Connecticut Private Grants

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 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.

The Latino Endowment Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for initiatives that support the Latine community in the Greater Hartford area, focusing on housing equity, educational equity, and linguistic justice, with priority given to collaborative proposals from grassroots organizations serving Latino/a residents within the Foundation’s 29-town region.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and collaborative groups working to improve the quality of life for residents of Hebron through innovative programs and enhancements to existing services.

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 Women’s Business Development Council offers grants of up to $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut. Donor Name: Women’s Business Development Council State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Ignite is designed to help women-owned businesses grow! Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, the business must: Be 51% or more woman-owned Be headquartered in CT, registered in the state of CT, and owned by a CT resident Have been in business for at least two years before the application round deadline, 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 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 woman at least 18 years old Have invested at least $2,500 into your business in the last 12 months, unless the business is located in a distressed municipality The following businesses are not eligible: Childcare businesses are not eligible for the Ignite Grant. If your business is in the childcare industry, WBDC has other programs for you.  Any individual or business that has already received an Ignite Grant, Equity Match Grant or WBDC Municipal Grant is not eligible. Non-profit organizations are 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-the-lease” or “going-out-of-business” or similar sale. For more information, visit WBDC.

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 Men & Boys’ Fund seeks to support local nonprofit organizations that are working to improve the lives of men and boys in the area of education, health and wellness, leadership, life skills and workforce readiness, with a focus on self-sufficiency. 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: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Main Street Community Foundation, Inc. is a community foundation serving Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. Programs and policies of the Foundation continually evolve in order to remain responsive to the community. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for funding from the Men & Boys’ Fund, organizations must meet the following criteria: Grants are made for a charitable purpose and must serve the public to be a charitable expenditure. General Competitive Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) not for profit organizations and 170(c)(1) public or governmental units. Either the organization or the program for which funding is requested, must provide a service to males of any age in the towns of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and/or Wolcott. Strong documentation must be provided from out-of-area agencies that they serve individuals from the six- town service area, and such requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy must be signed. Repeat requests from agencies are certainly 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 returned to Main Street Community Foundation. If they have not, the organization will not be eligible for funding. For more information, visit MSCF.

The Black Giving Circle Fund seeks to create sustainable change in the Black community by leveraging the efforts of donors and celebrating Black philanthropy. Donor Name: Hartford Foundation for Public Giving State: 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: 1 Year Details: Established in 2015, the Black Giving Circle Fund seeks to create sustainable change in the Black community by leveraging the efforts of donors and celebrating Black philanthropy. This year, the Beta Iota Boulé Foundation and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving have announced a $1 million collaboration to increase access to quality culturally relevant mental healthcare for Black men and boys in Greater Hartford. Boulé invested $400,000 with the Hartford Foundation, who committed matching funds up to $600,000 to maximize their impact. The Black Giving Circle Fund at the Hartford Foundation is proud to work in partnership with Beta Iota Boulé and the Hartford Foundation to distribute $200,000 of these available funds over the next two years. Funding Information In 2024, the Black Giving Circle Fund is offering a competitive grant opportunity that will award $100,000 through five $20,000 one-year grants for projects.  Eligible Projects  Eligible projects would support increasing knowledge of mental health training available to nonprofit organizations and community groups OR increasing accessibility to quality culturally relevant mental healthcare for Black men and boys. Eligibility Criteria  The Black Giving Circle expects to support nonprofit organizations having a 501(c)(3) or community groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor looking to EITHER: To increase their ability to respond to the mental health needs of Black men and boys through training. OR Develop and/or engage in mental health awareness campaign that center the needs of Black men and/or boys. For more information, visit HFPG.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to support new nonprofit organizations in Middlesex County that are working on initiatives related to racial equity, education, financial stability, housing, wellness, and youth development.

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 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 Swindells Charitable Foundation provides grants to support the relief of sick, suffering and indigent aged men and women and/or for the support of public and charitable hospitals. Donor Name: Swindells Charitable Foundation State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Preference is given to organizations that serve sick and economically disadvantaged children or older adults. Program types Health Human Services Grant Period  Grants from the Swindells Charitable Foundation are one year in duration. For more information, visit Bank of America.

The J. Walton Bissell Foundation is accepting applications to provide funding to non-profit organizations that advance change and deliver direct services to individuals and families primarily in the Hartford area. Donor Name: J. Walton Bissell Foundation State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The J. Walton Bissell Foundation is a private foundation providing funding to non-profit organizations that advance change and deliver direct services to individuals and families primarily in the Hartford area. Grant-making Guidelines The Foundation makes grants only to organizations created under the laws of the United States that are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from Federal income tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as not being private foundations. The Foundation’s priority is direct service delivery to persons in the city of Hartford by Connecticut organizations. Special consideration is given by the Foundation to programming relating to the abuse of children and others, the nurture of children and families, the aid of those with visual or other physical or mental disability, and the encouragement of the arts. The Foundation supports annual operations or specific programs rather than capital projects. The Foundation’s policy is not to make grants to an organization in more than three consecutive calendar years and not to make or consider more than one grant to an organization in any calendar year.  Should exigent circumstances arise which warrant an exception to this policy, an appeal is required identifying the circumstances.  If an exception is made, in no instance will a grant be made in more than four consecutive years. For more information, visit J. Walton Bissell 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 program provides funding for municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut to implement small-scale projects that improve community living for residents, particularly those aged 50 and older.