Working on health equity means facing big challenges. We aim to use our resources strategically, to fund work that can lead to systemic change.

That could mean awarding a grant to find a new way to solve a problem, advocating for policy change, or supporting the growth of an innovative program into a sustainable model.

Grant Eligibility

We fund...

  • Organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • State and municipal public agencies
  • Public entities such as health departments, universities, and social service programs
  • Coalitions, advocacy groups, and collaboratives that are not incorporated may be eligible if a responsible fiscal sponsor is identified

We don't fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Direct services (projects that focus on service delivery only and not on a larger policy or practice change)
  • Funding for clinical research
  • Capital projects, endowments, or chairs associated with universities and medical schools
  • Projects that do not benefit Connecticut residents
  • Funding for legislative lobbying efforts or political campaigns
  • Indirect costs for discretionary grants or for general operating support grants

Check your eligibility

Take the Eligibility Quiz

Grant types and how to apply


Program grants

Must be aligned with our strategic plan and grant guidelines

Funding range

$25,000 to $150,000 (with some exceptions)

Timeframe

Awarded quarterly; process generally takes 4 months

How to apply

Talk to us about your idea before submitting a concept paper

Schedule a meeting with grants team

President’s discretionary grants

Must respond to CT Health’s overall mission

Funding range

Up to $25,000

Timeframe

Awarded on a rolling basis; process generally takes 1 – 2 months

How to apply

Talk to us about your idea before submitting an application

Schedule a meeting with grants team

Request for proposals

Specific topics outlined by CT Health

Funding range

Varies; typically $25,000 to $50,000

Timeframe

Awarded periodically; process varies

How to apply

The process for each RFP varies. Follow the rules of the RFP

Find Open RFPs

Event sponsorship

Supports health-related events that align with CT Health’s mission and priorities

Funding range

$250 to $1,000

Timeframe

Awarded on a rolling basis; process generally takes 1-3 weeks

How to apply

Apply through our online portal, Fluxx

Learn More

Program grant deadlines for 2024


Concept papers due
1st QuarterNov. 1, 2023
2nd QuarterFeb. 1
3rd QuarterMay 1
4th QuarterAug. 1
Applications due
1st QuarterDec. 15, 2023
2nd QuarterMarch 15
3rd QuarterJune 17
4th QuarterSept. 16
Notification of grant decisions
1st QuarterEnd of March
2nd QuarterMid-June
3rd QuarterMid-October
4th QuarterMid-December
 
Concept papers due
Applications due
Notification of grant decisions
1st Quarter
Nov. 1, 2023
Dec. 15, 2023
End of March
2nd Quarter
Feb. 1
March 15
Mid-June
3rd Quarter
May 1
June 17
Mid-October
4th Quarter
Aug. 1
Sept. 16
Mid-December

Request for Proposals

We issue requests for proposals throughout the year. Click here to see open requests as well as those we’ve issued in the past.

See RFPs

Grant FAQs


WHAT KIND OF GRANTS DO YOU FUND?

The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) awards three types of grants:
  • Program grant— Each quarter, CT Health awards grants for projects with the potential for broader, systems level change that will advance health equity for people of color. These projects must align with at least one of the foundation’s strategic objectives.
  • Requests for proposals— CT Health occasionally solicits proposals for specific types of projects that stem from one of the foundation’s strategic objectives
  • President’s discretionary grant— CT Health awards grants of $1,000 to $25,000 to organizations and institutions that respond to the foundation’s overall mission. Discretionary grant funding is often provided on a one-time basis for immediate projects that align with CT Health’s strategic plan. Examples include projects that are testing new ideas, time-sensitive, or work that requires emergency funding.

WHAT KINDS OF ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE GRANTS FROM CT HEALTH?

Typically, we award grants to:
  • Organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • State and municipal public agencies
  • Public and private university institutions
  • Coalitions, advocacy groups or collaboratives with a responsible fiscal agent that has 501(c)(3) status

MY ORGANIZATION DOES NOT HAVE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS. DO I NEED A FISCAL SPONSOR?

Yes. A fiscal sponsor is another organization that has 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that agrees, in writing, to allow you to seek grants and solicit tax-deductible donations under its exempt status. This nonprofit will distribute the award on your behalf.

DO YOU AWARD GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE CONNECTICUT?

Yes, but only for projects that are focused on Connecticut and designed to benefit Connecticut residents.

ARE THERE THINGS THAT YOU DON’T FUND?

We do not fund the following kinds of projects:
  • Grants to individuals
  • Direct services
  • Clinical laboratory research
  • Capital projects, endowments, or chairs associated with universities or medical schools
  • Projects that do not benefit Connecticut residents
  • Lobbying or influencing the outcomes of proposed legislation or an election

Learn more about our grantees and what we fund

See What We Fund Search Past Grants