Youth Leadership Grants for Groups

Youth Leadership Grants for Groups is sponsored by Connecticut Community Foundation. This funding is for youth-serving groups and small nonprofits in Waterbury, Connecticut, to run grassroots projects and leadership programs. It prioritizes resident-led initiatives that build youth leadership, civic engagement, and community connections.

Grassroots Leaders - Connecticut Community Foundation Please Support the Foundation’s Fund for Urgent Response: Help Our Neighbors with Immediate, Critical Needs. Donate to the ImpactNOW Fund >> Grassroots Leaders Beth Messina 2026-02-27T11:06:51-05:00 At a workshop hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation’s grassroots grants program, attendees learned tools and tactics for working together to advocate for community change.

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 . The average grant size is $5,000 – $7,000.

APPLY NOW. PROPOSALS ARE REVIEWED QUARTERLY. 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 . P roviding 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.

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. Possible project examples Series of workshops or trainings Food, materials, and resource distribution Grants are reviewed on a quarterly basis by a committee of community residents.

Our average grant size is $5,000 – $7,000. Prioritizes ongoing work, rather than one-off events. Values collaboration and bringing in community partners, rather than working alone.

Grassroots Leaders grant proposals are accepted on a rolling basis but are only reviewed in odd-numbered months. See Grassroots Leaders grants awarded in 2025 Download the informational flyer in English and Spanish APPLY NOW. PROPOSALS ARE REVIEWED QUARTERLY.

For more information, please contact: Patrick McKenna, Assistant Director, Community Impact pmckenna@conncf. org | 203. 753.

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