CCF: Strengthening Nonprofits Grants

From Connecticut Community Foundation

The mission of the funder is to support healthy communities by fostering civic engagement, community organizing, and the involvement of civic groups. They strive for responsiveness and flexibility in funding initiatives, prioritizing actions and decisions made by individuals and organizations that are intimately acquainted with community issues. A key aspect of their mission is to empower resident leaders and organizers in Waterbury through a funding process that is directly influenced by the community, for the community.

Type of Support

Overview

This grant program focuses on strengthening nonprofits by providing funding to develop vital operational areas such as leadership, financial management, technology, fund development, and communications. Its goals are to create efficiencies, improve program delivery, and increase overall impact within these organizations. The program supports:

  • Capacity building and organizational development initiatives for stronger, more adaptable organizations.
  • Empowerment for nonprofits to seek culturally competent assistance.
  • Organizations working to address disparities within communities.
  • Efforts to reject readiness myths that perpetuate inequities in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.

Specifically, the program funds training and professional development, one-on-one coaching, organizational development projects, and work increasing BIPOC representation in leadership roles.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
CT (Litchfield County, New Haven County)
Organization Type
Organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Municipal entities seeking a grant for public purposes
Organizations with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor
Other
  • Must have a board representative of the community, with a majority not being employees or relatives of employees
  • Must possess a Nonprofit Registration to Solicit Funds (or exemption) from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, to be renewed annually

Ineligibility

Political or religious purpose requests
Requests for capital expenditures on buildings not owned by a nonprofit
not specified

Submission

Review Criteria

We welcome proposals that:

  • Offer services or assistance to communities within our designated area covering 21 towns
  • Focus on systemic change and advocacy initiatives
  • Include funding for essential aspects of nonprofit management, including staffing, overhead costs, and program evaluation
  • Are spearheaded by organizations with leadership from the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community.

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