Nick Callegari is fundraising
Empower Change with Groundwork Bridgeport
Groundwork Bridgeport has already secured over $2.0 million in awarded grants to serve Bridgeport neighborhoods, but federal delays and fund restrictions mean we need $50,000 now to help unlock those funds. A generous donor will match every dollar raised, doubling your impact.
Help Unlock $2.0 million for Our Community.
Bridgeport’s neighborhoods are ready for meaningful resources and improvements, and the funding is already approved.
Groundwork Bridgeport has secured more than $2.0 million in awarded grants from trusted partners like state agencies, federal programs, and local foundations. These funds support community gardens, youth leadership, workforce development, and community-led planning across the city.
Here’s the Challenge
Most of this funding is reimbursement-based. That means Groundwork Bridgeport must first pay staff, vendors, and program costs before grant dollars are released.
Due to federal funding delays and rising costs, the organization recently faced a cash shortfall, putting us at risk of furloughing staff even while critical community projects were ready to launch.
We are not asking to be “rescued.”
We are asking for a bridge for Bridgeport.
Why This Moment Matters
Right now, a committed donor has stepped forward with a powerful offer:
They will donate $50,000 if we can raise $50,000 from the community and our supporters.
That means every dollar you give is instantly doubled, helping us unlock over $2.0 million already awarded to Bridgeport.
If we reach this goal, Groundwork Bridgeport can immediately:
- Strengthen and expand 11 community gardens, turning them into vibrant neighborhood hubs
- Advance urban greening efforts, including a city-wide tree inventory that will guide future planting and heat-reduction strategies
- Run youth programs that build leadership, environmental stewardship, and community pride
- Support workforce development, helping formerly incarcerated residents build pathways back into stable employment
- Lead community-driven engagement for major neighborhood infrastructure and public-space projects
This is funding that has already been awarded, but your support actually helps put it to work.
Recent Momentum
Despite financial strain, Groundwork Bridgeport continues to be trusted by partners and residents alike:
- Awarded $15,000 from The Trust for Public Land to lead community engagement for the Yellow Mill Channel
- Awarded $25,000 from Connecticut MetroCOG for resident-led transportation planning in Bridgeport’s East End
- Selected to lead community engagement on multiple city projects, with more decisions pending
- Youth leaders recently completed the Yellow Mill Youth Ambassadors Program, hosting community events and producing an engagement report shaped directly by resident voices
The work is strong.
The trust is real.
We just need the cash flow to continue.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Every dollar is matched, up to $50,000
- Share: GoFundMe campaigns succeed when people share within the first 72 hours
- Powered by a desire to help others: Your gift keeps essential, community-led work moving forward
Together, we can turn a temporary funding gap into a long-term win for Bridgeport neighborhoods.
Thank you for believing in community-driven change.
- T
- A
16 supporters
guidestar.org/profile/06-1556949