Yale and New Haven Community Fund

Yale University is committed to being a deeply engaged partner in the long-term vitality of New Haven. Through the Yale and New Haven Community Fund, Yale will make meaningful investments in eligible New Haven organizations working to strengthen the fabric of our shared community, deliver tangible benefits to New Haven residents, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant city for everyone.

This program reflects Yale’s belief that impactful philanthropy requires specificity, accountability, and collaboration. Yale seeks to support work with clear goals, defined use of funds, measurable outcomes, and meaningful value for New Haven neighborhoods and residents.

Yale will make available $1.5 million per year for three fiscal years, FY 2027, FY 2028, and FY 2029, through competitive Project Awards. In addition, a separate pool of approximately $100,000 per year is available for Small Awards of up to $5,000, reviewed and awarded monthly on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding.

McInnis reading to families

Photo credit: Dan Renzetti

Impact Categories

Both Project Awards and Small Awards support work that makes a meaningful, demonstrable difference in the lives of New Haven residents. Successful applications will typically address one or more of the following priorities:

  • Programs and initiatives that celebrate and strengthen New Haven’s cultural identity
  • Efforts that expand access to arts and cultural experiences for New Haven residents
  • Programs that amplify the voices, stories, and creative expression of New Haven communities

  • Programs and initiatives that improve quality of life in New Haven neighborhoods, with particular attention to under-resourced communities
  • Efforts that create or enhance gathering spaces, cultural programming, or civic life
  • Community-centered initiatives that strengthen neighborhood connection, participation, and belonging

  • Job training, skills development, and employment pathways for New Haven residents
  • Small business support and entrepreneurship programs serving New Haven communities
  • Initiatives that help residents access financial stability and long-term economic security

  • Out-of-school learning opportunities, mentorship, and enrichment programs for New Haven youth
  • College access, community service, workforce readiness, and career pathway programs
  • Partnerships that connect young people to resources, mentors, and leadership opportunities within New Haven

  • Programs and initiatives that address physical, mental, or social health needs of New Haven residents
  • Efforts that improve food access, reduce health disparities, or expand access to health-promoting services
  • Community-based wellness programming that supports the overall well-being of New Haven residents

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that span multiple priority areas. Yale is particularly interested in work that addresses documented gaps in community resources, demonstrates strong local knowledge and relationships, and can show measurable impact.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Yale and New Haven Community Fund Program, applicant organizations must:

  • Be headquartered, with a legal business address in the City of New Haven, Connecticut
  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing with the IRS
  • Have a primary mission or significant program focus that serves New Haven residents
  • Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage and account for award funds
  • Be able to provide required documentation

Organizations may submit only one application per funding year and may receive only one Yale and New Haven Community Fund award per funding year. Organizations must choose either a Small Award or a Project Award application and may not apply for both during the same funding year.

Proposed work must:

  • Have a defined scope, timeline, and measurable outcomes
  • Deliver direct benefit to New Haven community members
  • Have a realistic budget, with award funds used exclusively for approved activities 

Eligible Uses of Funding:

  • Salaries & Wages
    • Salaries and wages for employees directly supporting the project.
  • Food 
    • Meals, refreshments, and food to support the project.
  • Transportation
    • Transportation directly related to the project.
  • Program Supplies & Materials
    • Materials, educational supplies, and consumable items.
  • Marketing & Communications
    • Printing, mailings, promotional materials.
  • Participant Support
    • Stipends, scholarships or other direct participant support.
  • Equipment & Room Rental
    • Durable equipment purchases, venue rentals, capital expenses necessary for the project.
  • Professional Services / Consultants / Honoraria
    • Consultants, facilitators, trainers, speaker fees.
  • Construction / Renovation
    • Facility upgrades or other capital improvements.

The following are not eligible for funding under this program:

  • Uses that violate Yale’s nondiscrimination policy as well as federal and state anti-discrimination laws, guidance, and policy
  • General operating support or unrestricted endowment contributions
  • Political activities or lobbying
  • Programs that require religious participation
  • Reimbursement for costs already incurred or work completed prior to the award
  • Capital campaigns

Award Types & Funding Amounts

Project Awards and Small Awards have different timelines, review processes, documentation requirements, and award expectations. Applicants should review the information for the award type they plan to apply for before beginning the application.

Read Program Guidelines
Project Awards

Project Awards support proposed work requesting $50,000–$500,000. 

Applications are reviewed competitively using a scoring rubric and have a defined application deadline, review period, and reporting requirements.

Small Awards

Small Awards support proposed work requesting up to $5,000. 

Applications are reviewed monthly on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. Applicants must submit requests at least 60 days before the proposed activity, project, event, or use of funds.

Learn More About Project Awards
Learn More About Small Awards
Interested in Applying? Join an Information Session!

We encourage prospective applicants to attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions to learn more about the Yale and New Haven Community Fund Program, eligibility requirements, application expectations, and the review process.

Please share this information with colleagues, community partners, and nonprofit organizations that may be interested in applying.

Please note: 

Information sessions will primarily focus on the Project Awards Program. While staff will be available to answer general questions about the Small Awards Program, most session content will be geared toward organizations considering Project Award applications.

Questions? Contact communityfund@yale.edu.