Connecticut Recreation Grants

This program provides funding to grassroots leaders and community organizations in Waterbury, Connecticut, to promote civic engagement, empower marginalized voices, and strengthen community networks.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut that focus on youth development through health, education, fitness, and football engagement initiatives.

This program provides funding to municipalities and organizations for projects that enhance community development, transportation, housing, and public services in economically distressed areas of Connecticut.

This grant provides financial support to various organizations, including nonprofits and small businesses, to implement projects that enhance social services, arts, recreation, and community activities for residents of South Windsor, Connecticut.

This program provides funding to state agencies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for projects that manage and control aquatic invasive species and harmful algal blooms, while promoting public education and awareness.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This grant provides funding to empower Waterbury residents in leading initiatives that promote civic engagement, community cohesion, and neighborhood revitalization.

This grant provides funding to small organizations in Middlesex County, Connecticut, to support programs and events that promote racial equity, education, financial stability, housing, wellness, and youth development.

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.

The Federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program provides annual matching federal grants to support the purchase, installation, repair/upgrade, operation, and maintenance of recreational vessel marine sanitation facilities (pumpout facilities) and pumpout vessels in Connecticut. The program aims to improve water quality by increasing the availability of proper waste handling facilities for boaters, thereby reducing the discharge of poorly treated or untreated sanitary wastes into Long Island Sound and its harbors. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, municipal and state-owned facilities, and pumpout vessel programs. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring a 25% match from grantees. Approximately $1 million is available annually. Grant renewed every year.

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 Catalyst Endowment Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is offering a competitive funding opportunity centered on "Empowering Future Leaders and Community Builders through Youth Sports in Greater Hartford." This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster well-being and development within the community. The program aims to leverage the positive effects of youth sports, such as developing teamwork, leadership, and promoting physical and mental health, to create resilient, confident, and empowered individuals. The fund's focus on bridging access gaps to youth sports directly supports the foundation's strategic priority of creating sustainable support systems for the region's youth. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth in Greater Hartford, particularly those in underserved communities who face barriers to accessing sports programs. The overarching impact goal is to empower these young individuals, transforming them into future leaders and community builders. By focusing on sustainable support systems, the program seeks to create lasting positive change beyond the grant duration, addressing systemic inequalities in access to enriching activities. This aligns with a theory of change that posits that providing equitable opportunities in youth sports will lead to enhanced individual development and stronger, more engaged communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to achieve these goals. Infrastructure Development aims to improve existing sports facilities and equipment, ensuring long-term accessibility. Training and Capacity Building initiatives will equip coaches, volunteers, and staff with the skills to deliver high-quality programs, fostering a robust support network. Partnerships and Collaborations are encouraged to strengthen relationships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses, pooling resources and support. Finally, Health and Wellness Integration seeks to embed physical and mental health services within youth sports, promoting holistic well-being and sustained participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved accessibility to youth sports in underserved communities, an increased number of trained coaches and volunteers, stronger community partnerships supporting youth sports, and enhanced physical and mental well-being among participants. The program anticipates fostering increased participation in youth sports, leading to the development of critical life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Ultimately, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving expects these initiatives to contribute to a more equitable and vibrant Greater Hartford, producing a generation of empowered individuals who are prepared to lead and build their communities. The fund has $69,000 available to award, with one or more grants totaling this amount, contingent on the project's size, funding need, and the quality of the proposals submitted in response to the forthcoming Request for Proposal.

The Town of Avon's Support for Community Events Grant Program aims to provide financial aid to local non-profit organizations that sponsor community events. The core purpose is to support local festivals, special events, or community programs designed to offer recreational and cultural opportunities for residents, while also generally promoting the Town of Avon. This aligns with a mission to enrich the quality of life for residents and enhance the town's attractiveness as a place to live and visit. The program seeks to foster community engagement and celebrate the town's heritage through these events. The target beneficiaries are local non-profit organizations that host community events within the Town of Avon, ultimately benefiting the residents who participate in these recreational and cultural activities. The impact goals include promoting the attractiveness of the town, celebrating its heritage, increasing recreational opportunities, and enriching the overall quality of life for its residents. The program focuses on supporting events that contribute to these broader community benefits rather than an applicant's regular operational costs. Priorities for funding include events that specifically highlight the town's appeal as a destination, celebrate its history and its people, expand recreational options, and improve the general well-being of the community. Special consideration is given to grant requests that fund items or services crucial for public health, safety, and welfare during events, such as emergency medical services, refuse collection, portable restrooms, lighting, security, and transportation. This demonstrates a focus on practical support that ensures the success and safety of community gatherings. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant community life through diverse cultural and recreational events, increased town visibility and appeal, and stronger community bonds. The measurable results, though not explicitly detailed as quantitative metrics in the provided text, would likely be assessed through the number and variety of events supported, the reach of those events within the community, and the extent to which they fulfill the stated goals of promoting the town and enriching resident experiences. The program operates under a theory of change where financial support for well-organized, community-focused events directly leads to a more engaged populace and a more desirable town environment. Eligibility criteria further define the program's strategic priorities. Applicants must be IRS tax-exempt under a 501c category, and grants will not be awarded to organizations with a primary political or religious purpose, ensuring a secular and broadly beneficial focus. The event itself must align with the program's goals, not be financially dependent on the grant, and must occur within Avon's limits. Additionally, recipients are required to provide recognition to the Town of Avon as a sponsor, demonstrating a reciprocal relationship and promoting the town's involvement in community enrichment. This strategic framework ensures that funding is directed towards initiatives that genuinely serve the public interest and align with the town's vision for community development.

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.

The Town of Avon offers the Support for Community Events Grant Program to provide financial aid to local festivals, special events, and community programs that deliver recreational or cultural opportunities and promote the town. The program gives special attention to events that enhance the attractiveness of Avon as a place to visit or live, celebrate local heritage, and enrich quality of life. Grant awards are capped at 25 percent of the event budget or 7,500 dollars, whichever is less. The funding window covers events occurring between July 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024. Preference is given to purchases or services that protect public health, safety, and welfare, such as emergency medical services, sanitation, lighting, security, and transportation. Eligible applicants must be tax exempt organizations under a 501(c) category and events must be held within town limits. Events must be free and open to the public, not financially dependent on town support, and not organized as for profit ventures. Funds may not support regular operating costs, and only one grant will be awarded per event. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the 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.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities, nonprofit land conservation organizations, and water companies in Connecticut for acquiring land designated as open space or vital for water supply.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, particularly in underserved communities, to promote the creation of parks and recreational spaces.

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.

This program provides training, mentorship, and resources to support early-stage food entrepreneurs in Connecticut, particularly those from communities of color and immigrant backgrounds, helping them launch and grow their food businesses.