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Eversource Energy Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$7.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,000,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 8-12 weeks
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $10,000 (typical); larger grants occasionally awarded
  • Geographic Focus: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire (Eversource service territory)
  • Number of Awards: 550 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.eversource.com/residential/about/community/supporting-the-community/eversource-energy-foundation

Email: Giving@eversource.com

State-Specific Community Relations Contacts:

Phone: 860-665-3306

Address: PO Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270

Overview

The Eversource Energy Foundation Inc (EIN 06-1527290) is an independent, nonprofit philanthropic organization established in 1998 and funded solely by Eversource Energy shareholders. The Foundation invests in organizations, initiatives, and services that provide broad, meaningful, and sustainable change in the communities served by Eversource Energy across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In 2024, the Foundation contributed $7 million to charitable organizations, making 550 awards to nonprofits working in critical areas including youth health and well-being, clean energy advancement, community wellness, and economic development. The Foundation operates with a clear focus on supporting programs that address both immediate community needs and long-term sustainable development, particularly emphasizing STEM education, environmental stewardship, and support for historically marginalized and disinvested communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Program: $1,000 - $10,000 (typical range); applications reviewed on rolling basis; must be submitted at least 90 days before program/event

The Foundation's Community Grants Program supports qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within Eversource's service territory. Applications are accepted annually with a defined window (reopening March 2026 for the next cycle). Community Relations awards approximately $500,000 in Community Grants to more than 250 nonprofit organizations annually.

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports five core focus areas:

Community Wellness and Basic Human Needs: Programs providing families with essential tools and resources to meet basic health and human services needs, including food and nutritional needs, social services, and medical needs

Education: Programs supporting STEM education, literacy, mentoring, and youth development to help build a well-trained workforce. This includes partnerships with early learning initiatives and programs that provide engaging STEM resources to young learners.

Clean Energy and Environmental Stewardship: Organizations that educate, inform, and advance environmental issues with potential community impact, including environmental conservation and education, park updates, and trail projects. The Foundation partners with programs like the Massachusetts Urban and Community Forestry Program for community tree planting initiatives.

Community Awareness and Engagement: Organizations that encourage and promote the engagement of historically marginalized and disinvested communities

Community, Economic and Workforce Development: Programs that help revitalize underserved communities and support workforce development and educational opportunities

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly does not fund:

  • Political or fraternal organizations
  • Capital projects
  • Personnel expenses
  • Debt reduction
  • Personal event expenses
  • Utility bill assistance
  • Sporting leagues

Governance and Leadership

The Eversource Energy Foundation operates as a company-sponsored foundation of Eversource Energy. Foundation correspondence is directed c/o Kevin Morrissey at the Hartford, CT address.

The parent company, Eversource Energy, is led by Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph R. Nolan Jr., who was elected President and CEO in 2021 and Chairman in 2022.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation accepts applications through an online process available on their website. Organizations must begin with an eligibility quiz to determine if they qualify for funding.

Key Application Requirements:

  • Must be a nonprofit with IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status
  • Must be located within Eversource's service territory (Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire)
  • Funding request must fit within at least one of the Foundation's core focus areas
  • Requests must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the program or event needing funding
  • Limit of one donation per organization per calendar year

For Larger Grant Requests (above $10,000): Organizations should submit a one-page letter with the proposal explaining why Eversource would be a good partner.

Application Schedule:

  • Applications close mid-October each year for the current calendar year
  • Application process reopens in March for the following year
  • Next application cycle opens: March 2026

Decision Timeline

Grant requests are reviewed on a rolling basis. Review time typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from submission to decision.

Organizations are notified via email regarding the status of their application.

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, the Foundation made 550 awards in 2023, distributing $5,984,122 in grants. In 2024, this increased to $7 million distributed across their service territory. Community Relations specifically awards approximately $500,000 to more than 250 nonprofit organizations annually through the Community Grants program.

Reapplication Policy

Grants do not automatically renew. Organizations must reapply each year for continued support. Each nonprofit may receive only one donation per calendar year from the Foundation.

Specific policies regarding unsuccessful applicants' ability to reapply are not publicly disclosed, but the annual application cycle suggests organizations can reapply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and funding patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

Strong Alignment with Core Focus Areas: Applications should clearly articulate how the proposed program fits within one or more of the Foundation's five priority areas. Use language that directly references their focus areas (community wellness, STEM education, clean energy and environmental stewardship, community engagement, economic and workforce development).

Geographic Relevance: Emphasize that your organization serves communities within Eversource's Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire service territory. Projects benefiting residents in these specific areas receive priority.

Community Impact and Sustainability: The Foundation seeks "broad, meaningful, and sustainable change." Applications should demonstrate how the program will create lasting impact beyond the immediate funding period and benefit a significant number of community members.

Focus on Underserved Populations: Given the Foundation's emphasis on "historically marginalized and disinvested communities," highlight how your program serves vulnerable or underserved populations, particularly in areas of basic needs, education access, or economic opportunity.

Clear Program Outcomes: Be specific about what the funding will achieve. Rather than general statements, provide concrete details about the number of people served, specific activities, and measurable outcomes.

90-Day Advance Planning: Submit applications well in advance of your program or event. Late applications will not be considered, so plan accordingly.

Reasonable Budget Request: Most grants fall between $1,000-$10,000. Ensure your request aligns with this range unless you have a compelling case for a larger award and can demonstrate significant community impact.

Examples of Funded Work: The Foundation has supported organizations like United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (awarded $74,500 to address critical community needs for low-to-moderate income ALICE households), STEM from the START partnership for early learner STEM resources, and urban forestry initiatives for community tree planting.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Submit early: Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your program or event, and the Foundation closes applications mid-October each year—plan your application timeline accordingly
  • One chance per year: Each organization can only receive one donation per calendar year, and grants don't automatically renew, so make your application count and be strategic about timing
  • Stay in range: Most grants fall between $1,000-$10,000; only request larger amounts if you can demonstrate exceptional community impact and partnership value
  • Geographic specificity matters: Clearly demonstrate that your organization serves communities within Eversource's Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire service territory
  • Align tightly with priorities: Use the Foundation's language around their five core focus areas and emphasize how your work addresses community wellness, STEM education, environmental stewardship, engagement of marginalized communities, or workforce development
  • Emphasize sustainability and scale: The Foundation seeks "broad, meaningful, and sustainable change"—show how your program creates lasting impact and serves significant numbers of community members
  • Avoid restricted categories: Don't waste time applying for capital projects, personnel expenses, debt reduction, or other explicitly excluded categories

References

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