Northwest Community Bank Foundation Grant

The Northwest Community Bank Foundation supports non-profits that enhance community life through grants focused on education, housing, basic human services, and community impact. Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) entities aligned with the Foundation's mission, serving areas across Connecticut. With an average 2025 grant size of $1,929 and a cap of $25,000 per year, the Foundation aims to foster economic success, empower youth, and provide essential services to those in need.

Investment Focus Areas
Education That Fuels Future Economic Success - Our education grants help empower people to build personal assets and skills to take charge of their futures.Youth development including early childhood educationFinancial educationEmployment skills/workforce developmentWomen’s empowerment
Safe and Affordable Housing - Our affordable housing grants support access to safe, clean and affordable places to liveCommunity development projectsMaintenance and renovation projectsHomebuyer programsForeclosure and eviction prevention programs
Basic Human Services - Our basic human services grants support organizations that meet the immediate needs of individuals and families while also supporting prevention and long-term solutions for people living in difficult economic circumstances. (Food Pantries are encouraged to request support through Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs.)Food and nutrition programsFuel assistanceDomestic violence programsTemporary housing, shelterBasic necessity assistance e.g., clothingHealth Services
Community Impact - Our community impact grants support the overall well-being of individuals within the communityDisaster reliefThe EnvironmentThe ArtsAnimal Welfare
Program TypesThe Foundation will consider the following types of funding requests from organizations that fit our investment focus areas.
Program Grants to support the delivery and/or expansion of the direct services core to the mission of local organizations.Capacity Building Grants aimed at strengthening an agency’s ability to make a greater impact, improve effectiveness and efficiency or adapt to address changing community needs. e.g., strategic planning, staff and board development, technology upgrades, and marketing.Capital Grants and Campaigns will be considered by the Foundation but may also be selectively considered by Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs. Capital projects are typically defined as major building purchases, new construction, expansion, renovation, and/or land acquisition.
Funding
Organizations may apply to one grant cycle and total annual grants awarded will not exceed $25,000. Extenuating circumstances may be considered. The average grant amount distributed in 2025 was $1,929.
Grants will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each grant request. Some key elements examined in our grant evaluation process include an organizations’ financial sustainability, leadership, impact and collaboration within the community.

Eligibility

To apply for a grant from the Northwest Community Bank Foundation applicants must be:A registered 501(c) 3 organization that demonstrates significant local Municipalities will be considered.An organization whose mission or services align with Northwest Community Bank’s investment focusAn organization providing services within Northwest Community Bank Communities

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not provide financial support to political organizations or candidates, activities for religious purposes, individual endeavors or organizations which are discriminatory in their practices. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent.Although there are many worthy endeavors, the Foundation generally does not invest in the causes listed below. If you fall into one of these categories, we suggest you submit your request to Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving program which may possibly consider your request.Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships, or sponsors for a particular causeAlumni organizationsEndowment campaignsFundraising dinners or events and tickets to fundraising eventsIndividual sports teams including youth sports teams and leaguesAdvertising and promotional items or merchandiseOrganizations designed primarily for lobbying, Political Action Committees, candidates, and lobbyingTravel, including conferences, seminars, tours and student tripsThe Foundation does not make grants to organizations for which program services are contingent on participation in religious services or events or adherence to religious doctrine.Other Foundations