The Southeast General Grants program supports community impact initiatives in East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Salem, Stonington, and Waterford. These grants focus on two primary areas: empowering youth and promoting basic needs and rights. Funded programs aim to strengthen community well-being and foster positive, long-term change.
Youth-focused initiatives include enhancing early childhood education, supporting mentoring relationships, improving youth mental and physical health, increasing access to experiential learning opportunities, and promoting post-secondary education and job readiness. Programs that elevate youth voices and encourage youth-led social change are also prioritized. Basic needs and rights programs address economic security, food access, homelessness prevention, healthcare access, healthy relationships, domestic violence prevention, and the use of arts and culture to enrich community life.
Grant applications must benefit residents of the eligible towns. Preference is given to collaborative, regional programs that serve lower-income communities, address systemic inequities, and include measurable outcomes. Programs that incorporate client and youth input, promote systems change, and use evidence-based approaches are strongly encouraged. The program supports both existing initiatives and new projects, as well as public policy and capacity-building efforts. A limited number of multiyear grants are available but require pre-application discussions with the foundation.
Eligible applicants may request grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, with most awards falling between $10,000 and $15,000. Interested applicants should review the general eligibility criteria and are encouraged to contact Program Director Jennifer O’Brien at JennOB@cfect.org or 860-442-3572 for guidance or to discuss proposals.
Applications open on November 1, 2024, and are due by January 10, 2025. Award notifications will be made in early spring. This grant opportunity is ideal for organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact on youth empowerment and community well-being in southeastern Connecticut.
