Basic Needs Fund – 2023 Grantmaking Program

Grants up to $10,000 are available to organizations providing material basic needs in the areas of shelter, housing stability (including evictions support, cash assistance, furniture, energy assistance); and/or food security. Closed Nov. 13.

2024 GUIDELINES COMING IN JULY

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Community Basic Needs Fund is providing grants (up to $10,000) to organizations providing material basic needs in the areas of shelter, housing stability (including evictions support, cash assistance, furniture, energy assistance); and/or food security.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be organizations providing material basic needs to support individuals in the areas of shelter, housing stability (including evictions support, cash assistance, furniture, energy assistance) and/or food security.
  • Applicants must provide services in at least one of the following geographies: New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, East Haven, Ansonia and Derby. Priority will be given to applicants that have a reach into neighborhoods and areas that are underserved and have barriers to accessing resources.
  • Applicants must have an annual operating budget under $2M.

Process Description:

2023 eligibility criteria was determined by the Basic Needs Fund’s Advisory Committee based upon the disproportionate need demonstrated in the 6 towns prioritized in this round of funding. Furthermore, the Committee elected to prioritize the support of organizations addressing shelter/housing and food security needs as the demand for these supports and services have significantly increased in the past three years[1].

In 2023, an estimate $200,000 is available for Basic Needs Fund grantmaking and organizations may receive grant awards up to $10,000.

Basic Needs Fund History

The Basic Needs Fund was established in April 2020 to help ensure that all Greater New Haven area residents have the basic material needs of daily life. As an endowment, the Basic Needs Fund is addressing the needs of today and providing permanent resources for future generations. To learn more about the Governance of the Fund, its Purpose, and Guiding Principles, please click here.

To see a list of past recipients of grant funding, please click here.


DEADLINE: Applications closed Monday, November 13th at 5pm.

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions the week of December 18th.

[1] DataHaven 2023 Community Wellbeing Index