Reimagine and Revitalize Community Reinvestment Program
The Social Equity Council’s Reimagine and Revitalize (R2) Community Reinvestment Program is a three-year, statewide investment strategy designed to ensure that communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis criminalization see real, measurable, and lasting opportunity.
Reimagine & Revitalize (R²) Grants | New Haven Region
Three-year grants for nonprofits serving New Haven, East Haven & West Haven.
Info session June 16 at 10:30 AM
Apply by July 15 at 5 PM.
We’re excited to share that United Way of Greater New Haven has been selected through a competitive statewide process to serve as the Grant Manager for the Social Equity Council (the Council) Reimagine & Revitalize (R²) Program in the New Haven region (New Haven, East Haven, West Haven).
In partnership with the Social Equity Council, funding is available to support community-based initiatives that strengthen targeted communities and create new opportunities for residents.
Overview
The Reimagine & Revitalize (R²) Program is a competitive grant program that supports community-based initiatives in municipalities and neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
R² advances Connecticut’s social equity objectives by strengthening local capacity, addressing historical inequities, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Program funding is supported through licensing fees and revenues generated from Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market and dedicated to social equity initiatives.
Eligible geography: Organizations located in and providing services in the New Haven/East Haven/West Haven R² Region
Timeline:
- Application deadline: July 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Live info session + Q&A (Zoom): June 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM
- Award notifications: September 2026
- Funding period: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2029
What types of projects can be funded? (Program Priorities)
Applicants must apply under one of the following program priorities:
- Economic Development (Workforce Development & Infrastructure) — including shovel-ready projects and limited renovations to nonprofit-owned property to support safe, accessible programming spaces (must be completed within the 3-year funding period).
- Reentry Initiatives (Justice-Impacted Adults & Youth) — supports transition back into communities (e.g., job training, housing supports, counseling, education, community engagement) to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration.
- Youth Initiatives — supports educational/social opportunities, mentorship, and other resources to help youth thrive academically and socially and strengthen overall well-being.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include nonprofit community-based organizations that:
- Have 3+ years of experience providing programs aligned to an R² priority area
- Are registered to conduct business in Connecticut
- Are located in and primarily serve residents of the R² region
Application limit: One application per region; applicants must select one program priority per region.
Funding & award sizes
Statewide, the Council plans to invest $36 million over three years.
Awards range from $75,000 to $300,000 over a three-year period.
Annual funding tier amounts (by priority):
- Economic Development: Tier 2 = $35,000; Tier 3 = $67,500; Tier 4 = $100,000
- Reentry Initiatives: Tier 1 = $25,000; Tier 2 = $45,000; Tier 3 = $72,500; Tier 4 = $100,000
- Youth Initiatives: Tier 1 = $25,000; Tier 2 = $50,000; Tier 3 = $72,500
Applicants may indicate an alternate tier they can operate at if not selected at their first choice.
Applications must be submitted using the link above
Addendums
Questions? Contact: SECR2@uwgnh.org