ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:

•  Tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code

• Three years incorporated as a nonprofit

• Current registration with the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection Charities Unit.

• Connecticut-based, direct social/human service organization serving Greater Hartford region ( association, referral or re-granting organizations )

• Experience serving and currently serving communities where 51% or more of the residents are people of color.

• Led by a chief executive officer who is Hispanic, Indigenous, African American or Asian Pacific-American, and/or is governed by a board with a majority of members who are Hispanic, Indigenous, African American or Asian Pacific-American.

• Operating budget of at least $75,000 and a maximum of $2 million. Organizations with budgets OVER $2 million will NOT be eligible.

• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and addressing structural barriers that limit opportunity for people of color.

• Demonstrated commitment and capacity to deliver culturally competent services, meeting the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of the community they serve.

• Please note: Associations, referral or re-granting organizations and organizations that utilize fiscal sponsors/conduits are not eligible.

HISPANIC FEDERATION REVIEW AND VETTING

All finalist organizations and proposed consultants will be vetted regarding outstanding financial obligations, conflicts of interest, or other disqualifying issues. Sources used for vetting purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:

I. Non-Profit Organizations

• GuideStar

• IRS Database (tax-exempt status)

• Review of proposed use of funds to ensure that monies are not used in any prohibited manner

• Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection Charities Unit

 II. Consultants

• Registration with the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

• Google and social media