Health and Environmental Justice Grant

The Connecticut Community Foundation’s Health and Environmental Justice grant supports initiatives that address health disparities, environmental concerns, and social determinants of health in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. This grant integrates two previous funding areas—Healthy Communities and Environment—to create a more comprehensive approach to public health and environmental justice. The Foundation acknowledges that health outcomes are significantly influenced by environmental and socioeconomic factors such as housing, access to healthcare, food security, and environmental conditions. The grant prioritizes strategies that create systemic change, support community-led initiatives, and improve access to essential services. The grant program aims to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes by funding programs that enhance access to healthcare, promote affordable and safe housing, and improve food systems. It specifically supports efforts to address the high infant mortality rate, asthma prevalence, and lack of prenatal care in Waterbury, as well as high eviction rates and food insecurity in the region. The grant emphasizes environmental justice by funding projects that work to clean up land, air, and neighborhoods, which can positively impact public health. Eligible projects include initiatives that enhance collaboration among community organizations to provide basic needs such as food and housing, evidence-based programs that prevent and manage chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma, housing advocacy efforts, and programs that increase access to behavioral health and substance abuse services. The grant also funds improvements to health systems, such as expanding telehealth and transportation access, as well as environmental advocacy projects aimed at reducing pollution in Waterbury and other communities in the region. Applications for the Health and Environmental Justice grant are accepted twice annually. Organizations applying for funding should demonstrate a clear focus on addressing systemic issues related to health and environmental justice. The application process may require details on the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with the Foundation’s priorities. Organizations should also provide information on their capacity to implement the proposed project effectively. Projects will be evaluated based on their potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the Foundation’s focus areas. The grant prioritizes initiatives that are evidence-based, community-driven, and capable of fostering long-term improvements in health and environmental conditions. The selection process may include a review of the applicant’s experience, partnerships, and sustainability plans. The next application deadlines will follow the Foundation’s biannual grant cycle. Interested organizations should check the Connecticut Community Foundation’s website for specific dates and deadlines. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Francesca Evangelista, Program Officer, at fevangelista@conncf.org or 203-753-1315, ext. 106.