2018 Re-entry Strategy Grantmaking
Our Strategic Grantmaking Process
The Community Foundation sets aside targeted funds to support organizations with projects that further the overarching strategic goal of ensuring that fewer formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering New Haven will "fall through the cracks." This strategy aims to help empower returning residents so they are less likely to re-offend. Read more about our re-entry strategy.
A grant review committee consisting of experts in the field and Community Foundation staff reviews all the re-entry applications and scores them according to established criteria that rates organizations and programs.
Below is a list of re-entry organizations and their projects that were recommended for grants. To help these worthy organizations fulfill their missions, we hope you will consider supporting one or more with your donor advised funds.
2018 Approved Re-entry Grants
Believe in Me Empowerment Corporation
Project: RISE (Re-entering Individuals into Society through Empowerment) program provides supportive housing to individuals in the Greater New Haven area returning from incarceration.
Center for Children's Advocacy
Project: The Re-entry Reform Project combines system reform advocacy and legal rights training to improve re-entry opportunities for 18-21 year-olds who are re-entering New Haven after incarceration. Learn more about Center for Children's Advocacy on giveGreater.org.
Community Bonds, Inc. (Connecticut Bail Fund)
Project: Participatory Defense, a community organizing approach that builds power and knowledge among defendants and their families within the court process. The Connecticut Bail Fund aims to post bail, enabling individuals to fight their court cases from a position of freedom reducing the effects of the average 54 days in pre-trial incarceration due to the inability to post bail.
New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc.
Project: Legal services for formerly incarcerated individuals as well as policy and advocacy work. Learn more about New Haven Legal Assistance on giveGreater.org.
Sex Worker and Allies Network (SWAN) - Request: $20,000 Award: $4,000
Project: Diversion and harm reduction for formerly incarcerated sex workers in New Haven through outreach and referral services
Stop Solitary CT
Project: The Storytelling for Advocacy and Systemic Change Project engages people who experienced solitary confinement and their family members. Participants will spend a weekend retreat in New Haven to build community within the group, locate a central advocacy story, develop public speaking skills, and develop knowledge of advocacy campaigns and an awareness of self-care strategies. One retreat will be scheduled in the fall of 2018 and one in the spring of 2019.
VETTS, Inc.
Project: Children impacted by incarceration are mentored by Veterans and participate in advocacy and organizing.
Justice Education Center
Project: The Career Pathways Technology Corridor at Hillhouse High School and to expand current technology trainings to include Automotive Technology in partnership with Gateway Community College.
Warren Kimbro Reentry Project
Project: Comprehensive reentry services through a collaborative effort among multiple service providers.
