Are you interested in information about our upcoming grant cycles? Community leader coffees? Nonprofit capacity building opportunities? Advocacy information? Make sure to sign up for emails from our Community Impact team.

-->

2026-2027 IMPACT PHILANTHROPY FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY CATALYST

Community Catalyst grants are designed to recognize the transformative power of grassroots organizations who are advancing civic engagement and resident‑driven solutions, particularly in support of households at or below the ALICE Threshold. These grants prioritize organizations that are building community power, strengthening local leadership, and promoting civic engagement and advocacy.   

Eligible civic engagement activities include:   

• Voting  
• Deliberative Democracy  
• Political Participation  
• Advocacy & Public Policy  
• Community Organizing  
• Parent & Family Advocacy in Community and Schools  
• Civic Learning  
• Leadership Development  

This opportunity will support approximately 7–10 nonprofits, with grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.  

KEY DATES

• Notice of Funding Availability Released & Applications Open: May 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM
• Information Sessions (optional, highly recommended - choose one):
  • Session 1: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 12 to 1 PM – Registration Link
  • Session 2: Monday, May 11, 2026 from 2 to 3 PM  – Registration Link 
• Last Day to Request an Extension: Friday, May 28, 2025 by 11:59 PM
• Applications Due: May 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM 
• Application Review Period: June 1, 2026 - June 26, 2026
• Decisions Announced: June 26, 2026
   

HOW TO APPLY 

1. Review Materials – Read the NOFA, application, and required attachments. 
2. Attend an Information Session (optional, but highly recommended – choose one session) – Join a live Microsoft Teams session to ask questions about the NOFA, application, and e-CImpact grant portal. 
3. Register/Login to e-CImpact – Create or log into your e-CImpact account to submit applications. Follow the e-CImpact Registration Manual for guidance. 
4. Submit your Application (Due Thursday, May 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM) 
   1. Preferred: Complete and submit via e-CImpact.  
   2. Alternative: Fill out the Word version and email to communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org for upload. 

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS 

• View Full Community Catalyst NOFA  
• Community Catalyst FAQs 
• Community Catalyst Word Application  
• Program Budget Template (provided for your use, if necessary, but not required to submit in this format) 
• UWCWC Civic Engagement Spectrum 

HELPFUL LINKS 

• e-CImpact Grants Management Portal 
• CT Secretary of State Business Registry Search
• CT Department of Consumer Protection Charitable Solicitation Registration Information Page
• United for ALICE – Connecticut data website

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 
We apologize for any difficulty accessing the Impact Philanthropy grant resources. All links have now been restored and should be working properly. If you encounter any issues or broken links, please contact Victoria Scofield at victoria.scofield@unitedwaycwc.org.
 

2026-2027 IMPACT PHILANTHROPY SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD COUNTY BASIC NEEDS

In Southern Litchfield County, our donor‑restricted funds will continue to provide annual support for organizations focused on health, education, and financial stability, ensuring stability for partners in a community where outside funding streams are more limited.  

This opportunity will support approximately 3-4 nonprofits, with grant awards ranging from $1,000-$7,000.

KEY DATES

• Notice of Funding Availability Released & Applications Open: May 4, 2026 at 8:00 AM
• Information Sessions (highly recommended): Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11 AM to 12 PM – Regstration Link
• Last Day to Request an Extension: Friday, May 21, 2026
• Applications Due: May 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM 
• Application Review Period: June 1, 2026 - June 28, 2026
• Decisions Announced: June 26, 2026

HOW TO APPLY 

This funding opportunity is currently offered by invitation to select agencies. Application details will be shared directly with invited organizations.  

We recognize that there may be eligible organizations that were not included in the initial outreach. If your organization meets the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to contact the Community Impact team at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org to express interest and learn more. 

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS 

• View Full Basic Needs NOFA  
• Basic Needs FAQs 
• Basic Needs Word Application   
• 2025 ALICE Thresholds 

HELPFUL LINKS 

• e-CImpact Grants Management Portal 
• CT Secretary of State Business Registry Search 
• CT Department of Consumer Protection Charitable Solicitation Registration Information page
• United for ALICE – Connecticut data website

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 

We apologize for any difficulty accessing the Impact Philanthropy grant resources. All links have now been restored and should be working properly. If you encounter any issues or broken links, please contact Victoria Scofield at victoria.scofield@unitedwaycwc.org.

THE COUNCIL REIMAGINE & REVITALIZE GRANT PROGRAM - NOW OPEN
Supporting communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
 

'Important Note: United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut is the Grant Manager for the R2 Target Regions of Danbury, Norwalk, and Stamford. If you are a Bridgeport agency looking to apply, please refer to the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven's website.'


Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program Overview 

The Connecticut Social Equity Council (the Council) is launching the Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program, a statewide community reinvestment initiative designed to expand opportunity and strengthen communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. 

Through this program, the Council is making a significant, long-term investment in Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that are already doing critical work across the state. By directing funding to these organizations, the R2 Program aims to support sustainable, community-driven solutions that advance economic opportunity, promote stability, and improve outcomes for residents. 

Funding will be distributed through regional Grant Managers, who will oversee the application process, award funds, and provide ongoing support to selected CBOs. This structure allows for a balance between statewide consistency and localized expertise, ensuring that resources are responsive to the unique needs of each region. 

The R2 Program is grounded in the Council’s broader mission to advance equity through intentional reinvestment. By leveraging revenue generated from Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market, the program seeks to address longstanding disparities while creating pathways for growth, resilience, and long-term community impact. 

Program Snapshot 

• Total Investment: $36 million over three years 
• Funding Period: October 2026 – September 2029 
• Grant Size: $75,000–$300,000 total 
• Estimated Awards: Approx. 18 grants per region 
• Regions Served: 10 targeted regions administered by seven regional Grant Managers across Connecticut

Program Priorities

The R2 Program supports initiatives that align with one or more of three priority areas: Economic Development, Reentry Initiatives, and Youth Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the types of programs the Council is seeking to fund and provide a framework for applicants to position their work. 

Economic Development focuses on increasing access to employment and economic opportunity. This may include job readiness programs, workforce development, employer partnerships, and efforts that strengthen community infrastructure and support long-term economic stability. 

Reentry Initiatives support individuals returning to their communities after involvement with the justice system. Programs may include employment assistance, housing support, legal services, mental health resources, and other wraparound services that help individuals successfully reintegrate. 

Youth Initiatives focus on supporting young people through programs that promote academic success, personal development, and long-term opportunity. This may include mentorship, life skills training, mental health support, leadership development, and career readiness programming. 

Applicants should select the priority area that best aligns with their proposed program and clearly demonstrate how their work addresses the needs of the community they serve. 

Who Should Apply

The R2 Program is open to CBOs that are actively delivering programs within one of the designated R2 regions. Organizations should have a clear track record of serving their community and the capacity to implement the proposed work. 

To be eligible, applicants must: 

• Be a nonprofit organization registered to conduct business in the state of Connecticut  
• Have at least three (3) years of experience providing relevant programs or services in the R2 region 
• Be located in and actively serving one of the designated R2 regions 

Applicants may submit one application per region. Applications for the R2 Program will be submitted through the designated Grant Manager responsible for each region. Applicants should review region-specific instructions provided by their Grant Manager, as application platforms, submission methods, and information session formats may vary while maintaining overall program consistency. 

Organizations of varying sizes and structures are encouraged to apply.  

Applicants do not need to be large or highly resourced, but should be able to clearly demonstrate their experience, approach, and ability to carry out the proposed program. 

What Can Be Funded 

R2 Program funding is intended to support the direct delivery and implementation of eligible programs aligned with the identified priority areas. All proposed expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and clearly tied to the applicant’s program design. 

Eligible uses of funding include: 

• Program staff salaries and fringe benefits  
• Direct program expenses, including materials, supplies, and operational costs  
• Stipends related to program participation or service delivery, where appropriate  
• Administrative costs, not to exceed 10% of the total award  

Application Process 

Applications for the R2 Program will be submitted through the designated Grant Manager for each region. While application platforms may vary by region, the overall process is consistent and follows the steps outlined below. 

Steps to Apply: 

• Confirm eligibility based on program requirements  
• Identify the program priority that best aligns with the proposed work  
• Prepare all required application materials and supporting documentation  
• Submit the completed application through the Grant Manager’s platform by the stated deadline 
• Applicants are encouraged to review all requirements carefully and attend an information session, if available, prior to submission. 

To support applicants throughout the process, the following resources are available: 

• Full Danbury NOFO (includes Fillable PDF Application) 
• Full Norwalk NOFO (includes Fillable PDF Application) 
• Full Stamford NOFO (includes Fillable PDF Application) 
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 
• “Apply Now” link to e-CImpact grants management portal 
• ​Application e-CImpact Guidance Document

Timeline 

• Launch: May 26, 2026 
• Deadline: July 15, 2026 
• Info Sessions:  
  • #1, Monday, June 1, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 PM – Register Here 
  • #2, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from  2:00-3:00 PM – Register Here 
  • #3, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM – Register Here

What Happens After You Apply 

After submission, applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the designated Grant Manager for the region. Each application will be assessed based on established criteria, including program alignment with priority areas, demonstrated need, organizational capacity, and overall potential for impact. 

Following the review process and approval by the Council, selected applicants will receive a formal award notification outlining the funding amount, any applicable conditions, and next steps required to move forward. 

Organizations that are awarded funding will be required to enter into a grant agreement with the Grant Manager before funds can be distributed. Awardees will also participate in a required onboarding process, which includes training and orientation to program expectations, reporting requirements, and compliance standards. 

Funding is contingent upon the completion of all required steps and adherence to program guidelines. 

Reporting & Accountability 

Organizations selected for funding will be expected to meet ongoing reporting and compliance requirements to ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with program expectations. 

These requirements include: 

• Submission of monthly financial reports  
• Submission of quarterly programmatic reports  
• Submission of annual consolidated reports  
• Participation in site visits conducted by the Grant Manager 

Capacity-Building & Support 

In addition to funding, the R2 Program includes a structured set of capacity-building opportunities designed to support participating organizations throughout the grant period. 

Organizations selected for funding will be required to participate in training and development sessions that focus on strengthening operational effectiveness, program delivery, and long-term sustainability. These sessions will cover topics such as financial management, data and performance evaluation, project management, strategic partnerships, and grant writing. 

Training will be delivered by subject-matter experts and may be offered in a variety of formats, including in-person, virtual, and asynchronous sessions. 

These capacity-building components are intended to provide practical tools and resources that help organizations enhance their programs, improve reporting and compliance, and position themselves for continued growth beyond the grant period. 

Apply Now  

CITY OF DANBURY SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM - ANTICIPATED FALL 2026

We also anticipate administering the City of Danbury’s grant program this fall, pending final approval from the City. We will share more information as soon as it is available  

WEAVER AWARDS INVESTING IN COMMUNITY BUILDERS -  FALL 2026

We are excited to introduce the Weaver Awards, supported by the Aspen Institute. These microgrants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, will uplift individuals and nonprofits who are building community in creative, meaningful ways.  

Beginning in Fall of 2026, and continuing over the next four years, we expect to award 18–20 microgrants annually, ranging from $2,500-$5,000. This initiative reflects our strategic focus on community leadership, innovation, and grassroots solutions, and complements our broader Community Catalyst approach.  

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 

Strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out through Soup to Nuts: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management — a free, 8-part virtual learning series designed to help nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and grow.

Each 90-minute session dives into a key aspect of nonprofit leadership and fundraising, from donor engagement and business strategy to leveraging AI tools and building a strong online presence. Participants will walk away with actionable insights and practical tools to drive impact and sustainability within their organizations.

Session Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Dates: Monthly from October 2025 through June 2026

Upcoming Sessions Include:

• Beyond the Ask: Understanding What Donors Really Want

• Rethinking Your Nonprofit as a Business

• Data to Dollars: Turning Metrics into Powerful Fundraising Statements

• Reimagining Fundraising: From Transactional Giving to Transformative

• Leveraging AI Tools for Development Capacity

• Website Strategy for Fundraising Success

• Finding Your Best-Fit Donors

To register once to access all sessions, click HERE.