Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program Overview
The Connecticut Social Equity Council (the Council) is launching the Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program, a statewide community reinvestment initiative designed to expand opportunity and strengthen communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
Through this program, the Council is making a significant, long-term investment in Community-based organizations (CBOs) that are already doing critical work across the state. By directing funding to these organizations, the R2 Program aims to support sustainable, community-driven solutions that advance economic opportunity, promote stability, and improve outcomes for residents.
Funding will be distributed through regional Grant Managers, who will oversee the application process, award funds, and provide ongoing support to selected CBOs. This structure allows for a balance between statewide consistency and localized expertise, ensuring that resources are responsive to the unique needs of each region.
The R2 Program is grounded in the Council’s broader mission to advance equity through intentional reinvestment. By leveraging revenue generated from Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market, the program seeks to address longstanding disparities while creating pathways for growth, resilience, and long-term community impact.
Program Snapshot
- Total Investment: $36 million over three years
- Funding Period: October 2026 – September 2029
- Grant Size: $75,000–$300,000 total
- Estimated Awards: Approx. 18 grants per region
- Regions Served: 10 targeted regions administered by seven regional Grant Managers across Connecticut
Program Priorities
The R2 Program supports initiatives that align with one or more of three priority areas: Economic Development, Reentry Initiatives, and Youth Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the types of programs the Council is seeking to fund and provide a framework for applicants to position their work.
Economic Development focuses on increasing access to employment and economic opportunity. This may include job readiness programs, workforce development, employer partnerships, and efforts that strengthen community infrastructure and support long-term economic stability.
Reentry Initiatives support individuals returning to their communities after involvement with the justice system. Programs may include employment assistance, housing support, legal services, mental health resources, and other wraparound services that help individuals successfully reintegrate.
Youth Initiatives focus on supporting young people through programs that promote academic success, personal development, and long-term opportunity. This may include mentorship, life skills training, mental health support, leadership development, and career readiness programming.
Applicants should select the priority area that best aligns with their proposed program and clearly demonstrate how their work addresses the needs of the community they serve.
Who Should Apply
The R2 Program is open to CBOs that are actively delivering programs within one of the designated R2 regions. TCFMIC is the grant manager for the R2 regions of Bridgeport and Meriden. Community-based organizations that apply should have a clear track record of serving their community and the capacity to implement the proposed work.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a nonprofit organization registered to conduct business in the state of Connecticut.
- Have at least three (3) years of experience providing relevant programs or services in the R2 region.
- Be located in and actively serving one of the designated R2 regions of Bridgeport or Meriden.
Applicants may submit one application per region. Organizations that meet eligibility Applications for the R2 Program will be submitted through the designated Grant Manager responsible for each region. Applicants should review region-specific instructions provided by their Grant Manager, as application platforms, submission methods, and information session formats may vary while maintaining overall program consistency.
Organizations of varying sizes and structures are encouraged to apply.
Applicants do not need to be large or highly resourced, but should be able to clearly demonstrate their experience, approach, and ability to carry out the proposed program.
What Can Be Funded
R2 Program funding is intended to support the direct delivery and implementation of eligible programs aligned with the identified priority areas. All proposed expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and clearly tied to the applicant’s program design.
Eligible uses of funding include:
- Program staff salaries and fringe benefits
- Direct program expenses, including materials, supplies, and operational costs
- Stipends related to program participation or service delivery, where appropriate
- Administrative costs, not to exceed 10% of the total award
Application Process
Steps to Apply:
- Confirm eligibility based on program requirements
- Identify the program priority that best aligns with the proposed work
- Prepare all required application materials and supporting documentation
- Submit the completed application through the Grant Manager’s platform by the stated deadline
Applicants are encouraged to review all requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity carefully and attend an information session, if available, prior to submission.
- Download the Notice of Funding Opportunity and review before applying.
- Application for Bridgeport community-based organizations
- Application for Meriden community-based organizations
Timeline
- Launch: May 26, 2026
- Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Info Sessions: June 11 and June 30 (Registration links coming soon).
What Happens After You Apply
After submission, applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the designated Grant Manager for the region. Each application will be assessed based on established criteria, including program alignment with priority areas, demonstrated need, organizational capacity, and overall potential for impact.
Following the review process and approval by the Council, selected applicants will receive a formal award notification outlining the funding amount, any applicable conditions, and next steps required to move forward.
Organizations that are awarded funding will be required to enter into a grant agreement with the Grant Manager before funds can be distributed. Awardees will also participate in a required onboarding process, which includes training and orientation to program expectations, reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
Funding is contingent upon the completion of all required steps and adherence to program guidelines.
Reporting & Accountability
Organizations selected for funding will be expected to meet ongoing reporting and compliance requirements to ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with program expectations.
These requirements include:
- Submission of monthly financial reports
- Submission of quarterly programmatic reports
- Submission of annual consolidated reports
- Participation in site visits conducted by the Grant Manager
Capacity-Building & Support
In addition to funding, the R2 Program includes a structured set of capacity-building opportunities designed to support participating organizations throughout the grant period.
Organizations selected for funding will be required to participate in training and development sessions that focus on strengthening operational effectiveness, program delivery, and long-term sustainability. These sessions will cover topics such as financial management, data and performance evaluation, project management, strategic partnerships, and grant writing.
Training will be delivered by subject-matter experts and may be offered in a variety of formats, including in-person, virtual, and asynchronous sessions.
These capacity-building components are intended to provide practical tools and resources that help organizations enhance their programs, improve reporting and compliance, and position themselves for continued growth beyond the grant period.
