Strategic Priorities

We fund programs that fill the gaps within the gaps — the smaller, urgent, everyday needs that traditional philanthropy and systems sometimes overlook. Our goal is to stabilize, empower, and uplift ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) by supporting nonprofits that help individuals overcome the financial barriers that threaten their well-being, employment, and mobility.

We prioritize programs that deliver dignity-centered, people-focused support that leads to immediate and meaningful impact.

  • We support programs that prevent a temporary hardship from becoming a long-term crisis.

    Priority areas include:

    • Emergency financial assistance

    • Utility support and shutoff prevention

    • Rental support for sudden shortfalls

    • Support with fees that often derail progress (application fees, testing fees, licensing fees)

    • Short-term hotel or shelter stays for families in immediate danger

    • Disaster-related or weather-related emergency assistance

    Why it matters:

    ALICE households often live one unexpected expense away from crisis. Fast, flexible support keeps families stable.

  • We fund interventions that help individuals keep or secure employment.

    Priority areas include:

    • Car repair support to ensure reliable transportation to work

    • Funding for tools, equipment, work boots, uniforms, and certifications

    • Childcare support that allows parents to maintain employment

    • Transportation solutions (bus passes, gas cards, rideshare support)

    • Support for job training participants (stipends, exam fees, technology needs)

    Why it matters:

    Employment interruptions hit ALICE families hardest. A car repair or childcare gap can cost someone their job and their stability.

  • We support programs that help people meet fundamental health and daily living needs with dignity.

    Priority areas include:

    • Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care

    • Essential medical items not fully covered by insurance

    • Mental health copay assistance

    • Medication support and emergency prescriptions

    • Basic needs such as diapers, formula, hygiene items, or adaptive equipment

    Why it matters:

    Health-related expenses are among the top reasons ALICE families fall behind financially. Small supports prevent compounding hardships.

  • We fund programs that remove cost barriers to education, skill-building, and advancement.

    Priority areas include:

    • GED and other testing fees

    • College and certification application fees

    • Tutoring and academic supports

    • Technology access (devices, software, internet support)

    • Program-specific materials that families cannot afford

    Why it matters:

    A small financial barrier (even $50) can block access to life-changing opportunities.

  • We prioritize nonprofits that center dignity, representation, and equity throughout their work.

    Priority areas include:

    • Programs that demonstrate cultural responsiveness

    • Organizations with diverse leadership reflective of the communities served

    • Models that include community voice in decision-making

    • Nonprofits that partner with other agencies to strengthen service delivery

    • Programs that close gaps for populations who often fall outside eligibility (ALICE, mixed-status families, working caregivers, young adults, etc.)

    Why it matters:

    Community-led, culturally-grounded organizations are often best positioned to reach neighbors who fall through the cracks.

  • We intentionally uplift small, community-based organizations that deliver high-impact, person-centered support.

    Priority areas include:

    • Organizations with budgets under $1 million

    • Grassroots or emerging nonprofits serving high-need communities

    • Programs with deep local relationships

    • Capacity-building that helps small nonprofits strengthen their reach

    Why it matters:

    Small nonprofits often serve ALICE families most directly — yet have the least access to traditional funding streams.

Our Funding Lens

Across all priorities, CGAACo seeks programs that:

  • Provide rapid, flexible, real-time support

  • Center the human experience and treat every individual with dignity

  • Address immediate needs that prevent long-term hardship

  • Fill gaps traditional systems cannot reach

  • Demonstrate collaboration, not duplication

  • Reflect equity, inclusion, and cultural humility

  • Measure impact through stories, stability, and lived outcomes, not just numbers