Organizations working to bridge divides, strengthen collaboration, and create meaningful social change across communities in the United States now have a major funding and capacity-building opportunity through the newly launched Connected Futures cohort by New Profit.
The Connected Futures initiative is part of New Profit’s Catalyze program, which supports innovative social impact organizations dedicated to expanding access and opportunity across America. Through this funding cycle, selected organizations will receive unrestricted grants, leadership development funding, strategic advisory support, and access to a national peer-learning network.
This initiative is specifically designed for organizations helping people overcome mistrust, polarization, exclusion, and social disconnection in order to solve problems collectively and build stronger communities.
About the Connected Futures Cohort
Connected Futures is a newly launched Catalyze cohort developed by New Profit to support organizations that help people move across active divides toward collective action and collaboration.
The initiative recognizes that many communities face increasing polarization, mistrust, and fragmentation, making it difficult for individuals and groups to work together toward shared goals. Connected Futures seeks to invest in organizations building the relationships, structures, skills, and trust needed to strengthen civic participation and social cohesion.
Unlike traditional funding opportunities focused on a single issue area, Connected Futures supports organizations united by a common bridge-building approach rather than a single thematic sector.
Organizations may operate within areas such as:
- Democracy
- Economic mobility
- Education
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Community development
- Civic engagement
- Social cohesion
What matters most is that the organization actively helps people collaborate across differences and create pathways for collective problem-solving.
What Selected Organizations Will Receive
Organizations selected for the Connected Futures cohort will benefit from a comprehensive support package that combines funding, leadership development, strategic advising, and peer learning.
1. One-Year $100,000 Unrestricted Grant
Each selected organization will receive:
- A one-year unrestricted grant of $100,000
- Flexible funding that can be used to strengthen operations, programs, staffing, or organizational growth
Unrestricted grants provide organizations with the flexibility needed to address operational realities and scale impact effectively.
2. Additional $10,000 Leadership Development Grant
Social Entrepreneurs leading selected organizations will also receive:
- A $10,000 grant dedicated to leadership development
- Resources to support executive coaching, leadership training, wellness, professional growth, or strategic learning opportunities
3. Strategic Advisory Support
Participating organizations will receive tailored guidance from the New Profit team through:
- One-on-one strategic advising
- Organizational development support
- Fundraising guidance
- Strategic planning assistance
- Board development workshops
- Storytelling and communications support
- Scenario planning support
4. Peer Learning and Community Building
Selected Social Entrepreneurs will participate in a collaborative cohort experience that includes:
- Peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Leadership networking
- Shared problem-solving
- Capacity-building workshops
- National convenings
What Is the Catalyze Support Model?
The Catalyze support model is New Profit’s year-long investment and learning framework for innovative social entrepreneurs.
Through Catalyze cohorts, New Profit has already invested in:
- More than 250 organizations
- Organizations serving over 35 million people
- Community-centered initiatives across all 50 U.S. states
According to New Profit, 86% of participating Social Entrepreneurs reported that the Catalyze model helped amplify their impact.
Participation Requirements for Selected Organizations
Organizations selected for the cohort are expected to fully engage in the year-long program experience.
In-Person Convenings
Social Entrepreneurs must attend:
- Three in-person convenings
- Each convening lasts 3–4 days
- Events will take place in various cities across the United States
New Profit covers:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Meals during convenings
Virtual Learning Sessions
Participants must also attend:
- Three virtual learning sessions
- Each session lasts approximately 2–3 hours
Strategic Advising Sessions
Social Entrepreneurs will engage in:
- At least six virtual one-on-one advising sessions with the New Profit team
Estimated Time Commitment
The program requires approximately:
- 6–8 hours per month on average
Who Is a Social Entrepreneur According to New Profit?
New Profit defines a Social Entrepreneur as the leader and primary decision-maker of an organization.
This individual may hold titles such as:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Executive Director
- Founder
- Managing Director
- Equivalent executive leadership roles
Organizations with co-leadership structures are also eligible for consideration.
Eligibility Criteria for the Connected Futures Cohort
Organizations interested in the Connected Futures 2026 grantmaking cycle must meet several eligibility requirements.
1. Focus on the United States
Eligible organizations must:
- Operate in the United States or U.S. territories
- Primarily serve communities within the United States
2. 501(c)(3) Status
Organizations must:
- Be an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status
3. Annual Expenses Requirement
Organizations must report annual expenses between:
- $250,000 and $2 million
This should reflect the organization’s most recently closed fiscal year.
4. Full-Time Leadership Requirement
Organizations must be led by at least one full-time Social Entrepreneur working approximately:
- 30 hours per week or more
5. Minimum Operational History
Organizations must have:
- Operated their program or impact model for at least two years
However, New Profit clarified that organizations do not need to have held 501(c)(3) status for the full two-year period as long as they currently meet the legal requirement at the time of submission.
6. No Previous Funding from New Profit
Organizations are not eligible if they have previously received investment from:
- New Profit Build initiatives
- New Profit Catalyze initiatives
7. Strategic Alignment Requirement
Organizations must align with New Profit’s strategic priorities by demonstrating how they:
- Build trust across divides
- Encourage productive dialogue
- Support civic participation
- Strengthen relationships and belonging
- Facilitate collaborative decision-making
- Promote collective action and co-design
Types of Divides Organizations May Address
Connected Futures seeks organizations working across various forms of social division, including:
- Political divides
- Racial divides
- Ethnic divides
- Religious divides
- Economic divides
- Geographic divides
- Generational divides
- Ideological divides
The emphasis is on helping communities move from mistrust and disconnection toward collaboration and shared problem-solving.
Important Deadline
Organizations interested in the Connected Futures 2026 cohort must submit the Discovery Form by:
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET
Late submissions may not be considered for the 2026 funding cycle.
How to Apply
Organizations must first complete a Discovery Form to indicate interest in the Connected Futures grantmaking cycle.
Important notes:
- Submitting a Discovery Form is not the same as submitting a full application
- Organizations selected as strong strategic fits will later be invited to complete a full application
- Invitations for full applications are expected to be sent in late June 2026
When completing the Discovery Form:
- Select “Cycle-specific submission”
- Search for “Connected Futures 2026”
Official Links
New Profit Connected Futures Information Page
For questions and support:
About New Profit
New Profit is a venture philanthropy organization focused on catalyzing the impact of social entrepreneurs expanding access and opportunity in America.
Since 1998, the organization has:
- Invested more than $350 million
- Supported over 275 high-impact organizations
- Reached more than 35 million people across all 50 states
New Profit provides organizations with:
- Capital
- Capacity-building support
- Strategic advising
- Leadership development
- Community and networking opportunities
Why Organizations Should Apply
The Connected Futures cohort offers more than funding. It provides organizations with:
- Flexible unrestricted financial support
- National visibility
- Executive leadership development
- Strategic mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Long-term organizational strengthening
- Access to a national community of changemakers
For organizations dedicated to rebuilding trust, strengthening civic collaboration, and addressing systemic challenges collectively, this opportunity can significantly expand impact and sustainability.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Grant opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
