Connecticut Grants

The City of Stamford is now accepting applications for its 2024 Community Microgrant Program. Donor Name: City of Stamford State: Connecticut City: Stamford Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Microgrant Program (formerly the Neighborhood Grant Program) has awarded small grants for community-specific projects aimed at improving the quality of life across Stamford’s neighborhoods. Depending on the needs of a particular area, as determined by people who live there, grant funds are available to help a range of resident groups – from informal grassroot organizations and well-established associations to community-wide efforts – by supporting the activities and projects important to applicants. Grant Priorities  While all applications will be given consideration, projects that meet the following criteria will be given a higher priority rating for this grant cycle: Sustainable projects Ideas or initiatives that have long-term, multi-year impact on the community Investments in physical spaces, equipment, tools, etc. that will be helpful to the community for years to come New and Innovative projects Ideas that require start-up funding to get a project off the ground New, creative ideas to improve the community that have not yet been tried – pilot projects welcome! Funding Information This year, the Community Microgrant Program has $75,000 available to invest in Stamford’s neighborhoods. Grants may be awarded for $1,000 to $10,000. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are encouraged to apply for the Community Micro-Grant Program: Stamford-based nonprofit or charitable organizations Organizations that are not 501c3 entities Please Note: Applicants who do not have legal nonprofit status will need to identify fiscal agents (local 501c3 organization or City Department) willing to be responsible for handling grant funds on their behalf. The following entities are NOT eligible for the application process: For-profit organizations Individuals. For more information, visit City of Stamford.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

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: Connecticut Town and City: Selected Towns and Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: 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. Uses of funds Items and services may include food, personal care items, emergency financial aid, one-time medical device or medical aid assistance, immediate or informal case management services, or other critical basic needs you see in the community you serve. Proposal Requirements 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. 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. For more information, visit Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

The Ledyard Rotary Foundation offers annual grants targeting community organizations within the local area, emphasizing support for emergency relief, educational enhancements, quality of life improvements, health care access and quality enhancements, and addressing social problems. This initiative aims to benefit the residents of Ledyard and southeastern Connecticut but is also open to supporting state, national, and international programs. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: May 15th

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Connecticut. A total of up to $500,000 is available for the Connecticut CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $250,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 24, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by July 31, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Under the broader Program Enhancement Projects for Adult Education, Section 225 targets corrections education and education for other institutionalized individuals in Connecticut. This initiative seeks to provide educational services to those likely to leave correctional institutions within five years, aiming to enhance their literacy, employment, and reintegration prospects. It emphasizes the importance of basic skills and literacy for effective societal participation. Funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the project promotes collaboration to meet the educational needs of this specific population, with a commitment to multi-year funding that spans from fiscal year 2025 to 2028. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

Under the broader Program Enhancement Projects for Adult Education, Section 243 focuses on Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE). This program supports English language learners in improving their literacy and understanding of American civics, aiming for better integration, employment, and educational opportunities. Eligible providers are encouraged to propose projects that combine IELCE educational services with integrated education and training (IET), reflecting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s (WIOA) objectives. This funding opportunity, spanning fiscal years 2025 through 2028, promotes collaborations to fulfill the educational needs of English language learners in Connecticut. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

The Program Enhancement Project for Adult Education, as part of the AEFLA Section 231 Comprehensive Adult Education Services, aims to expand and enhance educational programs for adults in Connecticut. With an emphasis on improving basic skills and literacy, the project facilitates effective participation in society and the workforce. It supports a variety of activities including adult literacy, workplace education, family literacy, and English language acquisition, among others. This initiative, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), encourages collaborations to avoid service duplication, address local needs, and ensure seamless educational transitions. The project is open for proposals from eligible agencies with the intent to award multi-year grants, ensuring sustained impact from fiscal year 2025 through 2028. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

This program provides financial support to retail, service, and restaurant businesses in East Haddam and Haddam to help them recover from revenue losses caused by local construction disruptions.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation. Program Priorities  The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the Sound and take a role in its future. A road map guiding investments under the LISFF is the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Long Island Sound Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes shown below, in CCMP Implementation Actions (IAs) associated with each theme, and in three CCMP cross-cutting principles: resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice all defined in the CCMP. The most competitive proposals will be those that incorporate theme(s), IA(s) and one or more cross-cutting principle(s) of the CCMP. CCMP THEME: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds – Improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading into Long Island Sound through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention. The most competitive projects will be those that address water quality at a larger or more comprehensive scale such as a neighborhood, waterfront or downtown. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning activities that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permitting. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) of the Long Island Sound Watershed must have a specific outcome related to nitrogen/nutrient prevention as a result of project activities through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance of the site.  Projects must quantify nitrogen/nutrient reductions in metrics. Planning for activities that set-the-stage for implementation of quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Projects must document the benefit to downstream Long Island Sound such as by indicating how the project addresses a source of nitrogen/nutrient pollution, project location and how the design of the project and its implementation will effectively reduce downstream pollution loading. CCMP THEME: Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife – 1) enhance or restore coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and 2) sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Implementing “shovel-ready” projects habitat restoration and/or nature based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning that sets-the-stage for implementation of projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Fostering diverse, balanced and abundant populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines to inform development of a proposal. CCMP THEME: Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Support vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound. Projects providing hands-on conservation experiences will be more competitive. Funding Information With funding of approximately $12 million for projects in 2024, there are multiple funding categories under the LISFF each with a different range of grant funding. Implementation Projects: $50,000 to $1.5 million for projects with particularly high environmental community benefit relative to cost, including: Water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience projects. Projects with the greatest promise to demonstrate, influence, pilot, innovate, and/or provide a proof of concept with the aim of accelerating local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, Environmental Justice and/or community and public outreach and engagement. Design/Planning Projects: $50,000 to $500,000 for: Water quality or habitat restoration projects. Watershed plans. Community resilience/sustainability/natural hazard mitigation plans. Project Period Projects must start within six months and be completed within 24 months after notification of grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations located within its market area, covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. The Foundation's grants support a wide array of initiatives including affordable housing, business and economic development, youth and family services, health and human service organizations, arts and cultural institutions, educational entities, environmental groups, and scholarship programs. Notably, the Foundation contributes to local education through scholarships at Providence College, Bryant University, and the University of Rhode Island, facilitating students' access to higher education. The Foundation is a strong supporter of the United Way, reflecting its commitment to community welfare through employee contributions and volunteerism. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st. Grant awarded in January

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.

Applications are now being accepted for the Creating New Work Grant Program. Donor Name: Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation State: Connecticut City and Town: Selected Cities and Towns Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Initiated in 2003, the foundation offers a special grant program designed to: Foster creativity in Greater Hartford by supporting local artists in the creation of new work. Foster collaborations between artists and arts organizations that benefit the artist, the organization and the community. Further the foundation’s mission to support and encourage excellence in the arts in Hartford and the immediately surrounding community. Grant Period The artist(s) must complete their project within 24 months of the grant award. Geographical Areas CNW is designed to support local artists. To be eligible, all artists affiliated with the project must primarily live or work on their art in: Hartford, Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. Who may apply? 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the foundation’s geographic giving area. The foundation gives priority to requests from organizations in the following cities and towns in Connecticut: Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Newington, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. Artists may not apply directly to the foundation but must seek out a partnering organization in the foundation’s geographic giving area. Organizations may apply for either the Creation of New Work grant or an Excellence in the Arts grant within a calendar year.  Should an organization’s Creation of New Work application be declined, it may apply for an Excellence in Arts grant in a subsequent cycle. Criteria for Selection Projects are judged on the following criteria: artistic excellence and potential of the project to advance the artist(s)’s work quality of the collaboration between the artist(s) and the organization potential impact on the benefit to the community The organization must demonstrate a clear plan for working with the artist(s) and be able to articulate the project’s benefit to the organization and the community. The sponsoring organization and artist must submit a post-grant report within six months of the close of the project. For more information, visit ECATRF.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups in New England that focus on environmental initiatives and social justice, providing financial assistance for projects led by volunteers or small teams.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve youth in Derby and Shelton, Connecticut, focusing on projects in areas like education, health, and early childhood development.