The Connecticut Social Equity 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.
Donor Name: United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut
State: Connecticut
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/15/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
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.
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.
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.
Funding Information
- Total Funding Available: $36 million.
- $75,000–$300,000.
Grant Period
October 2026 – September 2029.
Uses of Funds
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.
Eligibility Criteria
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.
For more information, visit UWCWC.
