The Connecticut Port Authority is pleased to announce the launch of its new Community Grant Program, a funding initiative designed to support locally driven projects that create meaningful public benefits for Connecticut’s maritime communities.
The program provides grants of up to $10,000 for eligible projects that strengthen connections between residents, visitors, organizations, and Connecticut’s ports, harbors, riverfronts, navigable waterways, and waterfront communities. Competitive projects should demonstrate a direct maritime connection and measurable community impact through improved public access, tourism, community engagement, or planning for future waterfront investments.
“Connecticut’s maritime economy is about more than our commercial ports, it includes the communities, organizations, waterfronts, and public spaces that connect people across our state to the water,” said Executive Director Michael O’Connor. “The Community Grant Program gives communities an accessible tool to advance smaller projects that can have a lasting local impact.”
Three Funding Categories
The Community Grant Program supports projects within three primary categories:
Tourism Infrastructure — Up to $10,000
Projects that improve how residents and visitors find, access, understand, and experience Connecticut’s maritime destinations. Eligible examples may include interpretive signage, wayfinding, visitor displays, and small-scale waterfront amenities.
Community Activation — Up to $10,000
Projects that bring residents, students, visitors, and community partners into closer connection with Connecticut’s waterfront. Examples include maritime history initiatives, stewardship projects, public art, and place-based storytelling.
Planning & Capacity Building — Up to $10,000
Projects that help transform early-stage ideas into practical plans for future maritime investment. Examples include feasibility studies, concept designs, needs assessments, and pilot initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Connecticut municipalities
- State universities and colleges serving Connecticut
- Nonprofit organizations in good standing, including 501(c)(3) and qualifying state equivalent nonprofit organizations.
Applicants may submit more than one distinct project application, with an aggregate annual award limit of $10,000 per applicant.
Applications Reviewed Throughout the Year
To make the program accessible to communities throughout the year, CPA has established six application review periods annually. Applications received by 11:59 p.m. on the applicable deadline will be considered for a decision by the following approval date. Applications will continue to be reviewed until annual program funds have been disbursed.
The next application deadline is September 30, 2026, with decisions anticipated by October 15, 2026. Additional application deadlines occur on November 30, January 31, March 31, and May 31.
Applicants should be prepared to provide a completed application, project narrative, budget, project timeline, and applicable documentation regarding nonprofit or public-entity status and site control. Letters of support and partnership documentation may also be submitted as optional supporting materials.
Details and the online application can be found on here.