Spotlight State: Connecticut

Connecticut, a New England gem, offers high quality of life, natural beauty, and a storied past. The state features scenic water views, iconic lighthouses, vibrant fall foliage, and cherry blossoms. Parks transform into winter wonderlands, and lakes provide endless fishing, hiking, and exploration opportunities. As one of the original thirteen states, Connecticut has a storied history, including being the first state with a written constitution. It’s also where Noah Webster created the dictionary, learning 26 languages to complete it. Steeped in historic charm, the quaint neighborhoods, colonial buildings, and picturesque towns capture New England’s essence. Known as the “Constitution State,” it is home to the Fundamental Orders, considered the first written constitution in the U.S.

GrantWatch provides a comprehensive list of grants for Connecticut, designed to benefit individuals and communities across the state. These grants play a crucial role in strengthening Connecticut’s economy and supporting its local communities. In addition, GrantWatch offers over 1,800 grants in its Community and Economic Development category, with options available nationally and internationally.

Connecticut’s Rich History

• Official Connecticut nickname – “Constitution State“ came from the first-ever Constitution written (pre-dating US Constitution by 150 years). Called the “Fundamental Orders,” the document prioritized the good of the community over the good of a person.
• Another nickname for CT is “Nutmeg State.” The origin is unknown, but thought to have come from stories about dishonest peddlers selling worthless wooden imitations of nutmegs.
• USS Nautilus, the first commissioned nuclear-powered ship, was built in CT. Made part of the US Navy in 1954. In 1958, it went to the North Pole, which was thought to be impossible.
• In 1806, Noah Webster, published “A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language.” First American Dictionary of the English Language published in 1828 and had 70,000 entries.
• The largest maritime museum in the US is in CT.
• The Scoville Library is the oldest public library in the U.S. and is in CT. (destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Connecticut State You Should Know“)

Famous First From Connecticut

• Connecticut is home to the first hamburger, Polaroid camera, helicopter, and color television.
• The first PEZ manufacturing facility in the US was in CT…and the Lollipop was invented in CT…George Smith invented the ‘candy on a stick’…named after a racehorse from his local fair.
• ESPN and World Wrestling Federation (WWF) both had their beginnings in CT.
• The first phone book was published in CT on February 21, 1878, just two years after the telephone was invented! Yet the ‘book’ was actually just a list on a single piece of paper.
• The sperm whale is the official state animal. Since sperm whale is endangered, it was also chosen to raise awareness to their plight.
• Mark Twain moved into his home in Hartford, CT in 1874. This is where ‘Sam’ (his actual name) wrote the legendary novel titled Huckleberry Finn. (destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Connecticut State You Should Know“)

Weird Facts About Connecticut

• The first motorized vehicle speed limit was set in CT in 1901. The speed limit was set at 12 miles per hour on city roads and 15mph on country roads. Drivers were also required to slow down or even stop near horse-drawn carriages and wagons so as not to scare the horses.
• In 1903, CT started requiring its residents to register their cars. In 1937, CT was the first state to make permanent license plates out of aluminum.
• Easton, CT, home to Union Cemetery, one of the most haunted of cemeteries. Opened more than 400 years ago, the ‘White Lady’ is one of the ghosts ‘that live there.’ People have spotted her wearing a bright white nightgown with her face concealed by a white bonnet.
• Dinosaur State Park home to 200 million-year-old fossils. More than 750 dinosaur tracks were discovered in 1966. Today, you can walk a pathway in the same spots where they were found. (destguides.com, “50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Connecticut State You Should Know“)

Below is a current list of grants and other funding to benefit communities in the State of Connecticut.

State of Connecticut Community and Economic Development Grants and In-kind Support

1. Grants to eligible Connecticut nonprofits and municipalities to improve the quality-of-life for local residents. First-time applicants are required to submit a pre-application form. Moreover, funding areas of interest include the arts, housing, human services, health, and education.
2. There are grants to eligible Connecticut nonprofits for programs and projects to benefit local residents. Funds will be for operating support. Funding will also address needs in the areas of thriving neighborhoods, culturally enriched communities, and academic and career success.
3. In addition, grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Connecticut nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and religious organizations for community benefit programs and capital needs. Priority areas of funding include housing and rehabilitation, community services, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization or stabilization.
4. Grants to Connecticut nonprofits and agencies to improve the quality of life to benefit local communities. Funding is for the following program areas: economic development, arts and culture, health and human services, the environment, education, housing, youth activities, and animal welfare.
5. There are grants of up to $2,000 to eligible Connecticut nonprofits to address cultural, economic, and social needs. Focus areas include arts and culture, health and human services, recreation, and youth development. Funding supports programs in which a small amount of funding will achieve significant benefit objectives. Priority consideration will be for projects and programs benefitting Hartford (CT) residents.
6. Also, grants to Connecticut nonprofits for programs to enhance social-welfare/economic-development. Priority consideration will be for programs in the areas of community development, job training, education, health, human services, housing, and the arts.

Opportunity, and Additional Connecticut Community and Economic Development Grants

1. Grants to eligible Connecticut nonprofits and government agencies to enhance the quality-of-life in addressing local community needs. Funding is to enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents.
2. There are grants to eligible Connecticut nonprofits and municipalities for programs that promote social justice. Required registration must be completed prior to applying. Funding is to encourage equitable opportunities and address existing educational and economic disparities.
3. In addition, grants of up to $25,000 to eligible nonprofits to promote equity and improve the quality of life for residents. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to applying. Focus areas include health and human services, community and economic development, education, along with arts, culture, and heritage.
4. Grants to Connecticut nonprofits to address community needs. Funding areas include education, arts and culture, and civic affairs. Funding is to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for residents.
5. Lastly, opportunity for nonprofits in the technology sector to participate in a business development program. The program will support improved organizational operations, including networking opportunities, mentorship, and training.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, we’ve piqued your interest in this New England treasure of a state!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee of grant awards as a result of this information.