Connecticut Local Grants

The Town of Trumbull is providing grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents with eligible programs, services and capital investments. Donor Name: Town of Trumbull State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Town will distribute funding from the federal government ARPA program to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents with eligible programs, services and capital investments. Program funds are not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance; applicants may not receive program funding for project expenses that were funded through other federal, state, or local grants.  Nonprofit funding requests must “Support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and its impact on public health as well as addressing economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Funding Information The maximum grant award for the Town of Trumbull ARPA Nonprofit Grant program will be $20,000. Eligibility Criteria  All applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit the required information to be considered for a funding recommendation. All applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization legally allowed to operate within the State of Connecticut or community-based organization with a fiscal sponsor. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2025. Funding shall be used exclusively for projects, programs, and services within the Town of Trumbull that “supports the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing COVID-19 and its impact on public health as well as addressing economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Applicant organization must have a demonstrable presence in the Town of Trumbull. Indirect costs (e.g., salaries and fringe benefits) must not exceed 15% of the total funding request. The applicant must be in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and orders applicable to it. Applicants must disclose any circumstances that could have an adverse material impact on the project. Adverse material impact includes lawsuits, criminal or civil actions, bankruptcy proceedings, regulatory action by a governmental entity or inadequate capital to complete the project. The applicant must not be in default under the terms and conditions of any grant, loan, leases, or other financing arrangements with its other creditors that could have an adverse material impact on the proposal. If applicable, the applicant must be in good standing with the Connecticut Secretary of State in terms of required business/nonprofit filings. Applicant organizations must be able to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including but not limited to periodic project and expenditure reports. Document backup related to this award must be retained for 5 years or until audited by the State or Federal Government. For more information, visit Town of Trumbull.

The Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation is now accepting grant applications from local 501(c)(3), 170(c)(1), and other qualified non-profit organizations in the communities served by Jewett City Savings Bank. Donor Name: Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Established in 2004, the Foundation was created for the support and benefit of community, charitable, educational, and other benevolent purposes. In 2023, the Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation provided more than 70 grants totaling $96,211 to local non-profits that provide health, social and emergency services, and in support of food pantries, libraries, and arts and culture. The Foundation has donated more than $1.2 million since its establishment. For more information Jewett City Savings Bank Foundation.

The Connecticut Community Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills, focusing on capacity building, leadership development, and inclusivity, to meet the rising demand for services and address disparities within the communities.

The City of West Haven is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of West Haven State: Connecticut County: New Haven County (CT) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The storefront facade program will provide funds to businesses to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas, as well as to provide added safety measures such as additional lighting to these areas. Successful applications will preserve or upgrade existing storefront facades to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrance. Uses of Funds Storefront/exterior improvements to facade  New windows  Doors  Awnings  Painting  Signage attached to facade  Siding, brick appointing  Exterior Lighting attached to façade  HVAC installation and/or upgrades  Outdoor dining and patio space (must be affixed to building, no furniture) Grant Information  Eligible applicants can apply for up to $10,000. Ineligible Grant Uses Work that has been completed prior to the execution of an agreement with the Department of Community Development and Planning are not eligible to participate in the program.  New construction  Temporary, portable, or non-permanent improvements  NEON SIGNS  The following improvements are not eligible under this program:  Interior improvements  Roofs, not part of a larger project  Removal of architecturally significant features  Other improvements not included in this list that are deemed ineligible by the City Property Owner/Business Eligibility Criteria  For-profit businesses must meet the definition of a small business, meaning:  Have no more than 50 full time employees, and  Are a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (which includes, among other requirements, that the business is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field of operation). Project Eligibility Criteria Criteria complies with the most recent US Treasury Guidelines and has been reviewed by our partners at UHY.  Business must be located within the City of West Haven  Business must have less than 50 FTE’s  Improvements must comply with City building and zoning standards. Proposed improvements may be required to receive SHPO approval to ensure any historical features are preserved or considered in the renovation Business must address how the requested funds will be used and relate to the Program objectives  Improvements are limited to the explicit uses listed above  Business must be in good standing with the City of West Haven AND the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service (ie. Fully permitted, up-to-date on taxes)  Business cannot have received alternate Federal, State, or Local funding to cover the        same intended costs  Business cannot have any pending litigation or legal action  Projects concerning outdoor dining are subject to proper permitting and zoning requirements  Note: If Business leases space to which intended capital improvements are to be made, Copy of  Lease and Prior written approval of Lessor will be Required. Additionally, Only Businesses that  Own Property or Businesses with lease term extending through June 2026 will be eligible. For more information, visit CWHC.

The Town of Glastonbury is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Farm Assistance Program that will provide financial assistance to eligible farmers who were negatively impacted by the significant weather events. Donor Name: Town of Glastonbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: To support local farmers, the Town of Glastonbury established the Farm Assistance Program (FAP) 2024. This reimbursable grant program will provide one-time funding support to eligible farmers to help them overcome the financial hardships resulting from 2023 weather events, and/or to invest in the long-term viability of their farm business. The Glastonbury Town Council appropriated $220,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the 2024 Farm Assistance Program (FAP). Funding Information Eligible farmers can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 to help sustain or grow their business. Eligible Expenses Grant monies can be used to REIMBURSE one or more of the following expenses Payroll / Recruitment / Training Rent / Mortgage Assistance Utilities Operational expenses Equipment / Technology Capital improvements Marketing programs to support farm business growth Investments to improve viability of the farm business Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the FAP, the farm business must: be current on all property taxes owed to the Town of Glastonbury. actively farm at least 10 acres of land in Glastonbury, CT. farm Glastonbury land that is registered in the PA490 program. gross at least $100,000 per year based on the total average gross of their 3 best years over the last 5 years. have sustained a financial hardship due to the 2023 weather.  For more information, visit Town of Glastonbury.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

This grant provides financial support to various organizations, including nonprofits and small businesses, to implement projects that enhance social services, arts, recreation, and community activities for residents of South Windsor, Connecticut.