Basic Needs Fund Grant Program
Forecasted
Basic Needs Fund Grant Program supports organizations providing food, housing, clothing, and hygiene necessities to Greater New Haven-area residents, promoting dignity, well-being, and housing stability.
Funder: Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per organization; estimated 2026 funding pool of $336,000; 12-month grant term
Summary: Supports organizations providing food, housing, clothing, and hygiene necessities to residents in six Greater New Haven-area towns.
Key Information: Applicants must have annual operating budgets under $2 million and serve at least one eligible town.
Description
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Basic Needs Fund supports organizations delivering the material necessities of daily life. Its priorities are food security, shelter and housing stability, and clothing and hygiene, with an emphasis on services that center individuals’ dignity and promote well-being. Housing-related support includes eviction support, cash assistance, furniture, and energy assistance. Grants may also support staffing, infrastructure, and administrative costs that sustain eligible service delivery.
Established in April 2020 by the Seedlings Foundation, the Fund addresses current needs while maintaining permanent resources for future generations through its endowment. Its Advisory Committee prioritizes communities experiencing disproportionate need and barriers to accessing resources. The focus on basic necessities reflects significantly increased demand for these services, citing the DataHaven 2023 Community Wellbeing Index.
