Planning & Building for Social Justice Grant

The Leever Foundation’s Planning & Building for Social Justice grant is a 2026 funding opportunity focused on advancing social justice in Waterbury, Connecticut. The initiative offers support for community-led efforts that address systemic inequities and respond to rapidly shifting political and social landscapes. The Foundation’s emphasis is on capacity-building and infrastructure development—ensuring that organizations and informal networks in Waterbury have the tools, frameworks, and stability to build long-term, sustainable change. With a total allocation of up to $100,000, this grant will be awarded to multiple recipients whose projects align with defined strategic priorities. The Foundation seeks to uplift marginalized voices and support those working toward transformative systems change across racial, economic, gender-based, and other structural dimensions. This RFP supports five key strategies: (1) Cross-organizational collaboration and planning, encouraging the creation of shared infrastructure and coalitions to respond to policy shifts; (2) Peer-to-peer learning and organizer development, such as learning networks and knowledge exchanges; (3) Social justice infrastructure development, particularly within mutual aid groups, informal collectives, and non-traditional formations; (4) Community power building through organizing and advocacy; and (5) Movement resilience and adaptive strategy, particularly efforts that respond to emerging threats or evolving community needs. Applicants must demonstrate how their project aligns with one or more of these strategies and articulate a clear path to lasting impact. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, grassroots collectives, movement-building initiatives, and community groups that are either based in Waterbury or operate projects that directly benefit its communities. Priority is given to efforts that center historically marginalized communities, including BILPOC, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant populations. Additionally, applicants must be able to carry out their proposed work within 12 months and demonstrate a sustainable impact plan that extends beyond the grant period. Fiscal sponsors are permitted, provided they are a registered 501(c)(3) entity in good standing, have an established sponsorship agreement, and are willing to assume responsibility for financial oversight and reporting. Applicants must first complete a required eligibility survey, which takes about 15 minutes and is due by April 10, 2026. Only those who qualify through the survey will be given access to the full application portal when it opens on April 17, 2026. The full application requires information such as the organization’s structure, the proposed work’s urgency and impact, methods for measuring success, sustainability plans, detailed budgets, and (optionally) letters of support. The deadline to submit full applications is May 22, 2026. All proposals will be reviewed by a committee, with decisions communicated by June 15, 2026. The grant period begins July 1, 2026. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with the RFP’s five strategic priorities, clarity and feasibility of the proposal, community-rootedness, and the potential for long-term impact. Proposals that address urgent needs, challenge oppressive systems, and demonstrate collaborative, engaged, and measurable approaches will be prioritized. While letters of support are encouraged, especially for collaborative efforts, they are not mandatory. The Foundation maintains a focus on flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of grassroots organizations and aims to be a reliable partner in their journey toward transformative justice. Questions can be directed to the Foundation via email at [email protected]. Additional details, including the RFP document and eligibility survey link, can be accessed via their official website. The Foundation, established in 1991, remains deeply committed to advancing equity, resilience, and opportunity for the people of Waterbury, especially children, through its place-based philanthropy model.

Applicants are advised to show clear alignment with the five funding strategies, explain the urgency of their work, and describe how impact and sustainability will be measured and achieved.