Connecticut Women & Girl Services Grants

This grant provides funding to organizations that support quality health care and services for underserved senior women in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, Connecticut.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is offering the Torrington Grant Program, a grant designed to foster the growth of businesses located in Torrington, Connecticut. This initiative aligns with the WBDC's mission to support and empower businesses, particularly by providing crucial financial assistance that can contribute to economic development within the targeted city. The program specifically excludes the use of funds for operating expenses, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases, or debt repayment, emphasizing a focus on growth-oriented investments rather than day-to-day operational costs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are for-profit businesses situated in Torrington, Connecticut, that meet specific criteria. These businesses must have been in operation for at least two years with a record of sales, demonstrate annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, be registered in Connecticut, and hold a zoning permit from the City of Torrington. Additionally, they must be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services, possess an established business checking account, and utilize a formal digital bookkeeping/financial system. The owner must also be at least 18 years old. The impact goal is to stimulate economic vitality and stability within Torrington by supporting established local businesses. The program prioritizes businesses that are poised for growth and are operating within a structured financial framework. There is a clear focus on financial transparency and stability, as evidenced by the requirement for digital bookkeeping systems and good standing with the Department of Revenue Services. Certain types of businesses are explicitly ineligible, including childcare businesses (though WBDC offers other programs for them), businesses that have previously received a WBDC grant, current WBDC vendors or contractors, and a range of businesses such as medical marijuana, liquor stores, adult businesses, vape/tobacco shops, gambling-related businesses, gun stores, cash advance/pawn shops, and collection agencies. This selectivity ensures that the grants are directed towards businesses that align with the WBDC's strategic vision for community development and ethical business practices. Grants will range from $2,500 to $10,000. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the capacity and reach of the recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic activity within Torrington. By providing financial resources to qualifying businesses, the WBDC aims to strengthen the local business ecosystem and encourage long-term prosperity. This grant program is a direct manifestation of the WBDC's strategic priority to support local economies through targeted financial aid, operating under the theory of change that direct investment in compliant, established businesses will lead to enhanced economic stability and growth.

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

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

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The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) offers the Ignite Grant, a program designed to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. This initiative directly aligns with the WBDC's mission to support women entrepreneurs by providing crucial financial resources. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, are specifically for clearly defined projects that demonstrate a measurable impact on business expansion. The target beneficiaries of the Ignite Grant are women-owned businesses that are at least 51% woman-owned, headquartered in Connecticut, registered in the state, and owned by a Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old. These businesses must have been operating for at least two years with a record of sales, possess annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, and be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services. They must also have an established business checking account and utilize a formal, digital bookkeeping/financial system. The program explicitly aims to support for-profit businesses. The WBDC prioritizes projects that will have a demonstrable impact on business growth and profitability, encouraging recipients to invest at least $2,500 into their business in the last 12 months, unless located in a distressed municipality. Certain businesses are ineligible, including childcare businesses (though other WBDC programs may apply to them), non-profit organizations, current WBDC vendors, and businesses that have previously received an Ignite, Equity Match, or WBDC Municipal Grant. Additionally, businesses in industries such as medical marijuana, liquor sales, adult entertainment, vape/tobacco, gambling, gun sales, and various financial services or "going-out-of-business" sales are excluded. The expected outcomes of the Ignite Grant are the measurable growth and increased profitability of recipient businesses. By providing capital for specific projects, the WBDC aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of Connecticut. The program's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-defined projects within eligible women-owned businesses, the WBDC can directly facilitate sustainable business development and economic empowerment for women in the state.

The Dammann Fund Grant invites applications from qualified charitable organizations operating in New York City, Southwestern Connecticut, Westchester, and Charlottesville, VA. The fund is dedicated to supporting programs that align with its mission of fostering development in two key areas: teen parenting and mental health. This grant program is designed to provide resources to organizations that can demonstrate a clear commitment to these focus areas and contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve. The fund's strategic priorities are clearly defined by its commitment to programs that enable the development of parenting skills in young parents and those that foster independent living skills for the mentally ill. These two areas reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in these specific interventions, they can achieve significant and positive societal impact. The grant aims to support initiatives that are not only well-conceived but also demonstrate a direct link to improving the lives of individuals in these vulnerable populations. Target beneficiaries for the Dammann Fund Grant are young parents seeking to develop parenting skills and individuals with mental illness who require support in achieving independent living. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the capabilities of these beneficiaries within the specified geographic regions. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the expectation is that funded programs will demonstrate tangible improvements in parenting skills for young parents and increased independent living skills for individuals with mental illness. Organizations are required to submit new applications each year, implying a continuous assessment of program effectiveness and outcomes. The Dammann Fund places importance on supporting publicly-supported charitable organizations, ensuring that grant funds are utilized ethically and in alignment with Section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Code. The fund explicitly states ineligibility for grants to individuals, capital or annual campaigns, endowments, loans, conferences, or travel, highlighting its focus on programmatic support. Grant recipients are eligible for funding for a single program for up to three consecutive years, reinforcing a commitment to sustained impact and allowing for long-term program development and evaluation.

This program provides financial assistance to licensed child care providers in Connecticut looking to expand their operations and increase their capacity to serve more families.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support women and girls in developing skills, enhancing self-sufficiency, and improving mental well-being in local communities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to organizations that help underserved job seekers in Greater New Haven overcome barriers to employment and achieve sustainable careers.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New York City, Southwestern Connecticut, Westchester County, and Charlottesville, Virginia, that focus on improving parenting skills for teen parents and promoting independent living for individuals with mental illness.

This program provides financial support of up to $25,000 to women-owned small businesses in Connecticut that have previously received WBDC funding and are seeking to expand their operations through targeted investments.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Haven area to support initiatives that enhance economic security for women and girls through workforce training, entrepreneurship, housing stability, and childcare solutions.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills that empower women and girls through advocacy, skill development, and services for victims of domestic violence.