The Connect US Fund—a joint foundation/NGO initiative supported by the Open Society Institute, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation—is pleased to announce the release of its 2005-2006 funding guidelines.

Throughout 2004 and 2005 Connect US listened to the field through regional and grantee gatherings, surveys, and individual conversations with Connect US participants in order to better understand areas needing focus. From data gathered during this process, Connect US developed grantmaking strategies to help these under-resourced areas.

The grantmaking strategies are captured in three distinct grantmaking pools. Currently, Connect US is requesting proposals for two of its three grantmaking areas:

• Bridge-Building Grants
• Campaign Grants

Proposals for the two funding pools are due by August 30, 2005. Details about the third pool—Connect US Rapid Response Grants—will be released in mid-Spetember. 

For additional information, including funding guidelines, visit the Tides Foundation website at www.tidesfoundation.org/cu/connectus_RFP.cfm.

If you have any questions, email connectus@tides.org.