Community Foundation Invests in Policy Solutions to Expand Child Care Access and Housing Stability in Eastern CT

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is proud to announce the awarding of Systems Change grants to support advocacy efforts addressing the root causes of critical challenges facing families in the region. These grants invest in policy and systems-level solutions to improve access to childcare and housing stability across Eastern Connecticut and align with the Community Foundation’s larger goal and efforts, along with more than 110 partners, in the campaign to End Child Poverty Now in Connecticut.

“Systems change requires sustained advocacy, collaboration, and a willingness to address the structural barriers that hold communities back,” said Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “These grants support organizations working at the policy level to ensure that families in our region have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The 2026 Systems Change grants support the following initiatives:

•$20,000 to the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance (through Advancing CT Together) to advance policy solutions that expand access to childcare in Eastern Connecticut, addressing key barriers such as low Care4Kids reimbursement rates and challenges in funding new childcare facilities. “Eastern Connecticut is a childcare desert, primarily because there aren’t enough families who can afford the true cost of care,” said Merrill Gay, Executive Director of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. “That means we need to expand subsidies and strengthen programs like Care4Kids and Early Start. Our advocacy will focus on advancing these solutions to ensure more families can access the care they need.”

•$20,000 to Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness to support advocacy efforts aimed at protecting and strengthening the Homeless Response System in Southeastern CT. Funding will help sustain critical housing and support services in the face of federal funding threats, while positioning the region to respond to anticipated future cuts. Sarah Fox, CEO of Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH), states: “We are deeply grateful for this investment and for the foundation’s recognition that lasting change requires advocacy, strong public policy, and systemic action. Through the CT CAN End Homelessness Campaign, CCEH is working alongside partners across Connecticut to strengthen systems, advance policy and advocacy solutions, and build coordinated responses that prevent and solve homelessness. This support helps move that work forward at a time when it is urgently needed.”

This is the second year that the Community Foundation has awarded Systems Change grants. These investments reflect the Community Foundation’s broader commitment to advancing equitable, long-term solutions through advocacy and partnership. By supporting organizations working to influence policy and funding decisions, the Foundation aims to create lasting impact beyond individual programs.

About the Community Foundation:

Serving 42 towns and comprised of over 600 charitable funds, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s vision is a healthy, thriving, sustainable Eastern Connecticut with greater equity for all. We collaborate with partners to put philanthropy into action to address the needs, rights, and interests of our community. The Community Foundation manages a permanent community endowment and has awarded over $100 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofits and students since its founding in 1983. To learn more, visit cfect.org.