for Proposal.  Eligibility Criteria Nonprofits with a 501c3 designation that are in or provide significant services in the Greater Hartford region are eligible to apply. Community groups, or groups of residents, that do not have a 501c3 tax status, are encouraged to apply through a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

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 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.

The Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust provides grants to support the health and well-being of Southington residents. Donor Name: Main Street Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Trust distributes grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the Southington community.  Priority Areas  Funding requests must align with at least one of the following identified community health and healthcare priority areas: Health/Health Care Needs for an Aging Population Substance Use and Mental Health Healthy Initiatives and Lifestyle including, but not limited to: COVID-19 related needs and recovery efforts Availability and Access to Healthy Food Environmental Protection and Sustainability of Natural Resources Fitness and Health Health Equity Health Literacy and Education Transportation and Access to Health Services. Funding Information Grants generally range from $25,000 to $100,000.  Eligibility Requirements  Organizations must be tax-exempt organizations qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Organizations must be either located in the Town of Southington, or serving the residents of the Town of Southington. All organizations must demonstrate the number of residents served from the Town of Southington. Applicants with outstanding follow-up reports for closed grants will not be eligible to apply. Organizations may not receive more than one grant in a calendar year unless the other grant is a community collaboration. Organizations may not receive funding for more than three years in a row. More than one organization under a corporate umbrella may apply if they are a separate operating entity with their own tax identification number. The submission of a full proposal does not guarantee funding. For more information, visit MSCF.

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 Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is excited to announce the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants. Donor Name: Connecticut Land Conservation Council State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose of the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program is to increase the number of acres in Connecticut that are managed using climate smart land stewardship practices and encourage the future use of climate smart practices among Connecticut’s land trusts. Climate smart land stewardship practices are a collection of strategies and practices that increase the ability of land to sequester and store carbon, provide additional ecosystem services, withstand disturbances and adapt to changing conditions. Examples of projects that may be funded through the Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program include, but are not limited to: Developing plans for climate smart land stewardship projects, including forest management plans; Establishing pollinator habitat, including pollinator gardens and meadows; Managing invasive species, followed by native tree and shrub planting; Managing forests to improve wildlife habitat, create structural diversity, and facilitate oak regeneration; Establishing wildlife corridors to provide habitat continuity; Increasing riparian forest buffers; Implementing agricultural practices that improve water quality and/or soil health. Funding Information Funding is available for two types of grants: Planning Grants – Maximum award $8,000 Implementation Grants – Maximum award $50,000 Project Period Planning Grants must be completed within 12 months. Eligibility Criteria Applicant is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicant’s mission is dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands. Applicant’s service area is located within or includes the State of Connecticut. Applicant is a current member of CLCC. For more information, visit CLCC.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in East Hartford that promote civic engagement and benefit residents inclusively, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 available to eligible nonprofit organizations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

This grant provides financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land to preserve open spaces and protect water supplies.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

The Town of Avon is pleased to welcome applications for its Support for Community Events Grant Program. Donor Name: Town of Avon State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Goals and Objectives 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. 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. The events will occur from July 1, 2024, through October 31, 2024.  Eligibility 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. 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. A maximum of one grant will be awarded per event. 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. The event must be free and open to the public. Events that charge an entrance fee to the public will not be considered. Events that are organized as a for-profit commercial venture will not be considered. For more information, visit Town of Avon.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and its watershed through initiatives like pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and public education.