Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The 2026 Community Organizing Grant is designed to strengthen grassroots organizing efforts that build community power and advance social justice. It focuses on inclusive civic participation and supports organizations working to address systemic inequality through resident-led action.
The program emphasizes long-term community impact by investing in leadership development, advocacy infrastructure, and collaborative organizing models.
Core Objectives
The grant aims to:
- Strengthen inclusive civic participation
- Advance racial justice and equity
- Support community-led advocacy and organizing
- Build leadership among underrepresented groups
- Promote equitable social and economic mobility
- Dismantle structural racism in systems and institutions
- Enhance community power and collective action
Priority Focus Areas
Funded projects may address:
- Housing justice and access
- Education equity and reform
- Healthcare access and outcomes
- Issues affecting returning citizens
- LGBTQIA+ community rights and inclusion
- Broader community-identified priorities
Key Program Strategies Supported
The grant supports initiatives that focus on:
- Community organizing led by marginalized communities
- Coalition-building across organizations
- Advocacy and policy influence efforts
- Leadership development and training programs
- Civic engagement and resident mobilization
- Strengthening organizing infrastructure
- Shared tools, platforms, and collaborative systems
Capacity and Infrastructure Building
The program also funds efforts to strengthen long-term organizing capacity through:
- Training and leadership development resources
- Research and data collection for advocacy
- Community outreach and engagement tools
- Shared communication platforms
- Organizational infrastructure development
- Collaborative networks across community groups
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organizations include:
- Registered nonprofit organizations
- Community-based organizations with fiscal sponsorship
- Groups with at least one year of established operations
- Organizations demonstrating inclusive leadership and governance
Applicants must show strong commitment to representation of marginalized communities in leadership structures.
Funding Details
The grant provides flexible project-based funding:
- Award range: $5,000 to $40,000
- Most awards are below the maximum amount
- Duration: One-year project cycle
Eligible Uses of Funding
Funds may be used for:
- Community organizing activities
- Materials and program supplies
- Software and digital tools
- Consulting and professional services
- Resident stipends and participation support
- Staffing support related to project work
- Organizational overhead expenses
Funding Restrictions
- Cannot support partisan political activities
- Cannot be used to create permanent staff positions
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Alignment with community organizing and equity goals
- Strength of community engagement strategy
- Impact on racial and social justice outcomes
- Demonstrated community need and relevance
- Organizational capacity and leadership structure
- Collaboration and coalition-building potential
- Clarity and feasibility of project design
Expected Outcomes
The grant aims to achieve:
- Stronger community-led advocacy systems
- Increased civic participation among marginalized groups
- Improved leadership capacity in underserved communities
- Greater policy influence from grassroots organizations
- Stronger coalition networks across the region
- Progress toward dismantling structural inequities
Why This Grant Matters
This funding opportunity is important because it:
- Invests directly in grassroots community power
- Strengthens leadership among historically excluded groups
- Supports long-term structural change efforts
- Enhances civic participation and representation
- Builds sustainable organizing infrastructure
- Promotes equity-driven social transformation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Community Organizing Grant?
- It is a funding program supporting equity-driven community organizing initiatives across the Greater Hartford region.
- Who can apply?
- Registered nonprofits and fiscally sponsored community groups with at least one year of operations.
- What is the funding range?
- Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, with most awards below the maximum level.
- What types of projects are funded?
- Community organizing, advocacy, leadership development, coalition-building, and civic engagement initiatives.
- Are there restrictions on political activities?
- Yes, the grant does not fund partisan political support or opposition activities.
- What is the main goal of the program?
- To strengthen community power and advance racial and social justice through grassroots organizing.
- What is the grant period?
- Projects are expected to be completed within one year.
Conclusion
The 2026 Community Organizing Grant by the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation strengthens grassroots leadership and civic participation across marginalized communities. By funding organizing, advocacy, and coalition-building efforts, the program supports long-term structural change and advances equity-driven community empowerment across the Greater Hartford region.
For more information, visit Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.