Applications are Open: Connected Futures Cohort 2026 for U.S.-Based Social Impact Organisations
The New Profit has officially launched applications for the Connected Futures Cohort 2026, a transformative initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations working to bridge social, political, economic, and cultural divides across the United States.
As part of New Profit’s Catalyze Cohort Programme, the initiative offers unrestricted funding, leadership development, strategic advisory support, and peer learning opportunities for organizations committed to building trust, collaboration, and community resilience in polarized environments.
The programme aims to strengthen innovative organizations that are driving people-centred change while promoting inclusion, civic engagement, and social cohesion in underserved communities.
What Is the Connected Futures Cohort 2026?
The Connected Futures Cohort is a 12-month development and funding programme that supports social impact organizations focused on addressing division, exclusion, and mistrust within American communities.
The initiative recognizes that many communities face growing political, racial, economic, and geographic divides that weaken social trust and limit collective progress. Through funding and institutional support, New Profit seeks to empower organizations developing practical solutions that foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.
The programme combines financial support with organizational capacity-building, enabling selected nonprofits to strengthen their long-term impact and sustainability.
Key Benefits for Selected Organizations
Organizations selected for the Connected Futures Cohort 2026 will receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate organizational growth and leadership effectiveness.
Funding Opportunities
Successful applicants will receive:
- $100,000 unrestricted grant funding
- $10,000 leadership development grant for the organization’s leader
The unrestricted nature of the funding allows organizations to allocate resources where they are needed most, including programme expansion, staffing, operations, or strategic growth initiatives.
Capacity Building and Strategic Support
Beyond funding, the programme provides extensive organizational development support.
Participants Will Benefit From:
- One-on-one strategic advisory support from New Profit experts
- Participation in a 12-month learning cohort
- Peer learning with other social impact leaders
- Leadership and organizational development opportunities
- Capacity-building support in:
- Fundraising
- Governance
- Storytelling
- Strategic planning
- Scaling impact
The programme also covers travel, accommodation, and participation costs for in-person convenings and collaborative learning sessions.
Focus Areas of the Programme
The Connected Futures Cohort supports organizations addressing societal divisions and promoting inclusive engagement.
Eligible Focus Areas Include:
- Political polarization
- Racial and ethnic divides
- Economic inequality
- Religious differences
- Geographic and civic exclusion
- Community mistrust and fragmentation
The programme prioritizes organizations working in sectors such as:
- Education
- Public health
- Democracy and civic participation
- Economic mobility
- Community development
By supporting innovative nonprofit leaders, New Profit aims to encourage sustainable and scalable social impact solutions across the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The programme is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations operating within the United States.
Organizations Must Meet the Following Requirements:
- Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization
- Hold 501(c)(3) status or operate under a fiscal sponsor
- Primarily operate within the United States
- Have at least two years of operational history
- Maintain annual expenses between $250,000 and $2 million
- Be led full-time by a social entrepreneur, CEO, or executive leader
- Demonstrate measurable impact in bridging social divides
International organizations are not eligible unless they are officially registered as U.S.-based nonprofits.
Application Process Explained
The application process begins with an initial Discovery Form submission used to assess organizational alignment and strategic fit.
Steps to Apply
Interested organizations must:
- Complete the Discovery Form on the New Profit platform
- Select “Connected Futures 2026” as the submission category
- Provide organizational and programme information
- Describe alignment with the initiative’s mission
- Await review and screening feedback
Organizations shortlisted after the initial screening stage will be invited to submit a full application.
Additional Selection Steps
Shortlisted applicants may also be required to:
- Participate in interviews
- Attend selection review sessions
- Submit detailed impact and organizational strategy documents
Successful organizations will then join the 12-month Catalyze Cohort Programme.
Why the Connected Futures Cohort Matters
Across the United States, growing social and political polarization continues to impact communities, institutions, and civic participation. Organizations working to build dialogue, understanding, and inclusive collaboration are increasingly critical in promoting social stability and community resilience.
The Connected Futures Cohort addresses this challenge by investing directly in mission-driven organizations that:
- Promote trust and civic engagement
- Encourage cross-community collaboration
- Address systemic inequalities
- Strengthen democratic participation
- Create sustainable community solutions
By combining unrestricted funding with leadership support and peer collaboration, New Profit is helping organizations expand their influence and long-term impact.
Application Deadline
Organizations interested in joining the Connected Futures Cohort 2026 must submit their Discovery Forms before:
- Deadline Date: 26 May 2026
Early submissions are encouraged to ensure adequate time for review and consideration.
A Major Opportunity for Social Impact Leaders
The Connected Futures Cohort 2026 represents a valuable opportunity for nonprofit organizations seeking both funding and strategic growth support. With increasing demand for solutions that address social fragmentation and inequality, the programme offers mission-driven leaders the tools and networks needed to scale meaningful change.
For organizations dedicated to strengthening communities, advancing inclusion, and bridging divides, the initiative provides both financial investment and long-term developmental support.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
