The Department of Economic and Community Development is the state's lead agency responsible for strengthening Connecticut’s competitive position in the rapidly changing, knowledge-based global economy. The agency takes a comprehensive approach to economic development that incorporates community development, transportation, education, and arts and culture.
The Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) grants, previously known as Basic Operational Support Grants, are offered by the State Historic Preservation Office to nonprofit historic preservation groups. The primary goal of these grants is to bolster local historic preservation organizations' abilities to expand their scope, reach wider audiences, and increase their impact through capacity building. Capacity building encompasses acquiring and enhancing the skills, knowledge, tools, equipment, and other resources needed for these organizations to operate effectively and on a larger scale. This may involve steps such as hiring more staff, improving board functionality, diversifying funding sources, and enhancing organizational management, planning, and financial capabilities. Furthermore, the grants support efforts to broaden educational and advocacy programs related to historic preservation. The program provides funding over a two-year period, with annual amounts determined by the recipient organization's budget.