Project Awards 

Project Awards support proposed work requesting $50,000–$500,000 through the Yale and New Haven Community Fund Program. These awards are intended for defined projects, programs, or initiatives that have a clear scope, timeline, budget, and measurable benefit for New Haven residents.

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

Small Awards
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Frequently Asked Questions

Organizations should consider applying for a Project Award if the proposed work:

  • Requests between $50,000 and $500,000
  • Has a defined scope, timeline, and measurable outcomes
  • Delivers direct benefit to New Haven residents
  • Aligns with one or more of the program’s impact categories
  • Has a realistic budget and clear plan for how award funds will be used

Project Award applications will be reviewed and scored by a five-member review committee comprising Yale and community representatives. Applications will be evaluated using the scoring criteria below.

Scoring Category Points Key Considerations
Community Impact & Need 40 Clarity of need, scale of benefit, alignment with populations served
Project Quality & Feasibility 25 Clear goals, realistic timeline, strong logic model, measurable outcomes
Sustainability & Leverage 20 Long-term impact, leveraged funding, community partnerships
Organizational Capacity 15 Track record, team qualifications, financial management

Yale reserves the right to fund fewer awards than the total funds available in any given year, to fund awards at amounts different from what was requested, and to consider award distribution balance across neighborhoods and impact categories when making final award decisions.

Project Award applications must be submitted electronically through the Yale and New Haven Community Fund application portal by Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Yale will host optional virtual applicant information sessions for organizations interested in applying for Project Awards. Each session will cover the same information, including eligibility, funding priorities, required documents, review criteria, application timeline, and reporting expectations. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Milestone Date
Optional Applicant Information Sessions July–August 2026
Application Deadline Monday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Review Committee Evaluation Period September–October 2026
Award Notifications Monday, November 30, 2026
Award Period Begins January 2027

Project Award applications must include the following:

  • IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter 
  • Three most recent IRS Form 990s 
    • If no IRS Form 990s, entities with revenue more than $1,000,000: Three most recent audited financial statements 
    • If no IRS Form 990s, entities with revenue less than $1,000,000: Three most recent detailed balance sheets and statements of activities 
  • Current organizational operating budget 
  • List of Board of Directors or Advisory Leadership 

Optional but encouraged:

  • Letters of support from community partners or beneficiaries
  • Relevant data or assessments documenting community need
  • Any available evidence of impact or effectiveness from prior similar work

Project Award recipients must:

  • Use award funds exclusively for the purposes described in the approved application
  • Maintain accurate financial records and make them available to Yale upon request
  • Provide required progress and final reports on schedule
  • Notify Yale promptly of any significant changes to scope, budget, or timeline
  • Acknowledge Yale University’s support in communications and public materials related to the funded work
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Project Award recipients will be required to submit progress reports every six months during the award period, including a financial update and narrative summary of activities completed to date.

A final report will be due within 60 days of completion and must include a complete financial accounting of award expenditures and a narrative assessment of outcomes achieved relative to the goals described in the application.

Yale may conduct site visits or request additional information during the award period. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may affect eligibility for future funding.

These sessions will provide an overview of the Project Award application process, eligibility requirements, funding priorities, required documents, review criteria, timeline, and reporting expectations. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions. 

Registration is required. Please register for the session that works best for your schedule:

For questions about Project Awards, eligibility, or the application, contact the Office of New Haven Affairs at communityfund@yale.edu.