The mission of the funder is to support healthy communities by fostering civic engagement, community organizing, and the involvement of civic groups. They strive for responsiveness and flexibility in funding initiatives, prioritizing actions and decisions made by individuals and organizations that are intimately acquainted with community issues. A key aspect of their mission is to empower resident leaders and organizers in Waterbury through a funding process that is directly influenced by the community, for the community.
The grant program focuses on Health and Environmental Justice, merging the Foundation's previous areas of Healthy Communities and Environment. It aims to support programs, advocacy, and systemic changes that address health disparities and improve access to basic needs like food, housing, and preventive healthcare, particularly for BIPOC residents. Efforts include supporting evidence-based prevention and chronic disease management, housing advocacy for safe and affordable housing, expanding access to behavioral health services, and advocating for environmental justice. The grant specifically targets issues such as high infant mortality rates, varying access to prenatal care, asthma in children, high eviction rates, and food insecurity within its region, with a detailed focus on the community of Waterbury and surrounding areas.
We welcome proposals that: Offer assistance or services to communities in our designated area of 21 towns; Advance efforts towards systemic change and advocacy; Include funding for essential nonprofit activities such as staffing, operational costs, and program assessment; Prioritize organizations headed by individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.