The New Canaan Community Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support initiatives that address New Canaan’s most pressing health and well-being needs.
These needs, including knowledge of services, access and barriers to care, struggles among adults ages 30-59, and parenting stress and youth mental health concerns, were identified in an extensive Community Health & Well-Being Survey that was presented to the community in January. (See Community Health & Well-Being Survey – New Canaan Behavioral Health for details of the survey and its results. The New Canaan Sentinel’s comprehensive coverage of this initial presentation is at: https://www.newcanaansentinel.com/2025/02/03/survey-highlights-behavioral-health-opportunities)
This survey was administered by the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance which, backed by forty civic and charitable member organizations, “encourages, develops and supports a greater community awareness of behavioral health issues and resources in our area.”
“This survey gave us a powerful look at what New Canaan residents are experiencing—and now it’s time to act,” said Lauren Patterson, President & CEO of New Canaan Community Foundation, which also Co-Chairs the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance. “Through this RFP (request for proposals), we’re inviting members of our community to help address real needs with practical, creative solutions. Whether it’s expanding awareness, reducing barriers to care, or supporting parents and caregivers, we look forward to funding projects that make a lasting difference.”
Funding is available to support projects that respond directly to the survey’s findings. Grant amounts may range from $1,000–$2,500 for smaller-scale initiatives (e.g., speaker events, support groups or awareness campaigns) to $10,000–$15,000 for larger efforts, such as nonprofit-led programs targeting adult mental health or parent-focused education. In addition to nonprofit organizations, individual community members or partnerships are welcome to apply.
Grant applications are due by September 19.
The New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance is also working with the New Canaan Public Schools to possibly launch a youth-focused needs survey. Some nearby communities have administered such surveys in recent years, and the Health Alliance and NCPS are taking those experiences into consideration as they plan appropriate next steps.
Full details and submission instructions for grant applications are available at http://www.newcanaancf.org/bh-grants. Please contact Meg Soffen at msoffen@newcanaancf.org or 203-966-0231 if you have questions or require assistance.
