Nonprofit Grant Program - Round 9 - Request for Applications (RFA)

The Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) is accepting applications for Round 9 of its Nonprofit Grant Program (NGP), a capital grants-in-aid program restricted to private, Section 501(c)(3) nonprofits that currently receive state funding to deliver direct health or human services to state agency clients. A bidder's conference is scheduled for November 13, 2026, and applications are due January 5, 2027, at 4:00 p.m. ET through the state's EUNA Grants system.

Eligible projects include alterations, renovations, improvements, additions, and new construction addressing health, safety, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance; energy conservation; information technology systems; technology for client independence; vehicle purchases; and property acquisition. The program is reimbursement-based, with no upfront funding.

Round 9 has $19.5 million available, comprising $15 million in State General Obligation Bonds under Public Act 20-1 as amended by Public Act 22-118 and $4.5 million in remaining funds from prior rounds. Component 1 reserves up to $4.875 million for projects requesting $1 million to $3 million and requires a minimum 25% grantee match, with a minimum score of 80 points on a 100-point scale. Component 2 covers the remaining funds for projects requesting up to $1 million, with a minimum project cost of $35,000, optional matching funds, and a minimum score of 70 points. Component 3 addresses collaborative projects between two or more eligible nonprofits. Organizations may submit up to three applications under Components 1 and 2 combined.

Evaluation criteria include risk assessment, Connecticut location preference, non-NGP funding sources, demonstrated efficiencies and effectiveness, health, safety, and ADA improvements, level of savings compared to NGP funding amounts, application quality, and project sustainability. Grant terms run one year from the latest execution date of the award contract, with extensions beyond one year allowed only in limited cases involving extreme circumstances. Work cannot begin until both parties fully execute the award contract. Awards are anticipated June 21, 2027, with contracts commencing September 21, 2027.

Questions are due November 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET, and written answers will be released by December 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The bidder's conference runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET on November 13, 2026, via Microsoft Teams.