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2026-2027 IMPACT PHILANTHROPY FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY CATALYST

Community Catalyst grants are designed to recognize the transformative power of grassroots organizations who are advancing civic engagement and resident‑driven solutions, particularly in support of households at or below the ALICE Threshold. These grants prioritize organizations that are building community power, strengthening local leadership, and promoting civic engagement and advocacy.   

Eligible civic engagement activities include:   

• Voting  
• Deliberative Democracy  
• Political Participation  
• Advocacy & Public Policy  
• Community Organizing  
• Parent & Family Advocacy in Community and Schools  
• Civic Learning  
• Leadership Development  

This opportunity will support approximately 7–10 nonprofits, with grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.  

KEY DATES

• Notice of Funding Availability Released: May 4, 2026
• Applications Open: May 4, 2026
• Applications Due: May 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM 
• Information Sessions (highly recommended): dates coming soon
• Decisions Announced: June 26, 2026

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 

2026-2027 IMPACT PHILANTHROPY SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD COUNTY BASIC NEEDS

In Southern Litchfield County, our donor‑restricted funds will continue to provide annual support for organizations focused on health, education, and financial stability, ensuring stability for partners in a community where outside funding streams are more limited.  

This opportunity will support approximately 3-4 nonprofits, with grant awards ranging from $1,000-$7,000.

KEY DATES

• Notice of Funding Availability Released: May 4, 2026
• Applications Open: May 4, 2026
• Applications Due: May 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM 
• Information Sessions (highly recommended): dates coming soon
• Decisions Announced: June 26, 2026

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 

SOCIAL EQUITY COUNCIL REIMAGINE AND REVITALIZE GRANT PROGRAM - COMING SOON

In addition to our own grantmaking, we are leveraging new external funding sources to expand resources flowing into our region. A key example is our work with the Social Equity Council (The Council), which has committed multi‑year funding to four regions within our footprint, along with others throughout the state.  

These funds will support organizations in Disproportionately Impact Areas (DIAs) in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Danbury, with UWCWC administering the dollars in Stamford, Norwalk, and Danbury. The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven will administer these funds in Bridgeport.  

This opportunity will allow approximately 20 nonprofits per region to secure multi-year grants between $25,000 and $100,000 annually, bringing significant new investment into the region and expanding collective impact well beyond what we could achieve alone.  

We anticipate this application opening in May with funds being available in three categories:  

1. Youth Initiatives 

2. Economic Development  

3. Re-entry Initiatives (for adults and youth) 

We will share more information once we have it.  

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 

CITY OF DANBURY SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM - ANTICIPATED FALL 2026

We also anticipate administering the City of Danbury’s grant program this fall, pending final approval from the City. We will share more information as soon as it is available  

WEAVER AWARDS INVESTING IN COMMUNITY BUILDERS -  FALL 2026

We are excited to introduce the Weaver Awards, supported by the Aspen Institute. These microgrants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, will uplift individuals and nonprofits who are building community in creative, meaningful ways.  

Beginning in Fall of 2026, and continuing over the next four years, we expect to award 18–20 microgrants annually, ranging from $2,500-$5,000. This initiative reflects our strategic focus on community leadership, innovation, and grassroots solutions, and complements our broader Community Catalyst approach.  

Questions? Contact Us at communityimpact@unitedwaycwc.org 

Strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out through Soup to Nuts: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management — a free, 8-part virtual learning series designed to help nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and grow.

Each 90-minute session dives into a key aspect of nonprofit leadership and fundraising, from donor engagement and business strategy to leveraging AI tools and building a strong online presence. Participants will walk away with actionable insights and practical tools to drive impact and sustainability within their organizations.

Session Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Dates: Monthly from October 2025 through June 2026

Upcoming Sessions Include:

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• Data to Dollars: Turning Metrics into Powerful Fundraising Statements

• Reimagining Fundraising: From Transactional Giving to Transformative

• Leveraging AI Tools for Development Capacity

• Website Strategy for Fundraising Success

• Finding Your Best-Fit Donors

To register once to access all sessions, click HERE.