The Building Equitable Opportunity program, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, seeks to address long-standing educational and economic disparities within Greater Waterbury and surrounding communities. This grant area funds initiatives that create the conditions for long-term success by investing in education, job training, economic mobility, and affordable housing. The Foundation’s equity focus is grounded in regional research that highlights systemic challenges—particularly in Waterbury—affecting low-income communities and residents of color.
Average grant awards range from $5,000 to $15,000. Larger grants may be considered but require prior discussion with Foundation staff before application. Eligible efforts include culturally responsive education programs, career pathway development, financial literacy, and systems-level advocacy aimed at reducing poverty and increasing economic security. Youth and parent voice inclusion in education-focused proposals is strongly encouraged.
Priority areas include improving pre-K to K-12 experiences, expanding access to higher education, and removing barriers to employment for underserved populations such as children with disabilities, low-income families, and justice-involved individuals. The program also supports systemic initiatives addressing access to childcare, transportation, and affordable housing.
Applications are accepted once annually, with the next grant window opening in Summer 2026 and a submission deadline of September 10, 2026. The review process evaluates how well proposals align with community needs, promote asset building, and advance structural equity. Proposals should demonstrate potential for long-term impact across generations and systems.
Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Josh Carey, Director of Grants Management, at jcarey@conncf.org or 203-753-1315 for more information or to schedule a pre-submission discussion, particularly for projects seeking larger grants.
Focus on systemic solutions, community-rooted programs, and cross-sector partnerships. Data-driven approaches addressing racial and economic inequity are prioritized.
