Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities

We believe in the power of direct cash assistance to create lasting change.

In one of the richest states in the U.S., nearly 40 percent of adults in Connecticut are struggling financially, the highest rate of financial insecurity since 2015.

— 2024 DataHaven Community Wellbeing Survey

Strengthening economic and household security, reducing stress, and enhancing positive outcomes helps reduce the risk of violence and suicide.

— Centers for Disease Control

“Multiple barriers prevent formerly incarcerated people from participating in crucial financial programs, despite the evidence that financial stability improves family re-connections for the formerly incarcerated parent and child health status.”

— Destiny G. Tolliver, MD, MHS, Boston Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

“There are several pathways by which lack of financial resources can impact health, including food insecurity and housing instability, as well as a source of chronic toxic stress.”

— Benjamin A. Howell, MD, MPH, MHS, Yale School of Medicine

Why direct cash assistance?

It’s a powerful tool to relieve economic pressures and provide those in need with same-day resources.
No-strings-attached cash assistance provides recipients with the flexibility to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
It is less costly to deliver than in-kind support for the same, if not better, results.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, cash provides short-term stability, enabling recipients to stay on track to reach longer-term financial and personal goals.

Our Approach

Immediate relief

Our direct cash assistance programs deliver same-day, one-time or recurring financial resources to individuals facing economic hardship. We prioritize marginalized communities, recognizing the systemic barriers they often face.

Collaborative Impact

We partner with local organizations that know their communities best to identify individuals and families in need, ensuring that our cash assistance is timely, equitable, and impactful.

Community-centered

By supporting individuals directly, we aim to uplift entire communities. When one person thrives, their success ripples outward, creating a stronger Connecticut.

Trust and empowerment

We operate on a foundation of trust. Our cash assistance programs give recipients the freedom to make decisions that best serve their needs and aspirations.

Together, we’re stronger

At 4-CT, we’re not just providing financial assistance—we’re fostering dignity, opportunity, and hope. By trusting individuals to make the best choices for themselves and their families, we’re building a more equitable and thriving Connecticut for all.

Let’s work together to create meaningful change.

Our Impact

“He was able to feed his family with non-canned food he could not otherwise afford.”

— SEICHE Center for Health and Justice

“Then, after that, the Dunkin’ [job] came in. Don’t get me wrong, it was doing good, but [the money from the pilot] was like a little extra helping hand.

Now I’m not just getting stuff for me and for the baby, my mom was also low on rent. There was a time I gave my mom the whole $500. ‘Come, mom, take it cause you gonna need it more than me. I can wait for next month and I get paid in like 2-3 days. I’m not worried about it. Take it’

It makes me feel like I’m doing something. I’m doing something good.”

— Elm City Reentry Pilot Participant

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Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities

In one of the richest states in the U.S., nearly 40 percent of adults in Connecticut are struggling financially, the highest rate of financial insecurity since 2015.

Strengthening economic and household security, reducing stress, and enhancing positive outcomes helps reduce the risk of violence and suicide.

“Multiple barriers prevent formerly incarcerated people from participating in crucial financial programs, despite the evidence that financial stability improves family re-connections for the formerly incarcerated parent and child health status.”

“There are several pathways by which lack of financial resources can impact health, including food insecurity and housing instability, as well as a source of chronic toxic stress.”

Why direct cash assistance?

It’s a powerful tool to relieve economic pressures and provide those in need with same-day resources.

No-strings-attached cash assistance provides recipients with the flexibility to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

It is less costly to deliver than in-kind support for the same, if not better, results.

Beyond meeting immediate needs, cash provides short-term stability, enabling recipients to stay on track to reach longer-term financial and personal goals.