Draper Foundation Fund
The Draper Foundation Fund supports vital community and educational initiatives in Northwest Connecticut through ongoing grants for health, education, arts, and capacity-building programs.
Funder: Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (invitation-only LOI) | June 2027 (invitation-only LOI)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $5,000–$50,000; grants are made twice per year; funding is ongoing.
Summary: Provides invitation-only grants to nonprofits and organizations serving Northwest Connecticut, supporting community and educational initiatives.
Key Information: Grants are awarded by invitation only; unsolicited applications are not accepted.
Description
The Draper Foundation Fund, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, was established through a $30 million endowment to provide perpetual support to community organizations and educational institutions in Northwest Connecticut. The fund primarily supports 19 nonprofits selected by the Draper family, ensuring sustainable, ongoing distributions. Additionally, the fund’s trustees award grants to other nonprofits serving the towns of Torrington, Winsted, Norfolk, Colebrook, New Hartford, and Barkhamsted through an invitation-only Letter of Intent (LOI) process. The fund’s mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life in the region through dependable, ongoing support for vital organizations.
