Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program

The Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program is a competitive funding initiative administered by the Connecticut Social Equity Council in partnership with The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company. The Council’s mission is to promote equitable economic prosperity by reinvesting in communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, using revenue generated from Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market. Through this program, the Council is committing a significant investment to strengthen community-based organizations and support long-term community revitalization across targeted regions in the state. The primary objective of the R2 Program is to provide three-year funding to nonprofit community-based organizations whose initiatives align with one or more of the Council’s priority areas: Economic Development, Reentry Initiatives, and Youth Initiatives. These priority areas are designed to address systemic inequities by expanding access to employment opportunities, supporting individuals transitioning from the justice system, and enhancing outcomes for youth through education, mentorship, and life skills development. The program emphasizes sustainable, community-driven solutions that foster long-term resilience and measurable impact. Funding for the program totals 36 million dollars distributed over a three-year period from October 2026 through September 2029. Individual awards range from 75,000 to 300,000 dollars total over the grant period. Funds may be used for program staff salaries and fringe benefits, direct program costs such as materials and supplies, stipends related to program participation, and administrative expenses capped at 10 percent of the total award. However, certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including lobbying, political activities, loan funds, debt refinancing, and out-of-state travel. All expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and directly tied to program implementation. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations registered to conduct business in Connecticut that have at least three years of experience delivering relevant programming. Applicants must be located in and actively serving one of the designated R2 regions, which include areas such as Bridgeport, Meriden, Hartford, and New Haven. Organizations may submit only one application per region and must demonstrate organizational capacity, a track record of service, and alignment with one of the program’s priority areas. Projects must clearly address community needs and demonstrate feasibility, sustainability, and measurable outcomes. Applications must be submitted through the designated regional Grant Manager’s platform, with requirements including a completed application form, financial statements, proposed budgets, organizational documentation, and supporting materials such as resumes and letters of support. The application deadline is July 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Information sessions were held on June 11 and June 30, 2026 to support applicants. The review process evaluates proposals based on criteria such as statement of need, program alignment, organizational capacity, sustainability, and budget justification. Following submission, applications are reviewed by regional Grant Managers and approved by the Council. Selected applicants receive formal award notifications outlining funding amounts and next steps. Awardees must execute a grant agreement and complete onboarding training prior to receiving funds. The program includes ongoing reporting requirements, including monthly financial reports, quarterly programmatic reports, and annual consolidated reports, as well as site visits to ensure compliance and accountability. In addition to financial support, the R2 Program provides structured capacity-building opportunities, including training in financial management, data evaluation, project management, and grant writing. These sessions are mandatory and designed to strengthen organizational effectiveness and sustainability. Overall, the R2 Program represents a comprehensive investment in community-based solutions that address systemic inequities and promote long-term economic and social outcomes across Connecticut.

Align proposal clearly with one priority area; demonstrate strong community need using data; provide detailed and justified budget; show track record with measurable outcomes; emphasize sustainability beyond grant period