United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Launches Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program Applications for Hartford and East Hartford

Hartford, Conn., June 24, 2026 – Applications are now open for the Connecticut Social Equity Council’s (the Council) Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program in Hartford and East Hartford through United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. Eligible community-based organizations serving in Hartford and East Hartford are invited to apply for funding opportunities supporting Economic Development, Reentry Initiatives and Youth Initiatives.  

Through the R2 Program, the Council is investing $36 million over three years to support community-driven initiatives in communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.  

In Hartford and East Hartford, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut will work in partnership with the Council to administer the local application process, oversee the distribution of funding, and support awarded organizations throughout the grant period. Funding in the region is expected to support approximately 18 community-based organizations, with grant awards ranging from $75,000 to $300,000 total.  

Organizations are encouraged to review eligibility requirements, attend information sessions, and submit applications through United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.  

Application Launch: May 26, 2026 
Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 
Information Sessions: June 12 and June 15 
Learn More / Apply: Reimagine and Revitalize Program 

“The launch of the Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program represents a major step forward in delivering on our commitment to communities most impacted by the War on Drugs,” said Brandon L. McGee Jr., CEO of the Social Equity Council. “By partnering with trusted organizations like United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, we are ensuring that these investments reach the communities they are intended to serve and create meaningful, long-term opportunity.”  

“United Way is well-positioned to administer support for organizations in Hartford and East Hartford through the R2 Program. This initiative complements our goal of ending poverty in our region. Our systems are strong and are streamlined to help ensure eligible nonprofits receive the resources needed to maximize impact in our community,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.  

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut will administer the Council’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), oversee application review and scoring, recommend awards for Council approval, and provide ongoing oversight and reporting support for funded programs.  

The R2 Program reflects the Council’s commitment to advancing equity through intentional reinvestment by supporting community-driven solutions that expand opportunity, promote stability, and strengthen communities across Connecticut. All funding supports initiatives aligned with the Council’s core priorities: economic development, reentry initiatives, and youth initiatives.  

 ###

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   

United Way mobilizes resources and aligns strategic partners to end poverty in the 860 region by closing gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy with the goal of a region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org. 

United Way Media Contact:  

Anyeline Céspedes López, 787.502.0436, acespedes@unitedwayinc.org