Small Awards

Small Awards support proposed work requesting up to $5,000 through the Yale and New Haven Community Fund Program. These awards are intended to provide flexible support for smaller-scale, community-centered efforts that benefit New Haven residents.

Small Award 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

  • Requests up to $5,000
  • Benefits New Haven residents
  • Aligns with one or more of the program’s impact categories
  • Has a clear purpose and realistic budget
  • Can be completed within a reasonable timeframe
  • Does not require the larger funding amount or formal review process associated with Project Awards

Small Awards may support community-centered efforts such as:

  • Neighborhood events or community gatherings
  • Youth, education, arts, cultural, wellness, or civic engagement activities
  • Supplies or materials for a community-serving program or initiative
  • Short-term activities that respond to a documented community need
  • Smaller-scale work that strengthens neighborhood connection, access, or participation

Small Award applications must be submitted electronically through the Yale and New Haven Community Fund application portal. Applicants will indicate that they are applying for a Small Award as part of the application.

Small Award 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. Yale may request additional information before making an award decision.

Important Note: The Small Awards Program receives many more requests than available funding each month. Request the amount your project actually needs, not necessarily the maximum award amount. Well-justified, realistic requests help us support as many community projects as possible.

Small Award applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Organization name and contact information
  • Confirmation of nonprofit status and eligibility
  • Description of the proposed work
  • Amount requested, up to $5,000
  • Budget or brief explanation of how award funds will be used
  • Description of how the proposed work will benefit New Haven residents
  • Impact category or categories the proposed work supports

Small Award recipients must:

  • Use award funds only for the approved purpose
  • Notify Yale promptly of any significant changes to the proposed work, budget, or timeline
  • Acknowledge Yale University’s support in communications and public materials related to the funded work, when applicable
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Small Award recipients are not required to submit formal six-month progress reports or final reports. Yale may request a brief update, story, photo, or summary of impact to help document how the award benefited New Haven residents.

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