Connecticut Community Foundation’s Grassroots Grants Program

The Grassroots Leaders Grant is administered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, an organization serving Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills region. The Foundation supports a wide range of initiatives with the goal of fostering thriving communities through grantmaking, scholarships, and civic leadership. With a particular emphasis on empowering local voices, the Foundation seeks to engage residents in shaping and revitalizing their communities. This grant program specifically targets civic engagement and leadership in Waterbury, Connecticut. It aims to support resident-led initiatives that promote community cohesion, democratic participation, and neighborhood revitalization. The Foundation recognizes that equitable community change is most effectively driven by those who live within and understand the unique dynamics of their neighborhoods. As such, funding decisions for the Grassroots Leaders Grant are made by a committee of Waterbury residents. Applicants may also meet with this review committee to discuss their proposals, fostering transparency and direct communication. Grants support a variety of nonpartisan civic efforts, such as voter registration and engagement, educational campaigns, and community-building events like block parties or neighborhood forums. Examples of fundable activities include renting meeting spaces, producing flyers, developing websites, and other tools necessary for grassroots organizing. Eligible projects may also include leadership training for emerging community leaders or the creation of digital content designed to increase civic awareness and dialogue among Waterbury residents. This funding opportunity is specifically intended for resident leaders and grassroots organizers within Waterbury. The geographic scope is limited to this city, ensuring that funding remains focused on locally-led initiatives. The program encourages multi-generational participation and seeks to foster connections not only within the city but also between local organizers and regional or national movements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but reviews only occur during odd-numbered months. This means submissions can be made at any time, but funding decisions align with a bimonthly schedule. There is no listed maximum or minimum funding amount, and applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation to explore how their projects may align with the grant's goals. For additional information or to initiate an application, interested individuals should reach out to Patrick McKenna, Senior Program Officer, at pmckenna@conncf.org or call 203-753-1315 x118. The Foundation also provides multilingual support materials and showcases previous recipients to help guide potential applicants in understanding the kinds of initiatives that have received support in the past.