Connecticut Private Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that improve the health and well-being of residents in Southington through various community health initiatives and services.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

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.

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) is offering Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grants to increase the number of acres in Connecticut managed with climate smart practices. This initiative directly aligns with the CLCC's mission, which is dedicated to land conservation and stewardship of conserved lands within Connecticut. The grant program seeks to encourage land trusts to adopt practices that enhance the land's ability to sequester carbon, provide ecosystem services, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, thereby contributing to broader environmental resilience goals. The primary target beneficiaries for these grants are tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)3 whose mission is dedicated to land conservation and/or stewardship of conserved lands, operating within or including the State of Connecticut, and are current members of CLCC. The impact goals are to significantly expand the use of climate smart land stewardship practices across Connecticut, fostering a more resilient and sustainable landscape. The program prioritizes projects that develop climate smart land stewardship plans, establish pollinator habitats, manage invasive species followed by native plantings, manage forests for improved wildlife habitat and oak regeneration, establish wildlife corridors, increase riparian forest buffers, and implement agricultural practices that enhance water quality and soil health. These focuses are designed to achieve tangible environmental improvements and promote long-term ecological health. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of acres managed using climate smart practices, improved carbon sequestration and storage, enhanced ecosystem services, and greater resilience of land to environmental disturbances. Measurable results will be tracked through the successful completion of planning grants within 12 months and the implementation of funded projects. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support and encouraging best practices, CLCC can significantly accelerate the adoption of climate-smart strategies, leading to a healthier and more sustainable Connecticut landscape. Funding is available for two types of grants: Planning Grants with a maximum award of $8,000, and Implementation Grants with a maximum award of $50,000. Planning Grants must be completed within 12 months, emphasizing a timely progression from planning to action. This structured approach ensures that the grants translate into concrete, on-the-ground changes that align with the CLCC's strategic priorities for land conservation and climate resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-driven projects in East Hartford that promote civic engagement and benefit residents inclusively, with grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 available to eligible nonprofit organizations.

This funding opportunity supports organizations working to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and its watershed through initiatives like pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and public education.

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.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for one-day fundraising events in Connecticut, with applications accepted on a rolling basis depending on funding availability. Nonprofits and community groups can receive sponsorships for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events, with a focus on encouraging resident engagement in New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, and East Haven. The Foundation's minimum eligibility requirements must be met by all applicants.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations and community groups in Enfield, Connecticut, to support projects that address local needs and promote inclusivity and equity among residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, particularly in underserved communities, to promote the creation of parks and recreational spaces.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Connecticut for innovative programs and urgent needs, with grants ranging from $250 to $10,000.

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 Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation's 2024 Community Grant Program is designed to be responsive and flexible, utilizing trust-based philanthropic principles to support projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This approach aims to reduce applicant burden, foster interactive engagement, and facilitate diverse storytelling, aligning with the Foundation's mission to strengthen the community by investing in critical areas that enhance the quality of life for Worcester County residents. The program seeks to build and support a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure all residents have food and shelter, and create economic opportunities through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are primarily residents of Worcester County. The Foundation seeks to impact these residents by addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions. For Arts & Creativity, the goal is to foster a strong and inclusive arts and culture environment. In Basic Needs, the focus is on ensuring fundamental necessities like food and shelter are accessible to all. Economic Opportunity initiatives aim to empower individuals through education and skill-building, ultimately enhancing financial stability and independence within the community. The program's priorities and focus areas are distinctly defined. Arts & Creativity projects are aimed at developing a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all feel a sense of belonging. Basic Needs initiatives are dedicated to guaranteeing that all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity programs concentrate on English Language Learning, Job Training, and Financial Literacy to uplift individuals and families. The Foundation emphasizes organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, underscoring its strategic priorities to address root causes and promote systemic change. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate feasibility within the $2,500-$25,000 grant range, create significant access and barrier reduction for Worcester County residents, and offer creative or innovative solutions to identified community needs. Projects are also expected to have measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with the specified focus areas. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering community-serving organizations that are sound financially and operationally, fostering authentic partnerships, and driving meaningful, unduplicated services to achieve sustainable positive change for Worcester County residents.

This grant provides financial support to established livestock farmers in select New England counties to implement regenerative agriculture practices that enhance soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitats.

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 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 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including 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, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.

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.

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation Grant invites applications from public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the United States. The Foundation's core mission is to inspire philanthropy and community service, supporting organizations that address complex problems or assist people in need. This specific grant program aligns with their commitment by focusing on critical community support, particularly during the holiday season, by funding initiatives that provide meals to vulnerable individuals and families. The grants available range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a key funding constraint that requests over $25,000 will not be considered for this particular call. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and families in need within the New York City metropolitan area, specifically targeting those requiring meal assistance during Thanksgiving 2024. The impact goal is to alleviate food insecurity during this critical time by ensuring access to Thanksgiving meals. Eligible activities must occur on or around Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) and conclude by December 6, 2024, emphasizing immediate and direct relief. The program prioritizes organizations operating in New York City (five boroughs), Westchester County, NY, or Fairfield County, CT, ensuring geographic focus on communities served by the Foundation. The main focus of this grant is strictly on the purchase of foods related to Thanksgiving meals. This specificity highlights the Foundation's strategic priority to address immediate, tangible needs within communities. While the grant does not explicitly detail a "theory of change," its direct approach to funding meal provisions implies a straightforward theory: providing resources for food directly leads to reduced food insecurity and increased well-being for beneficiaries during a significant holiday. The Foundation also requires that it not be the sole funder, encouraging shared responsibility and broader community engagement in addressing these needs. Expected outcomes include a demonstrated impact on underserved communities through the provision of Thanksgiving meals. Measurable results would likely involve the number of individuals and families served, the quantity of meals provided, and the effective utilization of funds for food purchases. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with eligibility criteria, operational feasibility, documented impact on underserved communities, the financial health of the organization, and the appropriateness of activities in relation to the Foundation's mission. These evaluation criteria underscore the Foundation's strategic intent to support well-managed projects that deliver concrete, positive outcomes.