People's United Community Foundation
In 2007, People’s United Bank established a $60 million charitable foundation, the People’s United Community Foundation, to help improve the quality of life for residents in the neighborhoods served by People’s United Bank.
IMPORTANT: MARCH 2021 Grant Application Update
Our March 2021 grant cycle includes some important changes you should know about. Review Changes
Focus areas
People’s United Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that align with our primary areas of focus and giving priorities of economic stability, employment, education, and housing:

Affordable Housing Development
People’s United Community Foundation supports programs that create affordable housing opportunities and the development and sustaining of safe, clean and desirable neighborhoods:
- Nonprofit organizations that directly develop affordable housing or assist developers which create affordable housing, through rehabilitation, new construction and/or neighborhood revitalization efforts.
- Community loan funds
- State and national programs, operating within our footprint, that serve as developers of affordable housing
- Supportive and transitional housing for homeless, low-income and those with disabilities or special needs
- Closing costs and down-payment assistance programs
- First-time homebuyer education
- Homeownership counseling and foreclosure prevention programs
Community Development
People's United Community Foundation supports programs and services that address basic needs and encourage financial independence and self-sufficiency for low- to moderate-income residents; as well as activities which promote economic development in low-income neighborhoods. Funding priorities include:
- Basic needs services
- Initiatives that transition people from assistance to independence
- Financial literacy Programs
- Education, including ESL, certification and degree programs
- Programs that promote economic stability and self-sufficiency
- Small business development and entrepreneurial programs
- Workforce development, job skills training and job placement programs

Youth Development
People’s United Community Foundation supports programs and services that address the need for educational improvement and academic advancement of children and youth, especially within low- to moderate- income communities and school districts.Funding priorities include:
- Academic improvement and advancement programs
- Accredited early childhood development, school readiness, and Headstart programs
- College and SAT preparation programs
- Career exploration and internship programs
- ESL and literacy programs
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs
Eligibility guidelines
To be considered for a grant from People's United Community Foundation, organizations must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Organization must be operating as a recognized 501(c)3 public charity for a minimum of 2 years.
- Program/service for which funding is being requested must be operating for a minimum of 12 months and have demonstrated outcomes.
- Must operate or serve individuals within the cities/towns where People's United Bank branches are located.
- Grant request must fit within our three areas of focus and align with our giving priorities of economic stability, employment, education, and housing.
Ineligible List
For a list of programs, services, and organizations that do not meet our eligibility requirements, please review our Ineligible list.
United Way
People's United Community Foundation supports local United Ways across our footprint through the People's United Bank Employee Match Campaign. Due to this annual giving campaign, grant requests from United Way chapters are not accepted. We are proud of our support to our local United Way chapters, and our long-standing partnerships that have spanned more than 80 years.
Important November 2020 Grant Cycle Update. Review here.
Application guidelines
Organizations must also adhere to the following guidelines when submitting a grant application to People’s United Community Foundation:
- Applications are only accepted during three open grant application periods. See Grant Cycles chart below.
- Funding requests should be for a program or service. General operating support is limited and only accepted with prior approval.
- Minimum request amount is $2,500. Our average grant is $5,000.
- Only one grant application will be accepted by an organization during a 12-month period.
- Returning grantees should apply during the same grant cycle as previously applied or later, according to our grant application periods.
- Only one grant will be awarded to an organization per year.
Required Documentation
- Most recent Audited Financial Statement, if applicable. (Subject to state laws and federal requirements)
- Project and Organization Budget Summary (for funding request)
- Previous year budget vs. actuals
- Signed W-9 form
- Form 990
- Funding Sources Form
Prepare ahead of time.
Since the Grant Application is accessible only during our open application periods, it helps to be prepared with answers to these sample questions.
Select outcome measures.
As part of the grant application you will be required to select a minimum of 3 outcome measures. To assist you in identifying the appropriate outcomes for your program, please refer to the Outcome Measurement Reference Guide.
Grantee Requirements
Grant recipients will be required to provide progress updates and a final report that demonstrates measurable outcomes. Progress updates will be required every six months until your program's end date, and a final report will be due upon grant expending and program completion.
Please review the Grantee Requirements below for more information on the grant acceptance and reporting procedures.
Grant Agreements
Grant Reporting Requirements
Grant cycles
People’s United Community Foundation only accepts grant requests during three open application periods per year.
If you are a returning applicant, your organization should apply during the same application period as previously applied, or later.
Trimester | Open Application Period | Grant Decision Month |
---|---|---|
Cycle 1 | November 1-30 | February |
Cycle 2 | March 1-31 | June |
Cycle 3 | July 1-31 | October |
How to submit an application
All People’s United Community Foundation applications must be submitted online through our grant system. Paper applications are not accepted.
New and Returning Users:
First-time users are required to create an account. An account allows you to access your saved and submitted applications at any time. It also allows us to send you email confirmations and notifications regarding the status of your application and grantee requirements.
Whether you are a new applicant or a returning user, you can start a new application by clicking on the Apply Now button below.
RETURNING USERS
Access your account
- To access saved and completed applications, and to submit grantee requirements, log into your account below
- If you are looking to start a new application, click on the Apply Now button.
FIRST TIME APPLICANTS
Create an account
- If you are a new user, you must first create an account.
- After your account is created, navigate back to this page.
- Click Apply Now to start an Application.
Download our guide for creating an account.
Please thoroughly review the Application Guidelines, Eligibility Requirements and Ineligible List to evaluate organizational eligibility and grant request alignment with People’s United Community Foundation’s funding priorities. If you still have questions, please contact a Foundation representative.
All applications must be submitted via the People’s United Community Foundation Online Application portal. We do not accept applications or materials through the mail. Please follow the procedures for first-time applicants and returning users .
People’s United Community Foundation only accepts applications during our three open grant application periods: March 1-31, July 1-31, and November 1-30.
All communication will be done via phone or email.
Notifications regarding grant decisions will be directed to the primary contact/organization head listed on the application, and will be communicated the month following the grant decision month. See the Grant Cycle timeline.
Questions or requests for more information may be directed to the organization head and/or project contact listed on the application.
Once in the application portal click “Save & Finish Later” which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Be sure to save your work often to ensure information is not lost.
An email will be sent from our grants management service provider from the email address: mail@grantapplication.com with a link to access and resume your application, along with a copy of the contents of your application.
You can also access your saved application by logging in to your account at www.portal.blackbaudoutcomes.com.
You will need to reset your password. Click here to log into your account. You will be directed to the sign-in page, where you can request a new password.
Contact us
People's United Community Foundation

203-338-6111

Foundation@peoples.com
© 2021 People's United Bank, N.A. | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender