Bill > HB05579

This bill establishes a Hispanic and Communities of Color Nonprofit Growth and Stabilization Fund designed to support and strengthen nonprofit organizations serving Hispanic and other communities of color in Connecticut. The fund will provide grants to eligible community-based organizations that meet specific criteria, including having tax-exempt status, being based in the state, serving at least 51% Hispanic or communities of color, and being led by and governed by members of these communities. The fund aims to help these organizations build capacity through grants supporting areas like financial management, board development, fund development, nonprofit leadership training, technology improvements, collaboration planning, and outcomes tracking. A nonprofit organization will be contracted to administer the fund, creating a competitive grant process with an allocation panel that includes representatives from relevant state agencies and community members. The Commissioner of Social Services will oversee the fund and must submit a report by January 2027 evaluating its effectiveness, including the number of organizations supported, improvements in organizational capacity, and recommendations for future funding. Importantly, the fund seeks to provide culturally competent and language-accessible services, recognizing the unique needs of Hispanic and communities of color in Connecticut.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Human Services Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05579&which_year=2025