Manchester Community Fund Looks to Support Dynamic Local Projects

The Manchester Community Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, which recently awarded more than $39,000 to local nonprofit groups making a difference throughout Manchester, is once again looking for local projects to support.

For the 2026-2027 grant cycle that began on Sept. 1 and ends on Oct. 13, the Manchester Community Fund is welcoming proposals that will improve or enhance the quality of life of Manchester residents or otherwise contribute to solving a direct need of the community. Individual grant awards range from $250 to $5,000.

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In the 2025-26 grant cycle, a total of $39,476 was awarded to 12 organizations and projects aimed at worthy goals that ranged from the purchase of wheelchairs and other accessibility equipment to the construction of a community lunch garden.

"The passion and creativity of the Manchester community is truly impressive," said Manchester Community Fund Chair Debbie Streeter. "We're excited to be in a position to make our town an even better place to live, thanks to the generosity of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation."

In order to be considered for grant funding, projects must benefit the residents of Manchester in an immediate, concrete way. Any nonprofit registered as a 501(c)(3) organization that serves the residents of Manchester is eligible to apply. Groups of town residents may also prepare an application in partnership with a registered 501(c)(3) or municipality that has agreed to serve as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project.

For further details on project guidelines and how to apply, please visit https://greaterhartfordgives.org/community-funds/greater-hartford-gives-manchester-community-fund/

Project applications or grant proposals will be accepted until 11:59 P.M. on October 13, 2026.

In 2019, the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation established the Greater Together Community Funds in each of the 29 towns it serves, including Manchester, with an initial investment of $100,000. In 2021, the Foundation awarded an additional $50,000 to each of the community funds. In 2025, as part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Centennial year, the Foundation unveiled a new $100,00 investment in each of the 29 town-specific Community Funds. This included $50,000 immediately available for grantmaking and $50,00 allocated to endowment.

The purpose of the community funds is to support residents in taking ownership around the needs in their towns, encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement and anchor the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation in each town.

The community funds program also creates an opportunity for organizations and individuals to make tax-deductible contributions to the Manchester Community Fund. All donations are welcome, both large and small. Visit the Manchester Community Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation online for more information or to donate.

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is a community foundation, a hub for community-driven change. We fuel impact throughout Greater Hartford and beyond by making connections, providing funding, and sharing knowledge. Our goal is to create an inclusive region where everyone prospers. Together, with a powerful network of changemakers, we identify our neighbors' most pressing needs and invest resources in initiatives that dismantle racial and economic barriers and improve quality of life. In our 100-year history, we have invested more than $1 billion throughout the region. Join us in building a Greater Hartford full of opportunity. Learn more at greaterhartfordgives.org.