New Alliance Foundation: Emerging Grants

The New Alliance Foundation's Emerging Grant Program supports early-stage nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing local needs in Connecticut. By providing one-year grants, the program aims to help these organizations build capacity, test innovative ideas, and foster community impact. This program empowers nonprofits to grow and create lasting change in their communities.

The NewAlliance Foundation is a private charitable foundation based in New Haven, Connecticut, committed to strengthening communities through strategic philanthropy. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that advance literacy, promote education, foster community development, and address social and economic inequities. With a regional focus across Connecticut, NewAlliance Foundation invests in initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact—uplifting underserved populations and fostering opportunity for all.
Mission, Vision, and Priorities
Guided by its mission to advance literacy, build communities, and dismantle systems that perpetuate poverty and racism, the Foundation envisions a community where all people can reach their fullest potential. Its funding priorities include improving literacy and early learning outcomes, supporting youth and education programs, promoting health and human services, strengthening the arts, and advancing racial and economic equity. The Foundation values collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions that empower organizations to drive systemic change and create a more equitable future for Connecticut residents.
The Emerging Grant Program of the NewAlliance Foundation is designed to support new or early-stage nonprofit organizations that are making a meaningful impact within the Foundation’s focus areas. This program provides smaller, one-year grants to help emerging organizations build capacity, test innovative ideas, and strengthen their ability to serve the community. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission to advance literacy, build communities, and dismantle systems that perpetuate poverty and racism. Through this program, the Foundation encourages collaboration, innovation, and long-term sustainability, offering newer nonprofits the opportunity to grow and establish a strong foundation for future impact.

Eligibility

Operate under a qualified fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)3 organization.Be an organization that does not have its own 501(c)3 status.Have a clear, community-centered mission addressing a local need or opportunity.Serve communities within NAF Service area.Be able to submit a basic project plan and budget.Have a designated project lead to serve as the main point of contact.