The Role of Non-profits in Connecticut
Here’s something that might surprise you: non-profits in Connecticut employ nearly 14% of the state’s workforce—over 200,000 jobs throughout the Constitution State.
In fact, according to the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, these organizations generate over $37 billion in annual revenue and serve millions of residents from Stamford to Storrs.
Yet despite these impressive numbers, many vital organizations remain under-resourced and understaffed.
The pandemic hit non-profits in CT particularly hard, with 70% reporting increased demand for services while simultaneously facing funding cuts.
This comprehensive guide showcases the most impactful non-profit organizations in Connecticut, highlighting their missions, achievements, and ways you can help.
This resource helps you connect with Connecticut non-profits making a difference, whether you’re seeking volunteer, donation, or employment opportunities.
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Hartford Nonprofits: Capital City Changemakers
Best for: Hunger fighters and logistics whizzes
Website: https://www.ctfoodshare.org/
“We can’t solve problems on empty stomachs,” says Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Foodshare, one of the most essential non-profits in Hartford, CT.
This regional food bank serves Hartford and Tolland counties, distributing over 14 million meals annually to people facing food insecurity.
What started in 1982 as a small operation has grown into a powerhouse that partners with 260 local pantries, meal programs, and mobile sites.
During the height of COVID-19, their drive-thru distribution at Rentschler Field became a lifeline, serving up to 2,000 families in a single day.
Impact statistics:
- 14+ million meals distributed annually
- 260 partner agencies
- 91% of every dollar goes directly to food and programs
How to help: Foodshare welcomes volunteers for warehouse sorting, distribution assistance, and community garden maintenance.
They also need drivers with clean records for food pickup routes across Greater Hartford.
“I started volunteering after retirement and it’s become the most rewarding part of my week,” says Linda Mercado, a three-year volunteer. “Seeing the immediate impact—putting food directly into people’s hands—there’s nothing like it.”
The Village for Families & Children
Best for: Child advocates and mental health supporters
Website: https://thevillage.org/
For over two centuries, The Village has served Hartford, offering a crucial safety net for at-risk children and families with its comprehensive services.
“What makes The Village unique is our comprehensive approach,” explains Village President Galo Rodriguez. “We don’t just address one issue; we wrap services around the whole family system.”
Impact statistics:
- 20,000+ children and adults served annually
- 90% of children in their care remain safely with families
- 42 locations throughout Greater Hartford
How to help: The Village offers volunteer opportunities ranging from mentoring children to helping at their Second Chance Shops (thrift stores that raise funds for programs).
Mental health professionals can also provide pro bono services.
KNOX Hartford
Best for: Urban gardeners and environmental enthusiasts
Website: https://knoxhartford.org/
With its mission to “green Hartford,” KNOX has transformed vacant lots into vibrant community gardens since 1966.
This environmental nonprofit manages 20 community gardens throughout Hartford, maintains city green spaces, and provides horticulture job training for residents facing barriers to employment.
Impact statistics:
- 180+ acres of public parks and gardens maintained
- 4,500+ volunteers engaged annually
- 200 people trained through Green Jobs program with 70% job placement rate
How to help: Get your hands dirty! KNOX needs garden volunteers, especially during spring and summer months. They also welcome help with tree planting events, garden builds, and urban farm maintenance.
“I found a home at KNOX after being unemployed for two years,” says Marcus Johnson, a Green Jobs graduate now working as a landscaper.
“They didn’t just teach me how to grow plants—they helped me grow as a person.”
New Haven Nonprofits: Elm City Excellence
New Haven Legal Assistance Association
Best for: Justice advocates and legal professionals
Website: https://nhlegal.org/
The New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA) stands as one of the oldest non-profit organizations in New Haven, CT, serving low-income residents since 1964.
Their attorneys and paralegals provide free civil legal services in areas including housing, family law, public benefits, and immigration.
“Justice shouldn’t depend on what’s in your wallet,” says Alexis Smith, Executive Director.
“We’re fighting to ensure that legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of income.”
Impact statistics:
- 4,200+ cases handled annually
- $4.2 million in economic benefits secured for clients
- 87% successful outcomes in housing cases
How to help: Attorneys can provide pro bono services, while non-attorneys can help with administrative support, translation services, or fundraising events.
Law students can apply for internships and clinics.
ConnCAT (Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology)
Best for: Education advocates and creative mentors
Website: https://conncat.org/
In the heart of New Haven, ConnCAT is redefining workforce development through arts-integrated education.
This innovative non-profit in New Haven, CT offers tuition-free training programs for adults in healthcare and culinary arts, alongside youth programs that nurture creativity and academic achievement.
“Our model isn’t just about job placement—it’s about creating pathways to sustainable careers while honoring creative expression,” explains Erik Clemons, President and CEO.
Impact statistics:
- 90% job placement rate for adult graduates
- $33,000 average starting salary for program completers
- 200+ youth served through after-school programs annually
How to help: Volunteer as a career mentor, guest speaker, or tutor. Culinary professionals can assist with the culinary program, while healthcare professionals can support the medical training programs.
Local artists can lead workshops or donate supplies.
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK)
Best for: Direct service volunteers and meal providers
Website: https://deskct.org/
DESK has provided food assistance to New Haven’s vulnerable population for over 30 years, growing from a soup kitchen to a comprehensive service provider focused on dignified food security.
“Hunger isn’t just about food—it’s about connection,” says Steve Werlin, Executive Director.
“When someone comes through our doors, they’re not just getting a meal. They’re being seen as a human being with inherent worth.”
Impact statistics:
- 78,000+ meals served annually
- 2,000+ unique individuals served
- 30% increase in food pantry usage since 2020
How to help: Prepare and serve meals, help at food pantry distribution, donate needed items, or assist with street outreach efforts.
Groups can “sponsor a meal” by covering costs and providing volunteers.
Bridgeport Organizations: Park City Pioneers
The Center for Family Justice
Best for: Trauma support providers and crisis advocates
Website: https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/
As the only Connecticut agency providing all services for victims of domestic and sexual violence under one roof, The Center for Family Justice stands among the most vital non-profit organizations in Bridgeport, CT.
Their comprehensive approach includes crisis intervention, safety planning, legal advocacy, and counseling services.
“When someone walks through our doors, often on the worst day of their life, we want them to feel safe, supported, and empowered immediately,” explains Debra Greenwood, President & CEO.
Impact statistics:
- 7,000+ victims served annually
- 1,200 civil and criminal court cases supported
- 98% of clients report feeling safer after intervention
How to help: The Center needs crisis line volunteers, child advocacy volunteers, and community educators. Professional services like legal consultation and mental health support are also required.
nOURish Bridgeport
Best for: Food justice advocates and community builders
Website: https://www.nourishbpt.org/
What started as a simple food pantry has blossomed into a multifaceted organization addressing the root causes of hunger.
nOURish Bridgeport operates food pantries, community gardens, and nutrition education programs while advocating for systemic changes to food access issues.
Impact statistics:
- 800,000+ pounds of food distributed annually
- 3,000+ unique households served
- 5 community gardens producing fresh produce for distribution
How to help: Stock and distribute food at pantry locations, help maintain community gardens, assist with cooking demonstrations, or help with administrative tasks and grant writing.
“I came for a food box during a tough time and ended up finding a community,” shares Maria Perez, now a program coordinator.
“nOURish doesn’t just feed people—they build relationships that nourish the whole person.”
Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust
Best for: Housing advocates and neighborhood revitalizers
Website: https://www.bntweb.org/
Tackling Bridgeport’s housing challenges head-on, Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (BNT) has been developing affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods since 1986.
This community development corporation has transformed blighted buildings into homes while providing financial education, homebuyer preparation, and foreclosure prevention services.
Impact statistics:
- 400+ affordable housing units developed
- 2,500+ individuals receiving financial literacy education annually
- $15 million neighborhood investment leveraged
How to help: Volunteer for neighborhood clean-ups, assist with financial literacy workshops, help with office administration, or lend professional expertise in real estate, construction, or finance.
Danbury Nonprofits: Hat City Heroes
The Association of Religious Communities (ARC)
Best for: Interfaith bridge-builders and refugee supporters
Website: https://www.arcforpeace.org/
In a city known for its diversity, the Association of Religious Communities stands as one of the most distinctive non-profit organizations in Danbury, CT.
Founded on interfaith principles, ARC addresses homelessness prevention, refugee resettlement, and domestic violence intervention while building bridges between different faith communities.
“Our strength lies in bringing different traditions together around common values,” explains Rev. Phyllis Leopold, Executive Director.
“When we unite across differences, remarkable things happen.”
Impact statistics:
- 350+ families prevented from homelessness annually
- 120+ refugees supported with resettlement services
- 25 faith communities actively engaged
How to help: Volunteer as a refugee mentor, assist with emergency shelter programs, help collect household items for housing program participants, or join interfaith dialogue initiatives.
Danbury Youth Services
Best for: Youth mentors and prevention specialists
Website: http://www.danburyyouthservices.org/
For over 50 years, Danbury Youth Services has been nurturing the potential of the city’s young people through mentoring, counseling, and prevention programs.
Their evidence-based approach focuses on building resilience and life skills in children aged 5-18.
Impact statistics:
- 1,200+ youth served annually
- 94% of participants report improved decision-making skills
- 85% reduction in high-risk behaviors among program participants
How to help: Become a youth mentor (requires 3-hour weekly commitment), assist with after-school programs, or help with administrative tasks.
Mental health professionals can volunteer counseling services.
“The mentor I had through DYS literally changed my life trajectory,” says Carlos Ramirez, a former participant who now works in education.
“Having that one consistent adult who believed in me made all the difference.”
Statewide Organizations: Serving the Constitution State
Best for: Hunger relief advocates and logistics specialists
Website: https://www.ctfoodshare.org/
Following their 2021 merger, Connecticut Food Bank/Foodshare became the largest hunger relief organization among non-profits in Connecticut.
As a member of Feeding America, they distribute food to hundreds of partner agencies across all eight counties in Connecticut.
“Hunger exists in every town in Connecticut—from our wealthiest suburbs to our urban centers,” notes Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO.
“Our goal is to ensure that no one in our state struggles with food insecurity.”
Impact statistics:
- 47 million meals distributed annually
- 650+ community partners
- All 169 Connecticut towns served
How to help: Volunteer at distribution centers in Wallingford, Bloomfield, or Bridgeport; help with mobile pantry distributions; organize food drives; or lend professional skills in areas like logistics, marketing, or finance.
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CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Best for: Nonprofit professionals and policy advocates
Website: https://ctnonprofitalliance.org/
In 2016, the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits merged with the Connecticut Community Providers Association to form the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, creating the largest nonprofit advocacy organization in the state.
The Alliance represents over 600 community nonprofits, advocating for policies that strengthen the sector while providing training and resources.
“Nonprofits are economic drivers, employers, and essential service providers,” says Gian-Carl Casa, President and CEO.
“Our role is to ensure they have the support they need to fulfill their missions.”
Impact statistics:
- 600+ member organizations
- $1.5 billion in state funding secured for nonprofits
- 120+ professional development opportunities provided annually
How to help: Nonprofit professionals can join as members, advocate with elected officials, participate in educational programs, or serve on policy committees.
Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and ocean conservationists
Website: https://www.mysticaquarium.org/
While known primarily as a tourist destination, Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program is one of the state of Connecticut’s non-profit organizations making a critical difference in marine conservation.
As the only federally authorized organization to respond to marine mammal strandings in Connecticut and Rhode Island, they rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick or injured seals, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Impact statistics:
- 1,200+ marine animals rescued since program inception
- 300+ miles of coastline monitored
- 70% successful rehabilitation rate for rescued animals
How to help: Join the Stranding First Responder Network, assist with beach cleanups, help with administrative tasks, or support public education initiatives about marine conservation.
Connecticut Public (CPTV & WNPR)
Best for: Journalism supporters and media enthusiasts
Website: https://www.ctpublic.org/
As the state’s only public media organization, Connecticut Public delivers trusted journalism, educational content, and cultural programming through Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR).
Their commitment to factual, in-depth reporting makes them an essential resource in an era of shrinking local news coverage.
Impact statistics:
- 800,000+ weekly viewers and listeners
- 130,000+ Connecticut students reached through educational programming
- 35+ journalism awards received in 2024
How to help: Become a member, volunteer during pledge drives, participate in community advisory boards, or help with special events and studio productions.
How to Support Connecticut Nonprofits
Volunteering
“The value of volunteers to non-profits in CT cannot be overstated,” explains Gian-Carl Casa of the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.
“Connecticut nonprofits receive over $4 billion worth of volunteer time annually, allowing them to stretch limited resources further.”
Most organizations offer flexible volunteering options:
- One-time opportunities: Special events, seasonal projects, or disaster response
- Regular commitments: Weekly or monthly shifts in direct service roles
- Professional pro bono: Lending specialized skills in areas like accounting, legal, marketing, or IT
- Board service: Providing governance and strategic leadership
All nonprofits featured in this guide welcome volunteers, though requirements vary. Some positions, particularly those working with vulnerable populations, require background checks and training.
Donating
Financial support remains the lifeblood of non-profit organizations in Connecticut. Here’s how to make your charitable dollars count:
- Monthly giving: Even small amounts given regularly provide nonprofits with reliable income
- Employer matching: Many Connecticut companies match employee donations
- In-kind gifts: Donate needed goods, services, or space
- Planned giving: Include nonprofits in your estate planning
“When you’re considering where to donate, look beyond glossy marketing,” advises Beth Hamilton, Executive Director of Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
“Research an organization’s impact, commitment to equity, and financial transparency.”
Advocacy
“Sometimes the most powerful way to support nonprofits is by using your voice,” notes Jason Jakubowski of Connecticut Food Bank/Foodshare.
“Policies affect our ability to serve communities, so engaged citizens can make an enormous difference.”
Ways to advocate:
- Contact elected officials about issues affecting nonprofits
- Attend public hearings and community meetings
- Share information about nonprofit impact on social media
- Participate in advocacy days organized by the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance
Connecticut Nonprofit Resources
Finding Nonprofits
Looking to connect with more non-profits in Connecticut? These resources can help:
- CT Data Collaborative: Maintains a comprehensive database of Connecticut nonprofits searchable by location, mission, and size
- Volunteer Connecticut: Matches volunteers with organizations based on interests and skills
- GreatNonprofits.org: Features reviews of nonprofits from volunteers, donors, and clients
- GuideStar: Provides financial information and transparency ratings for nonprofits
For Nonprofit Professionals
Those working in or considering careers with nonprofit organizations can access these resources:
- CT Community Nonprofit Alliance: Offers professional development, networking, and advocacy for the sector
- Connecticut Council for Philanthropy: Connects grantmakers and nonprofits
- Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Center for Nonprofit Excellence: Provides capacity-building workshops and consulting
- Hartford Foundation for Public Building’s Nonprofit Support Program: Offers management assistance and leadership development
“Connecticut has one of the strongest nonprofit infrastructures in the country,” explains Frances Padilla of Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut.
“We have robust systems for training, capacity building, and collaboration that strengthen the entire sector.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofits in CT
How many nonprofits are there in Connecticut?
According to the most recent data from the Connecticut Secretary of the State, there are approximately 6,500 registered non-profit organizations in Connecticut, though not all are actively operating.
About 2,800 have annual budgets exceeding $50,000.
How do I start a nonprofit in Connecticut?
Starting a nonprofit involves filing with the state of Connecticut’s non-profit organizations registry through the Secretary of the State’s office.
You’ll need to file a certificate of incorporation, apply for an EIN with the IRS, apply for 501(c)(3) status, and register with the Department of Consumer Protection if you plan to solicit donations.
The CT Community Nonprofit Alliance offers workshops on nonprofit formation.
Are donations to Connecticut nonprofits tax-deductible?
Donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are generally tax-deductible, though you should always verify an organization’s status.
The state of CT non-profit organizations database can help confirm legitimacy, or you can check the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
How are nonprofits in Connecticut funded?
Funding sources vary widely. Many receive government contracts, foundation grants, individual donations, and corporate support.
Some generate earned income through fees for services, social enterprises, or events.
According to the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits, state contracts represent the largest funding source for many human service nonprofits.
How do I verify a nonprofit’s legitimacy?
You can check an organization’s status through the state of Connecticut non-profit organizations database maintained by the Secretary of the State.
Additionally, legitimate organizations should be able to provide their 501(c)(3) determination letter and recent financial statements upon request.
Conclusion
This guide connects you with impactful Connecticut non-profits, offering opportunities to volunteer, donate, or find jobs.
These organizations, from local to statewide, are vital to creating equitable communities.
As Gian-Carl Casa notes, they’re a crucial safety net, deserving our support.
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