Find Nonprofit and Small Business Grants

Grants starting at $2,500 to Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont nonprofit organizations for programs and services benefitting communities where the funding source has a business presence. Program areas include youth development, community development, and affordable housing. All requests must align with the funding source’s priorities of economic stability, employment, education, and housing.

The Foundation invites proposals demonstrating the following:
-Strong leadership and effective board governance
-Sound administration and stable financial conditions
-Competency in mission-driven organizational activities
-An effective, sustainable and scalable model
-Ability to create a positive impact on the targeted population
-Ability to provide clear performance measures and outcomes
-Strong partnerships and effective collaborations with community leaders and organizations

Community Development:

People's United Community Foundation supports programs and services that address basic needs and encourage financial independence and self-sufficiency for low- to moderate-income residents; as well as activities which promote economic development in low-income neighborhoods where People's United Bank does business.

Examples include:
-Basic needs services
-Initiatives that transition people from assistance to independence
-Financial literacy and education programs
-Programs that promote economic stability and self-sufficiency
-Small business development / entrepreneurial programs
-Job skills training and placement programs
-Programs and services that serve those with special needs or disabilities, which promotes a higher level of self-sufficiency

Youth Development:

People’s United Community Foundation supports programs and services that address the need for educational improvement and advancement of children and youth, especially within low- to moderate- income school districts.

Examples include:
-Academic improvement / advancement programs
-Literacy programs
-STEM programs
-Early childhood development and school readiness (Head Start) programs
-Charter and Magnet Schools
-College and SAT prep programs
-Career exploration and internship programs
-Educational and life skills development programs for children and youth, including those with disabilities or special needs

Affordable Housing:

People’s United Community Foundation supports programs that create affordable housing opportunities and the development and sustaining of safe, clean and desirable neighborhoods.

-Nonprofit organizations that directly develop affordable housing or assist developers which create affordable housing, through rehabilitation, new construction and/or neighborhood revitalization efforts.
-Community loan funds
-State and national programs, operating within the Foundation’s footprint, that serve as developers of affordable housing
-Supportive and transitional housing for homeless, low-income and those with disabilities or special needs
-Closing costs and down-payment assistance programs
-First-time homebuyer education
-Homeownership counseling and foreclosure prevention programs

Priorities:

Special emphasis is given to programs and services in low-income areas designed to:
-Promote economic stability and self-sufficiency
-Improve education and academic advancement
-Facilitate affordable housing and homeownership opportunities

Strong consideration is also given to programs and services that assist individuals with special needs or disabilities, at-risk children and youth, and the elderly.

Types of programs/services for individuals with special needs may include, but is not limited to; services for those with sight or hearing loss/impairment, assistance with daily living activities, or programs for children with severe medical conditions. A special need does not include individuals who require assistance due to circumstance such as substance abuse or socio-economic status.

Special needs programs are subject to interpretation by PUCF, and will be approved or declined at the discretion of the PUCF Board of Directors.