Canton Greater Together Community Fund

The Canton Greater Together Community Fund is a $100,000 initiative established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (HFPG) to support the Town of Canton. This fund is designed to promote community engagement by helping local organizations and individuals address the needs of their town. Its primary objectives are to empower the Canton community to take ownership of local issues, encourage broad civic participation, and ensure that the Hartford Foundation's presence remains anchored in the town. The fund aims to foster a sense of community and support the initiatives that improve the lives of Canton residents. The application period for the 2025 grant cycle will open on January 25, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is March 15, 2025, by 5:00 PM. The grants will be awarded in early June 2025. Eligible applicants are nonprofit groups based in Canton or individuals who work under the umbrella of an existing nonprofit organization that serves as their fiscal agent. The application must be submitted online via Google Forms, and applicants are required to complete a budget worksheet along with their application. Further instructions and sample documents are available to help applicants prepare. An in-person information session will be held on February 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Canton Community Center. This session will provide an overview of the application process and answer any questions about the grant. The Canton Community Fund Advisory Committee has been instrumental in reviewing and awarding previous grants, and their role remains central in this funding cycle. The committee seeks to ensure that the funds are distributed in a way that meets the most pressing needs of the community. Grants awarded in previous years have supported a range of initiatives in Canton, such as programs for children with special needs, youth empowerment, nature education, and energy assistance. In 2024, the committee awarded a total of $46,100 in grants, with individual awards ranging from $2,000 to $6,500. Over the past three years, the Canton Greater Together Fund has granted a total of $85,530 to local organizations addressing diverse community needs. Applicants should be aware that if they received a grant in 2024, they must submit a final report by March 15, 2025. This report must include a financial statement and a narrative describing the outcomes of the funded project. Those wishing to apply for the 2025 cycle must meet this reporting requirement by the deadline. Additionally, the Greater Together Community Fund is also actively seeking new members for the Canton Community Fund Committee, which helps guide the decision-making process for fund allocation. Interested residents are encouraged to apply for committee membership. The Canton Greater Together Community Fund is part of a larger initiative by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, which has created similar funds in other towns throughout the region. These funds are aimed at strengthening local communities by providing financial resources for a wide range of civic, educational, and social programs. For more details on how to apply, residents can visit the grant's webpage or contact the program manager for further assistance.