Resident Engagement Grant

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is inviting proposals for its Resident Engagement Grants program, available from April 8, 2025, through September 9, 2025. This grant opportunity seeks to support nonprofit organizations and community groups working to increase civic participation among residents in Greater Hartford. The focus is on promoting community-wide social and civic change that benefits marginalized communities and fosters equitable social and economic mobility. The initiative complements the Foundation’s Community Organizing RFP and emphasizes strengthening civic spaces, building allyship with marginalized communities, and improving overall quality of life through local engagement. The purpose of the Resident Engagement Grants is to support projects that foster greater civic participation and address issues such as racial and social justice, housing, education, health care, and concerns of returning citizens and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Eligible activities include hosting community meetings, conducting workshops, offering facilitated learning opportunities, organizing retreats, implementing informational outreach campaigns, and supporting volunteerism projects. Proposals can span up to one year in duration and must be adaptable to the dynamic nature of community work. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or community groups with a fiscal sponsor holding a 501(c)(3) designation. Applicants must not have current project or core support from the Foundation or have already been awarded a grant under the 2025 Community Organizing or Resident Engagement programs. Organizations denied funding in the 2025 Community Organizing cycle are also ineligible. Groups with existing open grants from the 2024 Community Organizing or 2024 Resident Engagement cycles must consult with their Community Impact Officer before applying. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $25,000 based on the project's scope, though few awards will reach the maximum amount. Fundable expenses include materials, software, equipment, stipends for residents, professional services, organizational staffing, and overhead costs, but not permanent new staffing. Foundation funds cannot be used for political activities that favor or oppose candidates or political parties. Recipients will be required to report on outcomes, which could include metrics such as attendance at events, advocacy participation, volunteer efforts, outreach campaign effectiveness, or observed policy changes. Interested applicants must first discuss their project idea with Senior Community Impact Associate Tiana Starks at tstarks@hfpg.org to obtain an access code needed for application submission. Technical support for account or password issues is available through the Grants Administration team at GrantsAdministration@hfpg.org. Grant decisions are expected to be communicated within 9 to 13 weeks of application submission.