Community Organizing Grant Program

The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is a private philanthropic organization focused on creating vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities across the Greater Hartford region. Its strategic priorities emphasize advancing equitable economic and social mobility while addressing systemic inequities, including structural racism. Through its Community Organizing grant program, the Foundation seeks to invest in initiatives that build power among communities that have historically been excluded from decision-making processes, particularly communities of color and other marginalized populations. This funding opportunity supports community organizing efforts that engage residents in civic participation and advocacy with the potential to influence policy change. The program is designed to strengthen collective action and leadership within communities by supporting activities such as grassroots organizing campaigns, civic education, leadership development, and coalition building. Projects may focus on a wide range of issues identified by community members, including housing, education, healthcare, reentry for returning citizens, and issues affecting LGBTQIA+ populations, with a preference for initiatives advancing racial justice. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or community groups operating with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Organizations must have been established for at least one year and demonstrate that their leadership reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities they serve. The Foundation requires applicants to show evidence of collaboration and relationships that support organizing or advocacy work. Certain organizations are excluded, including current recipients of specific Foundation grants and those engaged primarily in professional networking rather than community organizing. Grant awards range from 5000 to 40000 dollars and are intended to support projects conducted over approximately one year. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes, including materials, equipment, software, stipends for community participants, professional services, and staffing or overhead costs. However, the funding cannot be used to hire new permanent staff or to support partisan political activities. All funded activities must remain nonpartisan and cannot favor or oppose any political candidate or party. The application process requires new applicants to complete an eligibility interview prior to receiving access to the application system. Returning applicants may contact the designated program officer directly. Applicants must be prepared to outline their intended outcomes and describe how they will measure progress and impact. The Foundation evaluates proposals using a structured rubric and may work with applicants to refine outcome measures during the review process. The application window for this funding opportunity runs from April 14, 2026 through September 23, 2026. Applicants can expect to receive notification of funding decisions approximately 9 to 13 weeks after submission. If awarded, grantees are required to report on their outcomes either through a written final report or a follow-up conversation at the end of the grant period. The Foundation encourages applicants to use existing data collection methods where possible to demonstrate impact. Key contacts for this program include Johana Rendon Ledesma, Community Impact Officer, for returning applicants, and Tiana Starks, Senior Community Impact Associate, for eligibility and application questions. Technical support for the application system is available through the Foundation’s grants administration team. Additional program details are available in the official request for proposals document.

Align proposals with racial justice priorities; demonstrate strong community leadership and collaboration; clearly define measurable outcomes and impact tracking methods; ensure nonpartisan compliance