Grants

In 2023, First Presbyterian Church launched the Fish Church Grant program, funded by a generous bequest which supports new and existing missions, ministries, and programs. The grant program supports both internal church projects and external community initiatives – nonprofits and individuals – serving Fairfield County. Grant awards range from $250 to $5,000.

 

Grants are intended to support non-profit organizations as well as individuals who are serving Fairfield County for:

  • One-time projects
  • New Programs
  • For non-profits with an annual budget of less than $500K, this grant may be used for operating funds
  • First Presbyterian Church-based projects (FPC members only)

As part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.’s Matthew 25 movement, First Presbyterian Church focuses on three main pillars as the criteria for the Fish Church Grant program: building community vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty.

 

Applications for 2026 grants will be open from Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 31, 2026 with the expectation that the grant will be used by Saturday, October 31, 2026 and that a short grant report will be submitted in November of 2026.

Recent Grant Recipients

  • Stamford Cradle to Career and United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut held a teen fair to share resources, enable networking, and introduce students to a wide range of careers
  • MyTeam Triumph purchased a raft for people with special needs competing in community races and competitions
  • “All Are Welcome” mural designed by a high school church youth group member, painted at the church playground / courtyard
  • The production of “A Piece of the Puzzle: Seven Inspiring Stories from Selma to Today” documentary about an interfaith approach to championing human rights
  • Westover Magnet Elementary School purchased materials to paint a mural depicting the vibrant city of Stamford, conceptualized by an art teacher and executed by students along with the staff

For more information, email fishchurchgrants@gmail.com.

 

Our next round of grant applications will open in March 2026.