Interested in applying for a grant?

CVEF is a private, non-profit organization whose Board members represent the communities of Durham and Middlefield.  Through our annual grants program, we endeavor to fund innovative programs that enhance educational programs, and/or coordinate programs that involve a broad base of the community members.  We support educational programs for all citizens of Durham and Middlefield.  In addition, we provide a means to foster the quality of education above and beyond conventional academic funding from the towns and other public sources.  Grants should focus on innovation, excellence and creativity for citizens of any age.

Now in our 16th year of “granting adventures,” CVEF has funded 164 grants, totaling more than $211,000.

The 2025 grant cycle will open March 1, 2025.

Grant Forms and information

To apply for a CVEF grant or submit your post-project evaluation, please download the fillable PDF to your desktop, complete the required fields, and submit the PDF following the instructions in the Grant Application Resource Manual.

Grants Timeline

Application Cycle Opens: March 1
Grant Applications Due:  May 1
Grant Recipient Notification: June 1
Post-project Evaluation Due: June 1 of the following year

Grants FAQ

Who can apply for a CVEF grant? Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation offers grants to individuals or organizations who plan to offer educational programs in the towns of Durham and Middlefield. Any individual, community organization, school or group may apply.

What types of projects does CVEF fund? We are looking for innovative programs that have clear objectives, appeal to all ages, and support our mission of lifelong learning. Click here to read the list of our grantees over the years and you will see the variety of vision, direction, and purpose our grantees have made possible.

How much funding does CVEF typically give? In general, grants range from $200 up to $3,000, although a few grants have been funded at $5,000.  Please contact us with questions regarding funding amounts.

Can I apply for funding of a multi-year project? There is a two-year funding limit when applying for the same project.  The same applicant is welcome to reapply for a grant for a different project even if it serves the same population.

How should I submit my grant application? Grants can be submitted electronically (grants@coginchaugvef.org) or via U.S. mail (CVEF Grants Committee, P.O. Box 19, Durham, CT 06422-0019).

Are there reporting requirements for grant recipients? A post-project evaluation report must be submitted by June 1 of the following year.  Project photos should be sent electronically to (grants@coginchaugvef.org).

I still have questions. Who can I contact? If you have questions or would like further information, you can email the CVEF Grants Chairperson at grants@coginchaugvef.org. We hope to hear from you soon!