Ion Bank Foundation

Ion Bank Foundation is a US private foundation based in Naugatuck, CT.

Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2025, TY2024, TY2023) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.

Priority Areas

Ion Bank Foundation supports programmes and organisations that contribute to the betterment of the communities it serves. Its priorities are affordable housing and rehabilitation; community services, including healthcare, education, job training, social services, child care and credit or financial services; economic development; and revitalisation or stabilisation of distressed or underserved areas. It makes designated grants to organisations it selects, as well as competitive grants for programmes and capital needs, primarily funding direct costs to start or improve a programme. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits, municipalities seeking grants for public purposes, and religious organisations seeking grants for nonsectarian projects associated with its priorities, in or serving its defined assessment area. It seeks proposals addressing demonstrated community need, with clear plans and realistic budgets and potential to leverage additional support.

Themes

• Affordable housing
• Community services
• Economic development
• Distressed-area revitalization
• Arts

Geographic Focus

Capital Region: Andover, Avon, Berlin and 35 more cities in Connecticut; Naugatuck Valley Region: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem and 16 more cities in Connecticut; South Central Region: Bethany, Branford, East Haven and 12 more cities in Connecticut; Morris County; Passaic County.

What They Don't Fund

• Requests for political or religious purposes
• Requests from municipalities or religious organizations for buildings or associated expense (however, we may consider support for equipment if it is specifically part of an eligible programmatic request)
• Requests for capital expenditures on buildings not owned by the non-profit requesting funds
• Grants for previously incurred expenses

Applicants should review the guidelines to check eligibility and project fit, then complete the online grant application.

Deadlines: The Foundation accepts applications during grant rounds.

• Repeat giving: In its TY2025 filing, 84% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2023 or TY2024 filing.
• Grant size: Across its TY2023, TY2024 and TY2025 filings, half of its 1,252 grants to organisations were $525 or less.

What the foundation says:

• The Foundation gives higher priority to requests for programmes and services than to capital or equipment.
• Strong proposals address demonstrated community need.
• The organisation should summarise its track record in successfully implementing programmes.
• Proposals should adopt evidence-based programmes and models, when appropriate.
• Strong proposals demonstrate potential to leverage additional or sustaining support.
• Proposals should clearly explain the project plan and include a realistic budget aligned with stated goals.
• The Foundation favours proposals advancing community plans and priorities, especially those with broad, visible community involvement in design and fundraising.
• The Foundation encourages alliances and collaborative ventures, particularly when partnership is essential to programme success.
• Funded non-profit organisations must publicise the grant and recognise Ion Bank Foundation.