Nonprofits
2022 applications are now closed.
The purpose of this grant cycle is to eliminate racial injustice through a variety of means including community organizing, advocacy, and education. These grants are not intended to fund capital projects or provide direct assistance to individuals.
Eligible Applicants
- Grass roots organizations
- Book or social clubs
- Youth organizations
- Community nonprofit agencies
- Municipal groups or committees
- School systems
If you have not received a grant from us before, or if you want to discuss your grant proposal with us, you should reach out to our program officer Stephanye Clarke at stephanye@cfect.org prior to applying. We are eager to help you submit a strong application and will assist you with the application process.
We seek applications from groups that include representation from BIPOC communities to ensure that voices of people with lived experience are incorporated into programs.
Eligible applicants who are not organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation must work with a fiscal agent. Please reach out to the Foundation if you would like some help setting up a relationship with a fiscal agent.
Please Note: This application is considered separate from any other grant application submitted to the Community Foundation. No information provided in this request will influence any additional funding decisions we may be considering from your organization this year. If you received funding from any of our other grant cycles, you will not be excluded from applying for grants from the Fund for Racial Justice.
Grant Funding Amounts
In order to encourage a diverse range of projects, the Foundation can make awards between $500 and $20,000. A detailed project budget must be submitted with your grant application.
Project Ideas
Ideas for projects may include endeavors like:
- Hosting a book club for youth/adults on topics related to racial equity
- Sponsoring a webinar that discusses forms of reparations, their impact and challenges
- Teaching an inclusive view of US History
- Advocating for policy changes that directly impact BIPOC communities
- Developing organizing and advocacy skills in BIPOC communities
- Community organizing around racial equity
Expected Outcomes
Due to the variety of types of programs we anticipate granting, outcome measurements will vary. In cases of webinars to large audiences, a follow up survey would be appropriate. In cases where an audience is engaged over time, such as a group of youth, evaluation of changes in behavior and attitudes should be more robust. Foundation staff will be able to discuss evaluation plans with you.
Assistance Provided
The Foundation is committed to assisting applicants with the process of applying for these funds. Some services to facilitate grant application include:
- Online video tutorials on how to apply
- Assistance in matching with fiscal agents
Should you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact the Foundation.
Populations Served
The Fund for Racial Justice must be for the benefit of residents in the following communities:
Ashford, Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Colchester, Columbia, Coventry, Eastford, East Lyme, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Hampton, Killingly, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Mansfield, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Plainfield, Pomfret, Preston, Putnam, Salem, Scotland, Sprague, Stafford, Sterling, Stonington, Thompson, Union, Voluntown, Waterford, Willington, Windham and Woodstock.
All grant applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on April 29, 2022.
Questions should be directed to Stephanye R. Clarke at stephanye@cfect.org.