The Hartford Courant Foundation seeks to make a sustainable impact on the vitality of Connecticut's capital region by being a catalyst for hope, inspiration and creativity and by improving the lives of its people, especially its children.

what we do   

THE HARTFORD COURANT FOUNDATION, a private, independent foundation, provides funding to nonprofit organizations which are creative in approach, obtain cost effective, measurable outcomes and apply best practices in program implementation. The Foundation makes grants primarily in support of education, the arts, community development, health and social services, with an emphasis on programs benefiting children, youth and families.  Grants in the area of the arts will be made only for outreach or education programs for children or families.  (The aggregate amount of these arts grants will be limited annually.) 

THE FOUNDATION FUNDS A PROGRAM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP AID at Watkinson, East Catholic and Northwest Catholic High Schools for Hispanic students of limited financial means who live in Hartford. Interested students are invited to call the schools or the Foundation for more information.  

about the grants    

In reviewing requests for grants, Foundation Trustees will take into account the extent to which the applicant agency has demonstrated an ability to actively promote, support and encourage diversity in its governing boards, in its work force and in the constituencies it attracts and serves. In the interests of promoting responsible advocacy, the Trustees will also consider the applicant’s role as an advocate for its constituency.

The Hartford Courant Foundation serves

Andover, Avon, Bloomfield, Bolton, Canton, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Hebron, Manchester, Marlborough, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Suffield, Tolland, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks

The Hartford Courant Foundation's policies do not allow funding of

·        Organizations which are not tax exempt under IRS Code section 501(c) (3)

·        Organizations which have the IRS Private Foundation designation

·        Individuals

·        Endowment funds

·        Religious institutions, other than for their provision of non-sectarian community services

·        Capital projects related to the arts

·        Performances, conferences, trips, one-time events

·        Annual campaigns.

how to apply   

 An organization wishing to apply for a grant from The Hartford Courant Foundation must submit its request using a Hartford Courant Foundation application form and attaching specified ancillary materials, including

·        Verification of IRS Code status

·        List of current funders and level of support of each

·        Most recent income and expense statement, audited if possible

·        Program report for the most recent year

·        Description of program for which funding is being sought, including

·        Evidence of need for program

·        Measurable outcomes

·        Program activities

·        Detailed budget

·        Timetable

·        Evaluation Plan

·        Future Funding Plan

 Before a funding request is referred to the Board of Trustees for consideration, it will be reviewed by Foundation staff. Such review may involve meeting with the grant applicant, visiting the project site, and talking with other agencies and individuals who are knowledgeable about the need which the applicant addresses.

Grant recipients are expected to demonstrate in all aspects of their operations full compliance with legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual preference, or disability.

 application deadlines     

Applications are considered by the twelve-member Board of Trustees at its quarterly meetings in February, May, September, and November. Completed grant application packets must be received at the office of The Hartford Courant Foundation by 5 p.m. on the quarterly deadline day in order to be considered in the upcoming quarter. If the deadline date falls on a weekend or holiday, packets must reach the Foundation by the last business day before the deadline date. Applicants are urged to submit application packets well before the deadline.

Click Here for Application Forms