Connecticut Recreation Grants

This opportunity invites Manchester residents aged 14 and older to join an advisory committee that influences grantmaking decisions to support community initiatives and enhance local well-being.

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.

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

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 funding opportunity supports environmental education and conservation projects in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, aimed at nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools dedicated to preserving the region's natural resources.

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 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 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 Northwest Community Bank Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program to support non-profit organizations that strengthen and enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve. Donor Name: Northwest Community Bank Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Northwest Community Bank Foundation was funded and organized on January 1, 2022 by Northwest Community Bank and its Divisions, Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp, as a separate non-profit entity. The Foundation extends the Bank’s contributions to non-profit agencies and organizations working to address the needs of the communities the bank serves. Focus Areas  Education That Fuels Future Economic Success The education grants help empower people to build personal assets and skills to take charge of their futures. Youth development including early childhood education Financial education Employment skills/workforce development Women’s empowerment Safe and Affordable Housing The affordable housing grants support access to safe, clean and affordable places to live. Community development projects Maintenance and renovation projects Homebuyer programs Foreclosure and eviction prevention programs Basic Human Services The basic human services grants support organizations that meet the immediate needs of individuals and families while also supporting prevention and long-term solutions for people living in difficult economic circumstances. (Food Pantries are encouraged to request support through Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs.) Food and nutrition programs Fuel assistance Domestic violence programs Temporary housing, shelter Basic necessity assistance e.g., clothing Health Services Community Impact The community impact grants support the overall well-being of individuals within the community Disaster relief The Environment The Arts Animal Welfare. Types of Grants  The Foundation will consider the following types of funding requests from organizations that fit the investment focus areas. Program Grants to support the delivery and/or expansion of the direct services core to the mission of local organizations. Capacity Building Grants aimed at strengthening an agency’s ability to make a greater impact, improve effectiveness and efficiency or adapt to address changing community needs. e.g., strategic planning, staff and board development, technology upgrades, and marketing. Capital Grants and Campaigns will be considered by the Foundation but may also be selectively considered by Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs. Geographical Areas  Avon, Barkhamsted, Berlin, Bethlehem, Bloomfield, Bridgewater, Bristol, Burlington, Canaan, Canton, Colebrook, Collinsville, Cornwall, East Granby, Falls Village, Farmington, Goshen, Granby, Hartford, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, New Britain, New Hartford, Newington, New Milford, Norfolk, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Simsbury, Southington, Suffield, Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Watertown, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Winsted and Woodbury. Eligibility Criteria  To apply for a grant from the Northwest Community Bank Foundation applicants must be: A registered 501(c) 3 organization that demonstrates significant local Municipalities will be considered. An organization whose mission or services align with Northwest Community Bank’s investment focus. An organization providing services within Northwest Community Bank Communities. For more information, visit NCBF.

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 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.

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.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund) seeks to help artists pursue new work or achieve specific creative and career goals. Donor Name: The Bitsie Fund State: Connecticut Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Greater New Haven has long boasted an abundance of gifted artists who deserve the financial support to help them soar. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants. One is designated for a Black artist. The second is open to all. This Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists grant focuses on individual artists at a significant point in their personal development. Although impact on the community is a wonderful feature of any project, this grant is not about community development but about individual development. It will support individual artists seeking: to tackle a major goal in their artistic development, to take a risk on a new direction in their work, or to move their career as an artist forward. The Bitsie Fund is a donor-advised fund housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. The artist must live in one of the towns served by the Foundation. Uses of funds  Approved uses of funds include, but are not limited to: Purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies, Compensation for time spent developing a project or creating art, Hiring others, Performance or touring costs, Travel to a destination relevant to the proposal, Rental of work/studio space or performance space, Production expenses, such as costumes, props, lighting or sound, Other items necessary for your development as an artist. Eligibility Criteria  The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists will consider applications from individual artists practicing in all creative disciplines, including (but not limited to) dance, music, theater, visual, design, craft, literary, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Artists who have created a substantial body of recent work and artists emerging in their field are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit The Bitsie Fund.

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.

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 program provides funding to schools, municipalities, and nonprofits in Connecticut to promote safe and accessible walking, biking, and rolling through the purchase of safety equipment and educational materials.

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

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.