Connected Futures Cohort Grant Program

The Connected Futures Cohort is an initiative of New Profit, a United States-based venture philanthropy organization that supports high-impact social entrepreneurs and organizations addressing systemic challenges. Through its Catalyze cohort program, New Profit aims to strengthen organizations that work to bridge divides across communities, particularly in contexts marked by political polarization, social fragmentation, and inequitable access to opportunity. The Connected Futures Cohort is designed to support organizations that build trust, foster collaboration, and enable collective action among diverse populations. The primary purpose of the program is to invest in nonprofit organizations that are actively working to bridge divides across political, racial, economic, religious, or geographic lines. The initiative emphasizes long-term societal cohesion by supporting organizations that operate in sectors such as education, health, democracy, and economic mobility. Funding provided through the cohort is unrestricted, allowing recipients flexibility in how they allocate resources toward their mission, including program delivery, staffing, operations, and strategic growth initiatives. Selected organizations receive a $100,000 unrestricted grant along with an additional $10,000 leadership development grant designated for the organization’s leader. Beyond financial support, the program includes a comprehensive capacity-building component. Participants engage in a structured 12-month cohort experience that includes one-on-one advisory support from New Profit experts, peer learning opportunities with other social impact leaders, and participation in both in-person convenings and virtual sessions. Travel, accommodation, and participation costs associated with these convenings are covered by the program. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are either registered as 501(c)(3) entities or operate under a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must primarily operate within the United States and demonstrate a clear commitment to bridging divides within communities. Additional requirements include a minimum of two years of operation, annual expenses between $250,000 and $2 million, and leadership by a full-time social entrepreneur such as a CEO or equivalent decision-maker. International organizations are not eligible unless they are formally registered as U.S. nonprofits and operate domestically. The application process begins with the submission of a Discovery Form through the New Profit platform. This initial step serves as an interest screening mechanism where applicants provide basic organizational information and describe alignment with the program’s goals. Applicants must indicate the submission type as Connected Futures. Following review, selected organizations are invited to submit a full application that includes detailed information about their organizational model, impact strategy, and operations. Additional steps may include interviews or further evaluation by the selection committee. The application deadline for the Discovery Form is May 26, 2026. After submission, organizations undergo a review process to assess strategic fit with the cohort’s objectives. Those selected ultimately join the 12-month Catalyze cohort program, where they receive funding, advisory support, and structured learning opportunities aimed at strengthening organizational capacity, scaling impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The program does not specify a recurring cycle, and no explicit award notification timeline or performance period beyond the cohort duration is provided.

Align clearly with bridgebuilding criteria; demonstrate measurable impact on trust and collaboration; show strong leadership and readiness for cohort engagement; ensure clear fit with democracy education health or economic mobility focus areas