Connecticut Grants

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

This funding opportunity supports Connecticut-based nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and recognized tribes in executing humanities projects that enhance public understanding of history, culture, and society, particularly in relation to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Applicants are invited to apply for The Dammann Fund Grant. Donor Name: The Dammann Fund State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Dammann Fund, Inc. is committed to using its resources for the support of qualified charitable organizations operating programs in New York City, Southwestern Connecticut, Westchester, and Charlottesville, VA with a focus in any one or more of two areas: Teen Parenting: Programs that enable development of parenting skills in young parents. Mental Health: Programs that foster independent living skills for the mentally ill. Guidelines and Requirements Your organization represents that is it a publicly-supported charitable organization and thus, not a private foundation within the meaning of Section 509 of the Code. Your organization agrees not to expend any grant funds in such a way as to constitute a taxable expenditure as described in Section 4945 of the Code, including but not limited to the carrying on propaganda (i.e. lobbying) or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or for any purpose other than one specified in Section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Code. Ineligibility  Grants are not made to individuals and they are not made for capital or annual campaigns, endowments, loans, conferences or travel. Grant recipients are eligible to receive funding for a single program for up to three consecutive years. However, a new application for funding is required each year. For more information, visit The Dammann Fund.

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.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that support residents of Salisbury, Connecticut, who are in need due to sickness, misfortune, or lack of opportunity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region to promote and sustain small, community-based agricultural initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region for innovative projects that improve environmental quality and promote community health, with a focus on engaging at-risk and low-income youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut organizations that promote the humanities, enabling them to improve their operations and strategic planning through consultant-led projects.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Phase 41, created in 1983, aims to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies to assist individuals facing economic emergencies. Funded through the Department of Homeland Security, EFSP provides federal grants to organizations helping the hungry and homeless. The grants are intended to support feeding, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), and rent/mortgage and utility assistance efforts. Local Recipient Organizations (LROs) are selected by local boards based on the highest need and best use of funds. The program period is from October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.

This program provides funding to organizations in New England for projects that preserve and share the diverse histories of their communities through the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups with limited resources to launch new environmental projects or significantly shift existing ones, focusing on those that amplify diverse voices and address environmental justice issues.

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven (ACGNH) is excited to announce the West Haven ARPA Grant. Donor Name: Arts Council of Greater New Haven State: Connecticut City: West Haven Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: With the release of $116,250 of ARPA funds from the City of West Haven, The Arts Council of Greater New Haven (ACGNH) is proud to announce the rapid release of funds to stimulate arts + culture activity in West Haven, CT this summer. Alongside the partners at ArtsWest CT, they are working to distribute microgrants of $2,500-10,000 each to artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses in West Haven. Given the rapid nature of this funding process, feasibility is one of the most important criteria for the panelists reviewing your application. They strongly encourage applicants to consider proposals that are easy to execute in the project period such as equipment purchases, GOS expenses (rent, subscriptions, etc.), artistic commissions, or offsetting costs of previously planned activities within the project period. Applicants should not submit applications for new projects or events that would need to be conceived, organized, and produced within the 2-month timeframe. Uses of funds  Because of the emphasis on feasibility, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that fall into the following categories. If you have an alternative idea to what they have proposed, please ask us in advance! General Operating Support (GOS): rent expenses, equipment purchases/rentals, subscriptions (web hosting, memberships, etc.), printing/mailing, contract labor (graphic designers, consultants, etc.). Project Support: physical materials, ground transportation, commissions, contract labor (performers, consultants, designers, etc.), advertising, venue rental, etc. Expenses can NOT include salaried employees paid via payroll (W-2 employees). PLEASE NOTE that if you receive this grant you will receive a 1099 and be responsible for paying income tax required by the law. Eligibility Criteria  Location: Applicants should EITHER be based in West Haven (e.g. individuals residing, or businesses registered, in West Haven) OR proposing a project that directly serves the West Haven community (e.g. commissioning a West Haven artist or renting space in West Haven for your next event). Age: Applicants must be over the age of 18 (if applying as individuals). Organizations/collectives applying must have a representative to receive the funds who is over the age of 18. Arts + Culture Focus: While they do believe in an expansive definition for arts and cultural–and encourage creative folks of all disciplines to apply for the microgrants–the applicant should demonstrate that the funds will be used in ways to clearly engage in artistic, historical, and/or culturally-specific activities. Applicants who submit proposals focused on other disciplines with an “add-on” artistic element will not be eligible for funding. Evaluation Criteria  The following are the criteria by which the review panel will evaluate, score, and award these microgrants. The questions are meant to guide your understanding of what they mean by each criteria, but are not the only ways to understand these values. Feasibility: Do you have the relationships and resources necessary to complete the proposal in the project period (July – August, 2024)? Equity + Inclusion: How does the proposal incorporate, serve, and/or support the historically marginalized residents of West Haven–especially the disabled folks, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and individuals of the global majority (BIPOC)? When applicable, does the application reflect equitable compensation levels for artists and administrators? Community: What community (or, communities) does the applicant serve within West Haven? How will this proposal activate, elevate, and/or support residents of West Haven? What partnerships will this project foster? For more information, visit ACGNH.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

The Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is inviting applicants for its Greater Bridgeport Grant: Arts in the Service of Equity. Donor Name: Fairfield County’s Community Foundation State: Connecticut County: Fairfield County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: In recognition of the power arts and culture hold to amplify community voice, change narratives, promote inclusivity, and transform communities for the better, they are excited to announce a 3-year renewable grant opportunity focused on arts innovation for systems change in Greater Bridgeport. This funding opportunity honors the legacy and leverages the resources of the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, which merged in 2008 with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. With a total funding pool of $1 million, this initiative will support up to three collaborative projects in Greater Bridgeport. Each project will receive three general operating support grants over three years, with the largest of the three grants coming in year one, and smaller wind-down grants in years two and three. General operating support will allow collaborating organizations flexibility to allocate funding in the ways that they deem best facilitate their projects’ goals and objectives. This funding seeks to leverage the arts to accelerate and catalyze social change in community. Competitive Proposals will: Demonstrate the impact/potential impact on Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BiPoC) Demonstrate the impact/potential impact on low-to-moderate income communities Clearly communicate how their work is addressing racial inequities in Fairfield County Clearly communicate partnerships with roles and responsibilities Have a clear three-year project plan/program design with an aligned budget. Aim to influence economic, physical, and social change Made a clear, detailed connection between the project and key results areas Eligibility Criteria They will consider requests from Arts and Culture-focused organizations located within Greater Bridgeport doing work that directly benefits residents of Greater Bridgeport. Eligible communities include: Bridgeport Easton Fairfield Monroe Stratford Trumbull Grassroots, BiPoC-led organizations with systems-level change goals will be given preference. Organizations are encouraged to apply regardless of budget size. Non-traditional arts organizations, defined as those not established for an arts-related purpose, must have an identified partnership with a traditional arts organization that will be expected to serve as the lead applicant. Lead applicants must be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or 509 (a) public charity, or work under a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3). Foundation does not award grants for any of the following purposes: Persuading people to join/support a specific religion, political party, or candidate Capital campaigns or projects (e.g., major building repairs) Covering budget deficits Annual fundraising appeals Hosting a fundraising event Purchasing land as open space For-profit, parochial, charter, private, or individual public schools Nonprofit endowments Helping one specific person For more information, visit Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

The Ion Bank Foundation is accepting applications to support programs and organizations that will contribute to the betterment of the communities it serves. Donor Name: Ion Bank Foundation State: Connecticut, New Jersey County: Hartford County (CT), Litchfield County (CT), Morris County (NJ), New Haven County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Grants The Ion Bank Foundation awards both designated and competitive grants. Designated grants will be made to organizations selected by the Ion Bank Foundation and will not be required to submit an application for this funding. Organizations will be notified by Ion Bank Foundation about the schedule for distribution and amount of their funding immediately after these awards are made. Competitive grants are made for programs and capital needs. The Foundation will primarily fund direct costs incurred in starting or improving a program. However, indirect/overhead expenses are permitted as a line item – overhead above 10% of request must be documented in the Budget Narrative. Specifically, Ion Bank Foundation seeks projects that align with the Ion Bank Foundation’s priorities. The priorities are: Affordable housing and rehabilitation Community services; including but not limited to, healthcare, education, job training, social services, child care, and credit or financial services Economic development Revitalization or stabilization of distressed or underserved areas In addition, the Ion Bank Foundation looks for strong proposals that Address demonstrated community need. Summarize the organization’s track record in successfully implementing programs. Adopt evidence-based programs and models, when appropriate. Demonstrate potential for leveraging additional or sustaining support. Clearly explain the project plan and provide a realistic budget that aligns with stated goals. Advance community plans and priorities, when applicable. Preference is afforded to those requests with broad, visible community involvement in the design and fundraising for the project. Include alliances and collaborative ventures between organizations, especially in cases where a partnership is essential for program success. Describe local presence and benefits to Hartford County, Litchfield County, or New Haven County in Connecticut and Morris County in New Jersey. Funding Information The Ion Bank Foundation fall in the $1,000-$10,000 range. Eligibility Criteria An applicant must be a non-profit organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, a municipal entity seeking a grant for public purposes or a religious organization seeking a grant for nonsectarian projects primarily associated with foundation priorities. Applicants must be in, or serving communities with Ion Bank’s defined assessment area for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) purposes. For more information, visit Ion Bank Foundation.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF)(formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program will advance this goal by investing in projects that: Restore the quality and connectivity of stream and riparian habitats with a focus on improving habitat for river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and wood turtles; Improve management of forest blocks to enhance age and structural diversity, resulting in improved forest conditions for native wildlife, with a focus on improving habitat for golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail; and, Promote hayfield management that allows for successful grassland bird breeding, with a specific focus on habitat for bobolink. Approximately $2 million is available this year. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation and Sylvamo. Program Priorities  Proposals should strive to contribute to goals detailed in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), and specifically the strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. (Applicants interested in supporting the priorities for Coastal Habitats in the business plan are encouraged to apply to NFWF’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund and National Coastal Resilience Fund.) Priority implementation strategies for NEFRF funding in 2024 are detailed below. Approximately $625,000 in program funding will be set aside for projects that direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices benefitting select Working Lands for Wildlife target species, especially northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers. Projects should Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. In addition, projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes and should consider traditional knowledge where relevant. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Projects should plan to start no later than six months after the award date and be completed within three years. Geographical Areas  Projects are eligible from throughout the program boundary, which includes all of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. However, within the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River watershed, NEFRF will only consider projects to sustain and restore healthy forests, grasslands and fish passage projects. All other projects should apply to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations or community groups with a fiscal sponsor to engage residents in efforts to increase local civic participation and/or participation in support of community social wide change for the benefit of residents in Greater Hartford. Donor Name: Hartford Foundation for Public Giving State: Connecticut City: Selected Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  09/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This competitive grant opportunity is for nonprofits or community groups engaged in or planning local civic participation efforts with the potential to increase civic trust, increase social issue awareness and promote allyship with marginalized communities. Resident engagement efforts might include activities such as: hosting community meetings, forums, conducting workshops, or retreats, informational outreach campaigns and volunteerism projects. This RFP complements the Community Organizing RFP which seeks to support change efforts led by people of color and/or people representing communities that have been traditionally marginalized or underrepresented. Efforts can focus on issues such as increasing racial/social justice issue awareness, increasing resident leadership on racial/social justice issues and increasing civic education/issue awareness. Projects can address issues such as housing, education, health care, the concerns of returning citizens, and issues affecting LGBTQIA+ persons among other things. Funding Information Grant awards will range from $1,000 – $25,000. Scope of work considered could take place over the course of one year. Uses of funds Line items requested from the Foundation may include but are not limited to: materials, software or equipment, stipends for residents, payment for professional services, organizational staffing and overhead. The Foundation will not support the hiring of new, permanent staffing with this funding opportunity. 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. A nonprofit or community group may only have one application under consideration at a time. Nonprofits, however, may serve as a fiscal agent for multiple projects. They will not review an application if a nonprofit organization or community group currently has multi-year core or project support from the Foundation. They will not review an application if a nonprofit organization or community group that has already been awarded a grant during the 2024 Community Organizing or Resident Engagement process. Organizations and groups with applications denied during the open process should contact Foundations staff before submitting another application to make sure the initial denial wasn’t based on something you can’t change. For more information, visit HFPG.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) received FY2023 funding from Congress for the sole purpose of managing and improving the understanding of submerged aquatic invasive grasses with focus on Hydrilla, Milfoil, and Elodea. The Northeast Region is managing $250,000 of these funds. The Service is seeking proposals that address Hydrilla infestations in the Connecticut River.Hydrilla was first detected in the Connecticut River in 2016. The Connecticut River stretches from the Canadian border through New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, finally emptying into Long Island Sound. With 38 main tributaries, the watershed plays an important role in New Englands identity. Funds made available through this grant opportunity will support the following priority goals:Prevention of further spread of hydrilla into inland and tributary watersExpansion of surveillance in the Connecticut River and to tributaries and nearby watersEarly detection surveillance in tributaries and nearby waters.Rapid response efforts supporting control and eradication of new infestationsManagement and containment of existing populationsImprove awareness and affect behavior of water users through education and outreach initiatives.

Grant Opportunity: Improving Youth Mental Health Overview: The Cigna Group Foundation is committed to addressing youth mental health challenges post-pandemic. With a focus on supporting underserved communities, the foundation is allocating $9 million over three years to fund evidence-informed programs and services. The goal is to increase access to mental health intervention, equip parents and caregivers, and promote social-emotional skills among youth. Grant Details: Grant Range: $100,000 – $150,000 Term: One-year Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Budgets should cover eligible expenses related to the grant project, excluding certain overhead costs. Clear progress and impact measurement plans, aligned with addressing health disparities, are required. Grantees must provide progress and final reports during the grant term. Geographical Focus: Connecticut Georgia Missouri New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Application Timeline: Application Opens: April 17 Application Closes: May 22 Notification of Awards: Early July Grant Term Begins: August 1 Contact Information: For inquiries, contact [email protected].