CCF: Grassroots Leadership Grants

CCF: Grassroots Leadership Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Connecticut Community Foundation
Amount: US $5,000 - US $7,000
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

The CCF: Grassroots Leadership Grants aim to empower Waterbury residents and local organizations by providing funding for community-driven projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing civic engagement, fostering youth leadership, and supporting collaborative efforts to revitalize neighborhoods. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $7,000, the program prioritizes smaller, resident-led groups and encourages innovative projects that strengthen community ties and promote active participation among residents.

Overview

NOTE: Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. Funds awarded quarterly. Grassroots Grants At the heart of every strong community are individuals who are passionate about making a difference right where they live. Our grassroots grant program is designed to empower residents by offering funding to community leaders for projects that strengthen Waterbury and its neighborhoods. Our approach focuses on: Supporting equitable efforts to revitalize communities, influence local systems and foster youth leadershipSupporting a robust and collaborative network of multi-generational residents in Waterbury who are working together toward a shared visionExpanding the availability of tools and resources that support organizing efforts and increase the connection between organizers in Waterbury with the rest of the region, state, and country Efforts we support include: Local Efforts -Supporting equitable efforts to revitalize communities, influence local systems and foster leadership within the City of Waterbury.Collaboration – Supporting a robust and collaborative network of multi-generational residents in Waterbury who are working together toward a shared vision.Providing Resources – Expanding the availability of tools and resources for community members.Grassroots Groups – Prioritizing smaller, resident-led groups working to impact Waterbury with budgets under $100,000. Possible Projects Examples Voter registration drive A series of workshops or training Food, materials, and resource distribution Community Garden Public art project Funding The average grant size is $5,000 – $7,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grant EligibilityGrassroots grants are available to residents of Waterbury, Connecticut and to nonprofit organizations based in WaterburyApplicants do not need to be a registered nonprofit to apply. We partner with Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury to be the fiscal sponsor for applicants who are not 501(c)(3) organizations Efforts we support include Helping people register to vote and other projects designed to increase civic engagement. Projects must be non-partisan. Community organizing and leadership training for Waterbury residents. Programming aimed at youth development and youth leadership, including young adults (18-24). Projects and events that bring people together and help to build community.

Ineligibility

Nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets over $150,000 are ineligible to apply.