Nonprofit Organizations: Applying for a Grant from NCCF

New Canaan Community Foundation’s mission is to serve as New Canaan’s local partner for advice, leadership and facilitation of charitable giving.  Our vision is a New Canaan that comes together to address both individual and local  challenges, enriching the lives of all community members.

Our grant investments support programs, operating, partnerships, and the capacity of individual nonprofits as well as the local nonprofit sector. 

Grantmaking is one way that we deploy resources in the community for impact, but not in isolation – financial resources are just one way we hope to support the health of our community. From our grantmaking, and the expertise of our partner nonprofits, the Foundation strives to provide community leadership on key local issues, and act as a convener and advocate.

Grant guidelines vary for each funding program:

  • Main Grant Cycle – All applications begin with a Letter of Inquiry, due in October. Full proposals, if invited, are due in January. The Foundation funds nonprofit organizations in Lower Fairfield County, with an emphasis on organizations based in New Canaan or serving significant numbers of people in the New Canaan community. Click here for the current guidelines »
  • Young Philanthropist Fund – Our high school philanthropy program changes its funding focus from year to year. Guidelines for this year will be posted as available.  Applications are generally considered in the winter, and grants are awarded in the spring.
  • Touch A Life Fund – At any time of year, nonprofits can request emergency financial support for their clients who are New Canaan residents. Click here for the referral form »
  • If you support scholarship programs for students, please see our scholarship page.

Out of cycle emergency grants may be made to organizations in special circumstances. For more information, please call us at 203-966-0231.

All nonprofit organizations considering applying to the Foundation for grant support are encouraged to review the specifics of their program and potential funding opportunities with our staff.