Reimagine and Revitalize (R2) Program

The Reimagine and Revitalize (R2) Program is a state-level initiative administered by the Social Equity Council in partnership with regional grant managers, including the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. The Council was established to promote equitable economic prosperity across Connecticut, particularly by reinvesting resources into communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. The R2 Program is funded through revenues generated from Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market, with funds specifically allocated to support social equity initiatives and long-term community transformation. The primary purpose of the R2 Program is to provide multi-year funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) that can implement projects aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities. These priorities include economic development, reentry initiatives for justice-impacted individuals, and youth-focused programming. The program is designed to strengthen local capacity, create economic opportunities, and address systemic inequities through sustained investment. The funding opportunity spans a three-year period from 2026 through 2029 and supports projects that demonstrate measurable community impact and long-term sustainability. The total program funding amounts to 36 million dollars distributed over three years across ten designated regions in Connecticut, including New Britain. Individual awards range from a minimum of 75000 dollars to a maximum of 300000 dollars over the full grant period. Funding is structured in tiers depending on project type and priority area, with annual allocations and total funding caps varying by category. Eligible expenses include salaries, programmatic costs, stipends, and limited administrative expenses capped at 10 percent. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including lobbying, debt restructuring, political activities, and out-of-state travel. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit community-based organizations that have at least three years of experience delivering programs aligned with the program priorities. Organizations must be registered in the state of Connecticut and must operate within and serve residents of one of the designated R2 regions. Applicants are limited to one submission per region and must select a single program priority area for each application. Projects must directly align with one of the three priority categories and demonstrate readiness, feasibility, and measurable outcomes. The application process requires submission of a complete application package via email to the designated program inbox. Required materials include the main application form and several addenda detailing program priorities, reporting requirements, submission instructions, and post-award conditions. Applications must include a detailed narrative, budget, supporting documentation such as resumes, and evidence of organizational capacity. Evaluation criteria focus on demonstrated need, project sustainability, alignment with program priorities, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The application timeline begins with the release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity on May 26, 2026. Optional informational webinars are scheduled for June 12 and June 17, 2026. The final deadline for submission is July 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Award decisions are expected to be approved by the Council in September 2026, with the funding period beginning on October 1, 2026 and concluding on September 30, 2029. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email or phone through the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. The program emphasizes equitable evaluation practices, requiring applicants to demonstrate cultural competence, commitment to continuous improvement, and plans for sustainability beyond the grant period. Overall, the R2 Program represents a significant investment in community-driven solutions aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and long-term resilience in historically underserved areas.

Align proposal clearly with one program priority and support all claims with data; demonstrate sustainability beyond grant funding; provide detailed and justified budget; ensure strong evidence of community need and organizational capacity