Updated Oct 31, 2026
Private foundations based in Norwalk, Connecticut
18 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, holding $334M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 3 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ge Foundationsince 1985 | $15M2,467 grants · 2024 | $429 | Yes | $23M |
| McChord Foundationsince 2022 | $6.6M20 grants · 2024 | $130K | Preselected only | $182M |
| Factset Charitable Foundationsince 2022 | $3.2M54 grants · 2024 | $13K | Preselected only | $5.0M |
| Inglesea Charitable Trsince 2015 | $1.9M70 grants · 2024 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $4.6M |
| The Nessel Family Foundation Incsince 2000 | $877K29 grants · 2025 | $7,500 | Preselected only | $4.1M |
| The@david and Eunice Bigelow Foundation Incsince 1999 | $858K67 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $8.9M |
| The Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Memorial Foundation Incsince 1984 | $546K1 grants · 2024 | $546K | Yes | $14M |
| R T Vanderbilt Trustsince 1953 | $531K50 grants · 2024 | $4,000 | Preselected only | $7.0M |
| Myers L & Marilyn R Girsh Foundation Incsince 2013 | $278K21 grants · 2025 | $2,000 | Yes | $5.9M |
| The Shenandoah Foundation C/O Arthur G Potts Jrsince 1993 | $180K14 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $4.9M |
| Rita and Leo Greenland Family Foundationsince 2000 | $144K26 grants · 2025 | $2,250 | Preselected only | $1.6M |
| Sons & Daughters of Italy Foundation Incsince 2021 | $95K2 grants · 2024 | $48K | Preselected only | $1.2M |
| National Emphysema Foundation Incsince 1971 | $83K11 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $3.0M |
| Foerster Bernstein Foundationsince 2014 | — | — | Preselected only | $56M |
| Rmk Charitable Trsince 2025 | — | — | Not stated | $6.3M |
| Marion Moore Foundation Incsince 2004 | — | — | Not stated | $4.4M |
| Norwalk Town Union of the Kings Daughters & Sons Incsince 2017 | — | — | Preselected only | $2.0M |
| Willman-Crowley Foundationsince 2000 | — | — | Not stated | $1.4M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Connecticut
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Connecticut Office of the Arts — Organizational GrantsStateConnecticut Office of the Arts | Connecticut Office of the Arts | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Connecticut Humanities — Humanities GrantsStateConnecticut Humanities | Connecticut Humanities | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Norwalk, Connecticut?
Our directory lists 18 private grantmaking foundations in Norwalk, Connecticut with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $334M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.