New Funding and Programs

Immediate Resources for Community Needs

The Foundation has added $15 million to its discretionary spending for 2021-2023. To meet the changing needs in the community, The Foundation has also made its grantmaking programs more accessible and added trainings for nonprofits. Stepping Forward includes:

• Significant increases to flexible funding for local nonprofits.
• COVID-19 relief and recovery.
• Funding to advance racial equity and dismantle racism and gender inequity.
• Increased funding access for small and emerging nonprofits and organizations coming to The Foundation for the first time.
• Leadership development for nonprofit leaders who are people of color, funding for the arts and for change-makers advocating and organizing to heal and dismantle inequitable systems and structures in our society.
• Increased investments in minority and woman entrepreneurs, small businesses and the New Haven entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Inclusive Growth

Equitable Entrepreneurship

Small business and entrepreneurship is a critical ladder to opportunity and wealth building. Stepping Forward increases The Community Foundation's investments in minority and small business support through The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company (TCF-MIC). As part of its investments, TCF-MIC is supporting an innovative collaborative that is building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Haven. The goal is to create a self-sustaining network of resources, funding and mentorship for all entrepreneurs to succeed.