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Community Foundation For Greater New Haven

Annual Giving
$31.4M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2mo
Success Rate
57%

Community Foundation For Greater New Haven

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $31.4 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $667 million (December 2024)
  • Success Rate: ~57% (Responsive Grants Program)
  • Decision Time: 8-10 weeks (Small Grants); varies by program
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $45,000+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: 20-town region in Central Connecticut

Contact Details

Website: https://www.cfgnh.org/

Address: New Haven, CT

General Information: Organizations are encouraged to attend the annual Grantseeker Webinar (held in January) to learn about grant programs and application processes.

Program-Specific Contacts: Contact information for specific grant programs is provided on individual program pages on the Foundation's website.

Overview

Established in 1928, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is one of the oldest and largest of more than 700 community foundations in the United States and the largest grantmaker in Greater New Haven's 20-town region. With $667 million in assets as of December 2024, the Foundation made $31.4 million in grants and distributions in 2024 through 761 awards. The Foundation serves communities in Central Connecticut including New Haven and surrounding towns, focusing on racial justice, economic opportunity, basic needs, women's causes, the environment, and animal rescues. Under the leadership of President and CEO Karen DuBois-Walton (who began in November 2024), the Foundation continues its commitment to strengthening nonprofit infrastructure and addressing systemic inequities across its service region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Responsive Grants Program (Largest competitive program)

  • Awards general operating support for one, two, or three years
  • March application deadline
  • Recent cycle: $2.879 million to 81 nonprofits (from 141 applications, ~57% success rate)
  • Average grant: $22,000 for first year
  • Applications accepted online

Small Grants Program

  • For organizations with operating budgets of $2 million or less
  • Organizations with budgets up to $40,000: grants up to $5,000 plus capacity building opportunities
  • Organizations with budgets of $40,000 or more: grants up to $15,000
  • Two annual rounds: January 2-April 1; August 1 until funds depleted
  • First-come, first-served basis
  • 8-10 week review timeline
  • Initial contact via email to program director

Event Sponsorship Grants

  • Funding for fundraising or community events
  • Up to $2,500
  • Rolling applications until funds depleted

Basic Needs Fund

  • Grants to organizations providing material basic needs: food security, shelter and housing stability, clothing and hygiene
  • Grants up to $15,000
  • Since 2021: $1.84 million to 85 nonprofits
  • Recent awards (2025): $1.6 million total

Black Futures Fund

  • Established in 2020 to advance racial equity and tackle structures contributing to racial disparities
  • Typically supports Black-led organizations and promotes Black leadership and grassroots advocacy

Progresso Latino Fund

  • Grants to organizations bridging skills gaps for Latino community members
  • Focus: education, career skills, literacy and language, financial literacy
  • Grant range: $3,000 - $10,000
  • Applications typically due early June

Community Fund for Women & Girls - Pathways to Economic Security

  • Supports programs increasing women's economic security and opportunity
  • Priority areas: workforce participation, entrepreneurship, housing security, childcare innovation
  • Recent awards: $130,000 to 12 nonprofits (2025); $115,000 to 10 nonprofits (2024)
  • Grants range from $10,000 - $15,000

New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3)

  • Grants and technical assistance for small business owners

Priority Areas

  • Racial justice and equity: Advancing opportunities for Black and Latino communities, addressing structural inequities
  • Economic opportunity: Workforce development, entrepreneurship, job-skills training, financial stability
  • Basic needs: Food security, shelter, housing stability, clothing, hygiene products
  • Women's economic security: Employment services, childcare innovation, entrepreneur coaching
  • Civic vitality: Community engagement and leadership
  • Arts and culture: Supporting cultural programs
  • Health and wellness: Programs promoting community health
  • Environment and animal rescues

What They Don't Fund

  • Religious activities
  • Endowment campaigns
  • Lobbying activities
  • Travel expenses
  • Previously incurred debts
  • Funding deficits
  • Organizations that discriminate based on age, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual preference in hiring, leadership, or service delivery

Capital Projects: Limited funding available; typically only one large capital grant awarded annually. Capital projects (buildings, equipment, vehicles) are evaluated based on their ability to enable organizations to more significantly serve their constituency.

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

President and CEO: Karen DuBois-Walton (began November 4, 2024)

  • Succeeded Will Ginsberg, who led the Foundation for 24 years
  • Holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology
  • Previously served as President of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven
  • Former Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer for Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. in New Haven

CFO: Wendy Gamba

Board Chair: Marcella Nunez-Smith

Board of Directors

The Foundation's board comprises eleven U.S. citizens and Greater New Haven residents. The Board oversees the Foundation's operations and financial support for community nonprofits.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All grant applications must be submitted online through the Foundation's "Grants You Can Apply For" page at https://www.cfgnh.org/strengthening-nonprofits/grants-to-apply-for

Initial Steps:

  1. Attend the annual Grantseeker Webinar (held in January) - highly encouraged for all organizations seeking 2026 funding
  2. Review specific program pages for criteria and deadlines
  3. For most programs, application process begins with an email to the program director or administrator (as indicated on individual program pages)

Application Components:

  • Grant inquiry serves as introduction and project summary
  • Staff reviews all inquiries
  • Staff may invite full application or request meeting/additional information

Decision Timeline

Small Grants: 8-10 week review process

Responsive Grants Program: Applications due in March; decisions announced by summer

Review Process:

  • Community reviewers and Foundation staff review all grant inquiries
  • Board of Directors votes to approve funding for grant requests
  • Notification provided to all applicants

Success Rates

Responsive Grants Program: Recent cycle showed 81 nonprofits selected from 141 applications = approximately 57% success rate (described as "one of the largest in The Community Foundation's history" in terms of application volume)

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not provide specific guidance on reapplication policies or processes for denied applicants. Unsuccessful applicants are not guaranteed feedback on their proposals.

Eligibility Requirements

Geographic Service Area

Organizations must serve residents within the Foundation's 20-town area: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge

For Responsive General Operating Support Grants: 50% or more of the population served must reside in the 20-town region

Tax Status

  • Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or applicable IRS statute
  • Non-tax-exempt groups may apply if they have a fiscal agent with appropriate tax status
  • Individuals are not eligible (except for New Haven Neighborhood Leadership Program participants and academic scholarship applicants)

Non-Discrimination Policy

Organizations must adhere to policies prohibiting discrimination based on age, sex, religion, national origin, and sexual preference in hiring, leadership, and service delivery.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Partnership and Leverage: The Foundation is "committed to funding organizations that present opportunities for partnerships" and "demonstrate an ability to leverage resources."

Strong Leadership: Demonstrated leadership quality is a key evaluation criterion.

Evaluation and Measurement: Organizations must show "strong evaluation plans" and "clearly articulated goals and measures."

Infrastructure Investment: The Foundation believes in "investing in strengthening the infrastructure of nonprofit organizations by supporting general operating costs."

Administrative Costs: Administrative and shared expenses are supported and typically constitute at least 10% of overall requests, evaluated case-by-case.

Application Tips

Funding Amount: There is a wide range in dollar amounts awarded. Applicants should "determine the amount of funding you need for your project and submit an application for that amount."

Grant Duration: Most grants support one to three years of work. The Foundation doesn't provide permanent funding, and continuing support is contingent on "availability of support and progress towards stated outcomes."

Pre-Application Engagement: Generally, no meetings before submission. Your grant inquiry serves as introduction, though staff may request additional information or meetings during review.

Writing Support: The Foundation does not provide direct proposal writing assistance but recommends workshops from Connecticut Council of Philanthropy, Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, New Haven Free Public Library, and Foundation Center.

Recent Grant Examples (What They Fund)

2025 Basic Needs Fund Recipients:

  • Community Soup Kitchen - $15,000 for food, supplies, hygiene products
  • Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen - $15,000 for unhoused individuals
  • Haven's Harvest - $15,000 for warehouse rent/utilities for food distribution
  • CitySeed Inc. - $10,000 for Farmers Market Nutrition Programs
  • Divinely You - $10,000 for transgender/gender-diverse individuals (clothing, hygiene, essentials)
  • Elena's Light - $10,000 for seasonal items including winter clothing, heaters

2025 Pathways to Economic Security Recipients:

  • Christian Community Action - $10,000 for employment services at ARISE Center (supporting women heads of household)
  • CitySeed Inc. - $10,000 for Sanctuary Kitchen (refugee/immigrant chefs)
  • Havenly, Inc. - Grant for cafe and daycare for refugee women
  • CERCLE - $15,000 for early childhood education providers

2025 Responsive Grants Recipients:

  • Connecticut Food Share and Beth-El Center (basic needs organizations)
  • CT Students for a Dream, CT Institute for Immigrants and Refugees, Elena's Light, JUNTA for Progressive Action
  • ConnCORP, CT NAACP, Women's Business Development Council (inclusive growth)
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut - $20,000
  • Girl Scouts of Connecticut - $20,000
  • Greater Dwight Development Corporation - $25,000

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic alignment is critical: 50%+ of those you serve must reside in the 20-town Greater New Haven region for Responsive Grants
  • Strong success rate for qualified applicants: ~57% success rate in recent Responsive Grants cycle demonstrates approachability
  • General operating support is valued: The Foundation explicitly supports infrastructure and administrative costs (typically 10%+ of requests)
  • Partnerships and leverage matter: Demonstrate how you collaborate with others and leverage additional resources
  • Measurement is essential: Clearly articulate goals, measures, and evaluation plans in your application
  • Multiple pathways to funding: With 10+ different grant programs, find the best fit for your organization's budget size and focus area
  • First-come-first-served for some programs: Small Grants operate on rolling basis; apply early in the cycle
  • Multi-year support available: The Foundation offers 1-3 year grants, providing stability for longer-term work
  • Attend the Grantseeker Webinar: Highly encouraged for all prospective applicants to understand current priorities and processes

References

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