NCCF has announced a new grant opportunity "to support initiatives that address the town's most pressing health and well-being needs."
NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Community Foundation announced this week a new grant opportunity to support initiatives that address the town's most pressing health and well-being needs.
According to a news release provided by NCCF, grants seek to address key findings from the 2024 Community Health & Well-Being Survey, administered by the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance.
The request for proposals opened Tuesday with proposals due by Sept. 19, according to NCCF.
Funding is specifically available from NCCF's Community Behavioral Health Fund, a multi-year initiative supported by donors in the community, according to NCCF.
The survey was completed by 1,490 adult residents, representing 10.5 percent of New Canaan's population aged 18 and over, according to NCCF.
In addition to identifying four key community-wide themes, the survey also analyzed responses from sub-populations shown to be at greater risk for health and well-being challenges.
These included residents who are caring for both a child and an adult (multiple caregivers), those experiencing low financial security or low life satisfaction and individuals who expressed high concern about their own emotional or mental health, according to NCCF.
According to NCCF, the four key themes identified by the survey results are:
1. Knowledge of Services
Despite New Canaan’s broad range of available resources, many residents remain unsure where to go in times of need.
These gaps in awareness suggest a need for more visible, accessible communication about existing supports.
2. Access and Barriers to Care
While most residents reported no issues accessing care, a significant portion still faced real challenges—especially within sub-populations analyzed.
Overall, two-thirds of respondents reported no barriers to care, which is encouraging—but the remaining third highlights where targeted solutions are still needed.
3. Struggles Among Adults Aged 30–59
Survey results revealed that adults in the 30–59 age range—many of whom are managing careers, parenting, and caregiving—are experiencing disproportionate strain.
Often referred to as the "sandwich generation," this group represents a meaningful part of the New Canaan community—and the data points to a clear opportunity for partners to direct more targeted support toward their needs.
4. Parenting Stress and Youth Mental Health Concerns
Parents identified their top concerns for their children as emotional well-being, stress, and anxiety.
These findings underscore the need for both increased access to care and clearer guidance for parents seeking help. Survey results also supported the need for continuing to provide parenting resources like best practices for modeling positive relationships with substances and technology.
Funding is available to support projects that respond directly to the survey’s findings. Grant amounts may range from $1,000–$2,500 for smaller-scale initiatives (e.g., speaker events, support groups, or awareness campaigns) to $10,000–$15,000 for larger efforts, such as nonprofit-led programs targeting adult mental health or parent-focused education, according to NCCF.
In addition to nonprofit organizations, individual community members or partnerships are welcome to apply.
"This survey gave us a powerful look at what New Canaan residents are experiencing—and now it's time to act," CEO Lauren Patterson said in a news release. "Through this RFP, we're inviting members of our community to help address real needs with practical, creative solutions. Whether it's expanding awareness, reducing barriers to care, or supporting parents and caregivers, we look forward to funding projects that make a lasting difference."
NCCF is a co-chair of the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance.