The Building Equitable Opportunity Grant, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, is designed to provide essential supports that contribute to long-term success for individuals and communities. This grant focuses on educational equity, youth development, job training, economic security, and affordable housing. The overarching goal is to create favorable conditions that enable residents to thrive by addressing systemic and generational barriers to opportunity. Research into disparities in income, poverty, education, transportation, employment, and housing highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The grant aims to support programs, advocacy efforts, and systemic change initiatives that create equitable pathways out of poverty and promote economic mobility. Specifically, it prioritizes access to quality, culturally responsive education, especially in Waterbury, where racial and income-based disparities are most pronounced. Additionally, it seeks to support career development and workforce initiatives that lead to sustainable employment with livable wages. Another key objective is increasing financial stability and asset-building opportunities for BIPOC families who have historically faced obstacles in traditional banking systems.
Funding is available for initiatives that improve the quality of pre-K and K-12 education, build pathways to higher education, and address disparities affecting marginalized populations, including Black and Latinx students, low-income families, children with disabilities, and justice-involved individuals. Programs focusing on financial literacy, adult education, job training, and economic resilience are also eligible. The grant additionally supports policy and systemic interventions in critical areas such as education, childcare access, career pathways, and affordable housing.
Organizations applying for the grant must demonstrate their capacity to create meaningful impact in these areas. The selection criteria consider the effectiveness of proposed solutions, the extent of disparities being addressed, and the sustainability of the interventions. Funding decisions are made with an emphasis on equity and long-term economic and social mobility.
The Building Equitable Opportunity Grant follows a biannual application cycle. Applicants must submit proposals aligned with the grant’s objectives and demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to reducing disparities and fostering economic and educational advancement. Previous grantees have included nonprofit organizations that provide direct services and advocate for systemic change in the Greater Waterbury region.
For further details or inquiries, applicants may contact Josh Carey, Director of Grants Management, via email at jcarey@conncf.org or by phone at 203-753-1315. The Connecticut Community Foundation remains committed to supporting efforts that create lasting positive change in the community.
