Many neighborhood resident groups and small nonprofits
receive grants ranging from $100 to $3,000 to provide a service or create a project necessary for the development or fostering of community. Funding supports educational, environmental, inter-generational, arts and cultural activities. The Community Foundation provides funding in an effort to strengthen leadership and technical skills of committed local leaders. Projects range from monthly dinner outings for seniors to nursery school planting activities, neighborhood pride festivals to summer school and afterschool programs. The Community Foundation is proud to support this committed group of community leaders.
For information on how to apply for a New Haven Neighborhood Leadership Grant, visit our Types of Grants page and download a complete set of guidelines. View a complete list of 2011 New Haven Leadership Grants.
If are seeking funding for a project that will benefit the Valley which is served by our affiliate, the Valley Community Foundation, please visit their website for information about their Community Grants process. Applications for that process are due on February 24, 2012.
When you walk around New Haven, you’re bound to see one of the 100 community greenspaces and community gardens that have made the cityscape healthier and more aesthetically appealing. Through planting, restoring and reclaiming of vacant lots, parks, curb strips and some front yards residents demonstrate their commitment to place and to building community. The rewards are increased sense of safety, neighborhood pride and increased property values.
An estimated two tons of fresh produce is grown in New Haven’s Community Gardens annually; markets featuring City-grown food dot the landscape in the summer months. In spite of these benefits, some of New Haven's gardens and greenspaces are threatened by insufficient funds, land development and property sales. Each year, 4,000 citizens of all ages, income levels, genders and diverse backgrounds volunteer their time, talent or financial resources to the projects.
The Program depends on the collaboration of many organizations and the support of local people. Technical assistance, garden supplies and education are provided to neighborhood groups by The New Haven Land Trust. Hands-on support and training for greenspace projects is provided by The Urban Resources Initiative, in collaboration with The Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Landscape Designers and volunteers.
Both garden and greenspace projects are funded by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the City of New Haven's Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees.
The Community Foundation awarded $80,000 through unrestricted funds to support community gardens and greenspace projects in New Haven in 2011. Click on the link below to see what neighborhoods have been impacted by this program.
Related Links
GNH Community, originally created in 2008 as a followup to the conversations The Community Foundation was having with nonprofit Executive Directors, has evolved into an online conversation and exchange of information between nonprofits, communities and local businesses.
Visit GNH Community to:
- network with people who are interested in strengthening Greater New Haven
- view upcoming events posted by local nonprofits
- read the blogs posted of nonprofits and others
- see pictures and watch videos
- join or start a topics group
Community Outreach also includes:
- building relationships with and strengthening nonprofits through capacity building efforts;
- recruiting volunteers for Foundation activities, such as participation in the grant review process;
- activities and events, such as the recent Convening for the arts, that celebrate the work of nonprofits and encourage local giving
- raising awareness about about community challenges and opportunities what's being done by local nonprofits to address them