Enriching
Branford
The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, through prudent grant-making and community engagement.
Apply
for a Grant
BCF distributes $30,000 to nonprofits for sponsorship opportunities through a collaboration with GSB (Guilford Savings Bank). The organizations share priorities and are committed to enriching life in the community.
BCF awards grants to 501(a)(3) not-for-profit organizations and 170(c)(1) governmental agencies serving the Branford community. Previous grantees are welcome to apply; however, continued funding is not guaranteed.
We support various nonprofit organizations and causes, including Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Community Improvement & Vitality, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Education & Youth, Environment & Sustainability, Health and Human Services, Housing Stability, and Seniors & Special Needs.
Our online-grant portal for applicants contains our guidelines, timeline, guiding principles, and more frequently asked questions.
Grant applications are available at the end of January, with a submission deadline of mid-March. BCF announces grant award decisions on or after May 1st. A grant workshop is typically held in mid-February to communicate focus areas and answer questions.
BCF will review applications outside the typical process for an Emergent Needs Grant. Most grants are handled through our competitive grant process. Qualifications for an emerging grant review include an innovative concept or new to the Branford community; a situation in which the organization can’t operate or move forward on a significant initiative without emergency funding; or the need or concept arises after the grant deadline. BCF will review these situations on a rolling basis starting May 15th. Contact the Program Director with questions.
The Community Investment Committee (CIC) reviews applications and recommends funding to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors makes the final decision on all grant awards.
In 2023, BCF awarded 25 grants through its competitive grant making process. These grants mostly ranged from $1000 to $8,000 with an average award being around $3,400.
Who Can Receive Grants
Grants are awarded to 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations and 170(c)(1) governmental agencies serving Branford. Applications from previous grantees are welcome but continued funding is subject to consideration by the Community Investment Committee (CIC). All final reports from previous grants must be provided before submitting a new grant.
The Branford Community Foundation will not award grants to:
Trusted fiduciary focused on making a positive impact now and in the future.
See Impact Reports34 grants
Awarded in 2024
$800 - $8,000
Range of grants awarded
$2,700
Average award amount
Grant Priorities
and Focus Areas
Grant Criteria and
Application Guidelines
BCF seeks grants that enhance the quality of life in Branford. Grant applications should address a need within the focus area and demonstrate impact on the organization, project, community, or persons served.
Ensure your application targets a defined need in the focus area, using strategies like:
Grant Recipient
Responsibilities
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