CHEFA Grant History

CHEFA established the philanthropic Grant Program in 2002 to provide nonprofit organizations operating/seeking to operate a program(s) or having capital expenditure needs in Connecticut, with the opportunity to access funding through competitive grants. The program was established for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public educational institutions that are constituent units as defined in C.G.S.§10a-1, within three core priorities for the organization: Education, Healthcare, and Cultural. In the years since, these priorities have been refined to differentiate Childcare, Human Services, and Long-Term Care/Senior Living Facilities, for a total of six core funding priorities. The initial effort partnered CHEFA with Community Foundations throughout the state to determine the organizations selected to receive grants. After a few years, the program was revamped to be a competitive grant program run by CHEFA grant staff. THE GRANTS PROGRAM UTILIZES NO STATE OF CONNECTICUT FUNDS. 

There are three annual grant cycles: Client, Nonprofit, and Enterprise Capital. The Client Grant cycle is exclusively for entities that have a current bond issuance with the Authority and are in compliance with their bond documentation as of June 30^th of the previous year. The Nonprofit Grant program is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public educational institutions that are constituent units (as defined in C.G.S.§10a-1) and operate in Connecticut within the six CHEFA core priorities: Childcare, Cultural, Education, Healthcare, Human Services, Long-Term Care/Senior Housing Facilities. Grant funding for both the Client and Nonprofit grants is between $5,000-$75,000.

The Enterprise Capital Grant Program is for one or more statewide needs covering multiple Connecticut counties. The program is usually focused on one of the six core priority areas. Enterprise Capital Grants are typically in the six-figure range for the grant award.

Since inception, CHEFA has awarded more than $50 million to worthwhile programs and projects having a positive impact on the lives of Connecticut residents. CHEFA has embraced its philanthropic role beyond grantmaking, including: convening educational forums, collaborating on statewide committees, and serving as a resource on innovative nonprofit financing.

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Related Links

Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
https://www.ctphilanthropy.org

Guidestar
A searchable database and resource for nonprofits and those they serve.
www.guidestar.org

Internal Revenue Service – Information About Nonprofits
A searchable database and resource for nonprofits and those they serve.
https://www.irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits