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/or clothing and hygiene.
The Basic Needs Fund provides grants (up to $10,000) to organizations providing material basic needs in the primary areas of food insecurity, shelter and housing stability, and/or clothing and hygiene.
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.
APPLICATION OPENS ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025.
The application deadline is Monday, October 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions the week of November 18, 2025.
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.
