Resident Engagement Grant

The Resident Engagement Grants program is offered by the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing equitable economic and social mobility and fostering inclusive, resilient communities throughout the Greater Hartford region. The Foundation prioritizes dismantling structural inequities and strengthening civic life by supporting initiatives that promote collaboration, shared power, and community-driven solutions. Through this funding opportunity, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of civic participation as a critical mechanism for improving quality of life, public trust, and long-term community outcomes, including health and economic stability. This grant program seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations and community groups, particularly those capable of engaging residents in meaningful civic activities that lead to community-wide social or civic change. The funding is intended to support initiatives that increase awareness, education, and participation in civic processes. Eligible project topics may include, but are not limited to, racial and social justice, housing, education, healthcare access, reintegration of returning citizens, and issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities. The program encourages efforts that promote social cohesion, mutual understanding, and collective problem-solving among residents. Funding amounts range from 1,000 to 25,000 dollars per award, with projects expected to be completed within approximately one year. Allowable expenses include materials, software, equipment, stipends for residents, professional services, staffing, and organizational overhead. However, funds may not be used to hire new permanent staff. Additionally, any activities that could be considered political must remain strictly nonpartisan and may not support or oppose any political candidate or party. The Foundation explicitly excludes funding for certain activities, such as recreational youth programs, neighborhood clubs without civic focus, senior engagement activities lacking broader civic intent, and business or networking groups. Eligibility is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Community groups may apply if they partner with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Applicants must have been established for at least one year and may only submit one application at a time. Organizations currently receiving certain types of funding from the Foundation, including core support or recent community organizing grants, may be ineligible. Additional restrictions apply to organizations with overlapping grant awards within the same funding cycle. These eligibility criteria ensure that funding is distributed equitably and aligned with the Foundation’s strategic goals. The application process includes a required eligibility step for new applicants, who must schedule and complete an interview with Foundation staff to receive access to the application system. Returning applicants may contact a designated program officer directly. The application itself requires organizations to define intended outcomes, describe methods for measuring impact, and outline how they will engage residents in civic activities. Evaluation is conducted using a formal rubric, and applicants may be asked to refine their outcomes during the review process. The grant timeline for the 2026 cycle opens on April 14, 2026, and closes on September 23, 2026. Funding decisions are typically communicated within 9 to 13 weeks following submission. Successful applicants are expected to report on their progress either through a written report or a follow-up conversation at the conclusion of the grant period. Contact points for this opportunity include Cynthia Wills for returning applicants and Tiana Starks for general inquiries regarding eligibility and proposal development. Technical support is also available through the Foundation’s grants administration team.

Align proposal with civic participation goals and clearly define measurable outcomes demonstrating community impact