Impact Fairfield County Grant Program

Impact Fairfield County Grant Program, established in 2015, aims to enhance local non-profits through collective giving, offering $100,000 grants annually. With nearly $1.6 million granted since 2016, the program empowers women to engage in philanthropy while addressing community needs. Eligibility includes being a 501(c)(3) charity in Fairfield County with a focus on underserved populations, ensuring impactful investments.

Since our initial grant year in 2016, we have provided nearly $1.6 million in grant funding to local exceptional non-profits, including twelve $100,000 Impact FFC Grants and significant general operating support. Through these transformational grants, we are not only able to greatly improve the lives of those in our community, but we have developed a venue for women to learn about local needs, which non-profits are meeting those needs and educating ourselves on how to more effectively put our philanthropic investments to use.
In our 5th year of giving, we had 243 members, with over 140 members serving on our grant review committees to work together to evaluate the 52 grant proposals received from non-profits throughout the county. We provided $244,000 in grant funding to implement programs that will make a tremendous impact in our community.
Impact Fairfield County Core Mission Grant
Impact Fairfield County’s goal is to provide high-impact grants that reach under-served populations, highlight unmet needs in our area and raise the profile of deserving but lesser known initiatives. To support this important work and allow organizations to “dream big,” Impact FFC annually awards $100,000 grants to local non-profits. Total funding is determined by the number of members who contribute $1,000 each towards the grants. Excess membership funds will be divided among the other finalists of the grant process for general operating support.
Grant finalists are determined through a detailed process of proposal review and evaluation by members, and the grant recipients are chosen by a vote of the membership at the Impact FFC Annual Meeting in May.
Eligibility Criteria
The Impact Fairfield County Core Mission Grant will provide restricted funds to develop new programs; enhance, expand or strengthen existing programs; and/or improve organizational capacity that advances the nonprofit organization's core mission. Our transformative grants are in the amount of $100,000 to be spent over 24 months, of which, up to 20% is allowed to be allocated toward general operating expenses, as needed.

Eligibility

Organizations must be:Classified as a “public charity” with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Operating in and serving residents of Fairfield County, Connecticut.Targeting under-served populations.In possession of three years of independently prepared, audited financial statements.A new awardee; in other words, not a recipient of an Impact Fairfield County $100,000 grant for a period of at least three years.Core Mission Grants must:Have a total budget of at least $100,000.Use the full amount of the grant within 24 months.Have a high impact on the organization, beneficiaries and/or community.Be fully utilized within Fairfield County or for the full benefit of Fairfield County residents.

Ineligibility

Fairfield County will not provide grants for:Debt reduction, operating deficits, or interim or bridge funding
Individuals or private or community foundations
Scholarship funding directly to individuals (including direct grants for legal aid)
Activities that are religious or partisan, legislative, or political in nature
Pet or animal welfare
Capital funding not central to success of proposed grantPass through fundingWe do not accept fiscally sponsored organizations at this time.