Community Grant Program

 THE OPPORTUNITY

WHAT WE FUND

WHO CAN APPLY

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Small grants.
Lasting connection.

The Community Grant Program invests in projects that create a clear public benefit for Connecticut’s ports, harbors, riverfronts, navigable waterways, and waterfront communities.

Competitive projects pair a direct maritime connection with measurable results whether through public access, tourism, community activation, or planning for what comes next.

Three ways to
move the waterfront forward.

Tourism Infrastructure: physical visitor experience

Improve how people find, access, and experience Connecticut’s maritime destinations.

PROJECT EXAMPLES
Wayfinding, interpretive signage, visitor kiosks, viewing areas, trail connections, waterfront amenities

Community Activation: programming and engagement

Bring residents, students, visitors, and partners into closer connection with the waterfront.

PROJECT EXAMPLES
Maritime exhibits, public art, waterfront programming, stewardship projects, educational activities, community boating

Planning & Capacity Building: getting future projects investment ready

Turn an early idea into a practical path toward future maritime investment.

PROJECT EXAMPLES
Waterfront concept designs, engineering assessments, resilience plans, permitting studies

Built for Connecticut
communities.

  • Municipalities located in Connecticut
  • State universities and colleges serving Connecticut
  • Nonprofit organizations in good standing, including 501(c)(3) or state-equivalent nonprofits

Applicants may submit more than one distinct project application, up to an aggregate annual award of $10,000 per applicant.

Bring your idea
into focus.

  1. Completed online application form
  2. Proof of nonprofit status or public entity designation, if applicable
  3. Proof of site control or property owner authorization for site specific projects
  4. Project narrative: scope, goals, category fit, audience, and expected impact
  5. Budget with requested funds, estimates, and other funding sources
  6. Project timeline
  7. Letters of support and partnership documentation OPTIONAL

HAVE A PROJECT IN MIND?


Click to review the Community Grant Program Policies and Procedures before applying.

Click to review Community Grant Program General Grant Conditions before applying.

Community Grant Program -Application

Welcome to the Community Grant Program application. Eligible organizations serving Connecticut’s ports, harbors, riverfronts, navigable waterways, or waterfront communities may apply for funding to support a direct maritime connection and measurable benefit through public access, tourism, community activation, or planning and capacity-building outcomes. Please complete all required fields and provide details about your proposed activity, participants, and funding request. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, bi-monthly basis and considered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. Funding decisions are announced by the 15th of the month following each review cycle.

Applicant Information

Enter legal organization/entity name
This is a 6-digit number assigned to your organization by the Connecticut Secretary of the State. If applicable.
Type of Organization
Address

Primary Contact

Your Name
Your Email Address(Required)

Project Overview

Enter project or activity name
Project Location
Town/City, site, facility, or service area
Describe what will be implemented, the purpose of the activity, and the principal components to be supported by grant funds.
Explain specifically what the Connecticut Port Authority grant would pay for.

Community Benefit, Participation & Outcomes

Identify the community, audience, participants, or beneficiaries the activity is intended to serve.
Provide an estimate and explain the basis for the estimate, where applicable.
List the measurable or observable results you expect to achieve and how you will determine whether the activity was successful.
Describe current planning status, key partners, permissions/approvals, procurement, or other factors that support completion on schedule.

Upload Project Budget

Upload any relevant files that will support your application. PDF, PNG, JPEG, or Microsoft Word (.DOC/.DOCX) format.
Max. file size: 2 GB.
Upload other evidence of support for your application, such as quotes, letters of support, approvals, etc. This section is optional.
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, heic, Max. file size: 2 GB.

    Reporting Acknowledgment

    I understand that a report is required within 30 days of the activity.(Required)
    Will you be able to provide photos, or testimonials? (optional)

    Logo Use Policy

    The Port Authority logo must be included on all marketing materials associated with the event as submitted in this application. Permission is granted for this use only, and consent must be provided for any future event. By using the logo, you agree to comply with the following requirements:

    • Unauthorized Use: Port Authority’s logo is not to be used without written permission or a licensing agreement, particularly for commercial purposes.
    • Alteration Prohibitions: Port Authority’s logo is not to be modified, rotated, stretched, amended for shadows, colors, or put in a box (unless permitted).
    • Misrepresentation: The Port Authority prohibits the use of its logo in a way that causes “likelihood of confusion” regarding the nature of the organization.
    • Negative Context: Port Authority’s logo is not to be used in contexts that are defamatory or highly negative.
    • Replacement: Port Authority’s logo is not to be used as a representation for another organization.
    • Misleading Endorsement: Port Authority’s logo is not to be used to falsely imply that the agency endorses your products, services or organization (unless otherwise contracted).
    Enforcement Notice: Violating these rules can lead to legal consequences, including injunctions, lawsuits for trademark infringement, and fines.
    Acknowledgment(Required)

    Authorized Representative Submission Signature

    By entering my name below, I understand and agree that this typed signature is the legal equivalent of my handwritten signature. I certify that I am authorized to submit this application, that all components are complete, and that all statements made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
    Acknowledgment(Required)
    MM slash DD slash YYYY

    Questions or application support reach out to: funding@ctportauthority.com

    Let’s strengthen
    Connecticut’s shoreline.