Grassroots Leadership
Grassroots Leadership supports Waterbury community leaders and resident-led groups with funding for civic engagement, organizing, and community-building projects that strengthen neighborhoods.
Funder: Connecticut Community Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (proposals) | September and November 2026 (fall reviews) | Rolling (spring 2027)
Funding Amounts: Average grant size: $5,000–$7,000
Summary: Supports resident-led projects that strengthen Waterbury neighborhoods through civic engagement, organizing, leadership development, and community building.
Key Information: Waterbury residents may apply without 501(c)(3) status; first-time applicants must meet with a program officer before applying.
Description
Connecticut Community Foundation’s Grassroots Leadership program funds community leaders and resident-led projects that strengthen Waterbury and its neighborhoods. It supports equitable efforts to revitalize communities, influence local systems, and foster leadership. The program emphasizes a collaborative, multigenerational network of residents working toward a shared vision, while expanding access to tools and resources that help community members take action.
Supported work includes nonpartisan voter registration and civic engagement, community organizing, leadership training, and youth development, including leadership opportunities for young adults ages 18–24. Community-building projects may include workshops, food and resource distribution, community gardens, and public art. The program prioritizes smaller resident-led groups, ongoing work rather than one-off events, and collaboration with community partners rather than working alone.
