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New Youth Civic Engagement Grants to Honor the 250th Anniversary of the United States

People Business

As the nation approaches its 250th year, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is expanding its civic engagement grants program to support projects that help young people better understand democracy—how it has been shaped, how it is practiced, and how it continues to evolve.


This new grant program invites communities across Eastern Connecticut to engage school-aged youth in thoughtful, creative explorations of civic life—rooted in history, responsive to the present, and enlivened by the belief that informed young people can help shape what's next for our democracy.



•Details•

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:


Any public libraries, schools, civic groups, and youth-serving organizations in the Foundation’s 42-town region.

 

WHAT WILL BE FUNDED:


Projects designed for local school-aged youth to deepen their understanding of democracy.

 

GRANT AMOUNTS:


Typically $500–$2,000


Requests between $2,000–$5,000 may be considered.

Organizations seeking funding at this level should contact Deb Battit, Program Officer at Deb@cfect.org.

 

TIMELINE:


Applications accepted through March 18, 2026

Projects must be completed by the end of 2026

Examples of Potential Projects

  • Projects that surface untold or underrepresented stories—such as those of women, Indigenous people, people of color, or young people—who have played a role in building, protecting, or strengthening democracy.
    
  • Arts-based projects using theater, music, dance, or visual storytelling to connect past (including pre-revolutionary history), present, and future civic life.
    
  • Youth-led or intergenerational efforts that invite participation, dialogue, and reflection around democratic practice.


APPLY NOW

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