We partner with our community to create a county where every person has an equitable opportunity to thrive.
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Inc. gives at a scale that includes a $1,000,000 grant to Miami Dade College Foundation Inc. for general support, alongside many other large unrestricted awards. That pattern fits a mixed community foundation model: the organization combines broad strategic grantmaking with targeted initiatives in Fairfield County, Connecticut, while also supporting organizations outside the county through general support. Its stated mission is to partner with the community to create a county where every person has an equitable opportunity to thrive. The foundation’s recent grants show that it funds across health, housing, economic opportunity, youth education and careers, civic engagement, nonprofit capacity building, and food security. In 2024, it also made sizable general-support awards to Bridgeport-based Optimus Health Care Inc. and Stamford-based Building One Community, both of which point to a focus on core organizational strength as well as program delivery. The foundation lists flexible funding, unrestricted support, and capacity building among its philosophy tags, and its active programs include competitive grants, strategic grants, scholarships, civic engagement grants, and the Fund for Women & Girls. Together, those elements show a funder that uses multiple grant channels rather than a single program model.
Women and girls’ safety, health, leadership, and economic security are central through the Fund for Women & Girls, which offers renewable grants and small grants in Fairfield County. The Black Maternal Health Initiative, housed under that fund, focuses on improving outcomes for Black mothers and babies through doula care, workforce development, policy advocacy, and community-based supports. Civic engagement is another clear area of support. One active opportunity offers five small grants for civic education, voter engagement, registration efforts, and replication of KnowYourReps.org in additional Fairfield County municipalities. The foundation also supports arts as a pathway to equity. Its Arts in the Service of Equity program is a $1 million grants program for arts organizations and collaborative arts programs in Greater Bridgeport, with attention to arts innovation, community voice, and social justice. Capacity building appears both as a program area and as a funding style, including support through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and its capacity-support funds.
$25.7M
$291.4M
$21.3M
$33M
Most grants fall between $10K and $40K, with a median of $20K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$20K
75th Percentile
$40K
MENDI BLUE
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Typical awards are modest to mid-sized, with a p25 of $10,000, a median of $20,000, and a p75 of $40,000. The recent grants list also includes larger general-support grants, showing that the foundation can move well above that range for selected organizations. Its giving is structured through a community foundation model with multiple active programs, including competitive grants, strategic grants, scholarships, and issue-specific funds. Several program descriptions emphasize unrestricted or flexible support, especially for nonprofit programs, general operating support, and capacity building. The recent-grants sample is from 2024, so it does not show multi-year recipient repetition in the data provided.
Most grants go to Connecticut recipients, with 59% of grants landing in the HQ state. Fairfield County is the main geographic frame for many programs, while the recent grants list also includes recipients in Bridgeport, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Westport. Outside Connecticut, the foundation gives nationally as well, with grants in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, and other states. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 457 grants in the United States.
The foundation’s stated focus areas include health, housing, economic opportunity, youth education and careers, civic engagement, nonprofit capacity building, and food security. Its active programs also add women and girls’ health equity, Black maternal health, arts and equity in Greater Bridgeport, and scholarships.
Yes. Its philosophy tags include unrestricted or general operating support, flexible funding, and capacity building/core operations. The recent grants list also contains multiple awards described as general support.
The typical grant size is p25 $10,000, median $20,000, and p75 $40,000. The active programs show both micro-grants and larger competitive awards, ranging from $1,000 civic engagement grants to a $1 million arts program.
The top state by grant count is Illinois, while 59% of grants go to recipients in Connecticut. The recent grants list also shows activity across Fairfield County cities such as Bridgeport, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Westport.
It offers nonpartisan civic engagement micro-grants for voter registration and voter engagement, with a focus on historically underrepresented voters. Another civic engagement grant opportunity supports existing civic initiatives, including civic education, voter engagement, registration efforts, and replication of KnowYourReps.org in additional Fairfield County municipalities.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Fairfield County'S Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofits aligned with the foundation’s strategic priorities, including organizations working to ensure equitable access to housing, health services, education, and economic opportunity, and organizations engaged in civic engagement and advocacy.
Deadline: Letters of inquiry accepted July 15–August 15 (annual Fall cycle).
Who can apply: Nonprofits whose programs benefit women and girls in Fairfield County; specific criteria vary by round (Renewable Grants vs Small Grants).
Who can apply: Nonprofits conducting nonpartisan voter registration and engagement in Fairfield County; applicants historically applied during a short application window.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations serving Fairfield County and aligning with the Foundation’s result areas and strategic priorities.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING | DES MOINES, IA | $2,000,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HEART AND ARMOR FOUNDATION | CORTE MADRE, CA | $1,000,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| OPTIMUS HEALTH CARE INC | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $663,500 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN FORESTS | WASHINGTON, DC | $620,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREENWICH | GREENWICH, CT | $567,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF MARTIN COUNTY | HOBE SOUND, FL | $500,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE | NEW YORK, NY | $470,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SCHOLARSHIP AMERICA INC | DETROIT, MI | $411,081 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $342,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL CONNECTICUT COAST YMCA | NEW HAVEN, CT | $341,070 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| OPEN DOORS | NORWALK, CT | $309,125 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY OF COASTAL AND WESTERN CONNECTICUT | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $262,884 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE HOUSING COLLECTIVE | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $250,169 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NAACP EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $250,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE CHEYNEY FOUNDATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $250,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| JOE BURROW FOUNDATION | MIDDLETOWN, OH | $250,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GREENWICH SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATION | GREENWICH, CT | $247,869 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FIDELITY CHARITABLE | CINCINNATI, OH | $240,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH | NEW CANAAN, CT | $225,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE BREES DREAM FOUNDATION | INDEPENDENCE, OH | $225,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RISE NETWORK | NEW HAVEN, CT | $200,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE ASIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $200,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PACKAGES FROM HOME | GLENDALE, AZ | $195,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW ENGLAND SYNOD ELCA | WORCESTER, MA | $191,338 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AMERICARES FOUNDATION INC | STAMFORD, CT | $182,728 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| KIDS IN CRISIS INC | COS COB, CT | $178,585 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SOUTHWESTERN CT AGENCY ON AGING | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $171,960 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW REACH INC | NEW HAVEN, CT | $168,590 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION FUND | WOODLAND HILLS, CA | $160,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF COASTAL FAIRFIELD COUNTY | STRATFORD, CT | $155,541 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RON FINLEY PROJECT | BEVERLY HILLS, CA | $152,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PERSON TO PERSON INC | DARIEN, CT | $151,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW ORLEANS CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE INC | NEW ORLEANS, LA | $150,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE DIGDEEP RIGHT TO WATER PROJECT | LOS ANGELES, CA | $150,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WASHINGTON LITERACY CENTER | WASHINGTON, DC | $150,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BRIDGEPORT ARTS & CULTURAL COUNCIL | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $140,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CITY LIGHTSBRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $140,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY MINDFULNESS PROJECT | NEW CANAAN, CT | $135,500 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ASIAN PACIFIC COMMUNITY FUND OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $130,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY INC | NEWTOWN, MA | $125,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BILL PICKETT INVITATIONAL RODEO FOUNDATION | LOGANVILLE, GA | $125,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BUILDING ONE COMMUNITY | STAMFORD, CT | $122,500 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CARVER FOUNDATION OF NORWALK INC | NORWALK, CT | $120,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PARK CITY PRESENTS | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $120,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NORWALK COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION | NORWALK, CT | $116,140 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GREENS FARMS ACADEMY | WESTPORT, CT | $116,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CATALYST CT INC | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $113,500 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| YWCA METROPOLITAN CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $110,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY ADVISORS | NEW YORK, NY | $105,000 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SOCIAL IMPACT PARTNERS INC | WESTPORT, CT | $103,500 | 2026 | FOR GENERAL SUPPORT |
OPTIMUS HEALTH CARE INC
$663,500FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
THE FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN BRIDGEPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
$342,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
GREENWICH SCHOLARSHIP ASSOCIATION
$247,869FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH
$225,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
THE BREES DREAM FOUNDATION
$225,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
PACKAGES FROM HOME
$195,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
NEW ENGLAND SYNOD ELCA
$191,338FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
KIDS IN CRISIS INC
$178,585FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
SOUTHWESTERN CT AGENCY ON AGING
$171,960FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION FUND
$160,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
RON FINLEY PROJECT
$152,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
WASHINGTON LITERACY CENTER
$150,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
BRIDGEPORT ARTS & CULTURAL COUNCIL
$140,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
CITY LIGHTSBRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL
$140,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
COMMUNITY MINDFULNESS PROJECT
$135,500FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
BILL PICKETT INVITATIONAL RODEO FOUNDATION
$125,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
PARK CITY PRESENTS
$120,000FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
NORWALK COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
$116,140FOR GENERAL SUPPORT
