J Walton Bissell Foundation

Term Grants (2026) — Two Application Terms

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations. For 2026, eligibility is restricted to organizations that received Bissell Foundation funding in one or two of the three prior years (2023, 2024, 2025). Organizations funded in all three of those years are not eligible. Applicants should be primarily serving Hartford and/or be led by members of prioritized communities.

Deadline: Two competitive terms in 2026: Term I — February 28 (grace period through March 9) with decisions by May 31; Term II — August 31 (grace period through September 4) with decisions by December 10.

J. Walton Bissell Foundation 2026 Grantmaking Terms

Who can apply: Applicants must be organizations created under the laws of the United States and classified by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and not a private foundation. Newer initiatives may apply through a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Individuals may not apply. Successful applicants will demonstrate 4 of the 5 key markers described by the foundation. The foundation does not make grants to an organization in more than three consecutive calendar years, and generally not more than one grant per organization per calendar year.

Deadline: Typically two grant cycles per calendar year, with deadlines in late February and late August. The website shows an upcoming application deadline of August 31, with a grace period through Friday, September 4.

Term II Grant Application (annual term)

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations. Eligibility guidance provided in the application; priority given to organizations led by Black and Latinx individuals and to recent Bissell grantees per foundation policy.

Deadline: Annually: Aug 31 (with a short grace period, historically through Sept 4). Decision-making occurs by December.

General Grantmaking (three annual cycles)

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families, primarily in Hartford. For 2026, applicants must have received funding in one or two of the years 2023, 2024, and 2025; organizations funded in all three years are not eligible for a 2026 grant. The foundation notes a longstanding policy against making a grant in a fourth consecutive year.

Deadline: 2026 Term II deadline: August 31, 2026 with grace period through September 4, 2026. Decision-making by December 10, 2026.

Term I Grant Application (annual term)

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations. Applicant eligibility limited to organizations that received grants from the Bissell Foundation in one or two of the three most recent years (2023, 2024, 2025). Organizations funded in all three of those years (2023, 2024, and 2025) are NOT eligible for this cycle.

Deadline: Annually: Feb 28 (with a short grace period, historically through March 9).

COVID-19 Response / Emergency Funding (2020-era & referral partnerships)

Who can apply: Agencies meeting basic human needs and requiring additional resources to meet increased demands were directed to apply to partner pooled funds (Hartford Foundation for Public Giving COVID-19 Response Fund) or United Way COVID-19 Response Fund for direct assistance to individuals. Eligibility for those funds determined by partner organizations.