Basic Needs Fund Grant Program

Grants (up to $10,000) are available to organizations providing material basic needs in the primary areas of food insecurity; shelter and housing stability; and clothing and hygiene. 

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Basic Needs Fund is providing grants (up to $10,000) to organizations providing material basic needs in the primary areas of food security; shelter and housing stability; and clothing and hygiene. The Fund values the provision of material basic needs which center individuals’ dignity and promote well-being. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be organizations providing material basic needs to support individuals in the areas of:
    • Food security;
    • Shelter and housing stability (including evictions support, cash assistance, furniture, energy assistance); and/or
    • Clothing and hygiene needs
  • Applicants must provide services in at least one of the following geographies: New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, East Haven, Ansonia or 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 $2 million.

Funding must support the provision of basic needs as described above and can also include staffing, infrastructure and other administrative costs which support service delivery.

Deadline and Process

APPLICATION OPENS ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025. 

The application deadline is Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.  Applicants will be notified of funding decisions the week of November 25, 2025.  

The 2025 eligibility criteria was determined by the Basic Needs Fund’s Advisory Committee based upon the disproportionate need demonstrated in the six towns prioritized in this round of funding. Furthermore, the Committee elected to prioritize the support of organizations addressing food security, shelter/housing, clothing and hygiene needs as the demand for these supports and services have significantly increased in the past three years [1].  

In 2025, an estimated $310,000 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 at The Community Foundation 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. Learn more about the governance of the Fund, its purpose and guiding principles, and see a list of past recipients of grant funding here. 

Questions?
If you need any assistance with your application or have further questions, please email Hannah Elias, Program and Evaluation Manager at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

[1] DataHaven 2023 Community Wellbeing Index