Connecticut’s Cannabis Equity Council Relaunches $36M “Reimagine & Revitalize” Grant ProgramEarlier this week, Connecticut’s Social Equity Council unveiled its redesigned Reimagine & Revitalize initiative—a $36 million, three‑year community reinvestment investment aimed at supporting the state’s regions most affected by the war on drugs.
Why the Relaunch?
Last year, the original grant program halted following criticism from Governor Ned Lamont’s office and the Black & Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus. Concerns centered on a lack of strategy and oversight after around $6 million had already been distributed to various nonprofit projects.
Since then, the council has undergone leadership changes. Brandon McGee—formerly a deputy housing commissioner and state legislator—has succeeded Ginne‑Rae Clay as Executive Director. This reopening of the program comes alongside a new three‑year strategy, updated funding guidelines, and stricter accountability measures.
What’s New?
- Strategic clarity & oversight: The council chair, Andréa Comer, emphasized that while $36 million won’t fix everything, the updated model is designed to ensure equitable delivery with measurable impact.
- Regional focus: Grants will be allocated across 10 regions—Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford/East Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, New Haven/East Haven/West Haven, New London/Norwich/Windham, Norwalk, Stamford, and Waterbury—covering nearly 80% of Connecticut’s “disproportionately impacted” census tracts (194 out of 237).
- Structured grant management: Nonprofit grant managers with at least five years of experience will be chosen via a region‑specific RFP process. Each manager will oversee about 18 contracts sized between $25,000–$100,000.
- Target sectors: Funding is reserved for economic development initiatives, programs supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration, and youth-centered activities .
Accountability & Oversight
Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon’s office has partnered with the council to address findings from a 2024 audit. Scanlon stated that the SEC “has made great strides” and affirmed his office’s continued involvement in ensuring the program fulfills its promise.
What This Means for Communities
This relaunch reflects a longer-term commitment to weaving cannabis tax revenue into meaningful community transformation—beyond mere tokenism. By focusing on regions historically marginalized during the War on Drugs and implementing robust governance, this iteration of the grant program seeks to blend justice, opportunity, and regional growth in a transparent and measurable way.
What to Watch Next
- RFP development: Keep an eye out for the rollout of RFPs and the selection process for regional grant managers.
- First-round allocations: Following the RFPs, we’ll start to see where and how investment unfolds.
- Impact tracking: Metrics reporting will be key—look for annual updates on the effectiveness of grants in job growth, post-incarceration support, and youth outcomes.
Bottom line: The revamped Reimagine & Revitalize program marks a more calculated, regionally-focused step toward harnessing cannabis revenue for social equity—backed by oversight, clear metrics, and experienced stewardship. If it lives up to its intent, Connecticut could emerge as a model for equitable cannabis reinvestment in the years ahead.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
