The Strengthening Nonprofits grant program is administered by the Connecticut Community Foundation to enhance the organizational resilience of nonprofits serving Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. This initiative recognizes that robust internal capacities—such as strong leadership, effective financial management, and strategic communications—are essential for nonprofits to deliver on their missions and increase long-term community impact.
Grant awards range from $5,000 to $10,000 and are intended to support organizational development projects. These may include professional development for staff and board members, executive coaching, and initiatives such as strategic planning, financial systems upgrades, evaluation, fundraising, and communication improvements. Training requests that are continuous and well-defined in terms of scope and trainer are prioritized. Proposals are expected to show a clear link between the proposed project and overall organizational health and impact.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with decisions made quarterly in March, June, September, and December. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Foundation for an initial conversation prior to applying. Statewide organizations must demonstrate the proportion of work serving the Foundation's regional footprint and ensure the funding request is proportional to the regional benefit.
Staffing costs and multi-year requests are ineligible for this program. Applicants are encouraged to identify consultants or service providers in advance and to focus each proposal on a single priority area rather than bundling multiple capacity-building components. The program emphasizes support for smaller organizations and those working to reduce disparities within the community.
The Strengthening Nonprofits program has transitioned to a staff-led committee model to support more candid engagement and flexible, responsive support. Organizations interested in applying or discussing project ideas may contact Patrick McKenna, Assistant Director of Community Impact, at pmckenna@conncf.org or 203-753-1315.
Proposals that clearly link the project to organizational health and community impact are prioritized. Smaller organizations and those addressing disparities are encouraged to apply.
