Strong Neighborhoods. Stronger Democracy
Our mission is to make the 21st century the Civic Century by bringing neighbors together through community-building, neighborhood projects, and civic participation — with the goal of strengthening our democracy.
In 2012, nearly 60% of Americans talked to their neighbors regularly. Today it’s down to 40%, and only 25% among young adults (AEI Survey, 2026). When neighbors know each other, we can build strong neighborhoods: Where neighbors can get support, solve problems, and trust each other through disagreement. We believe democracy is practiced first on our stoops, sidewalks, and shared blocks, and that’s where Civic Works invests.
We carry out charitable and educational activities in Greater New Haven, Connecticut and hope to inspire others to do similar work in their towns.
Our team
The Civic Works founding team are seasoned civic and entrepreneurial leaders rooted in New Haven – with backgrounds in politics, business, and neighborhood leadership.
CAROLINE TANBEE SMITH
Co-Founder, Collab: New Haven-based small business accelerator
Twice-elected Alder: City of New Haven, Board of Alders
Co-Founder, New Haven Bike Month and aapiNHV
ming thompson
Co-Founder, Atelier Cho Thompson
Critic at Yale School of Architecture
Co-Founder of A Rising Tide: Dedicated to AAPI Architects
miles lasater
CEO & Founder of Purpose, Built Ventures
Co-Founder of Higher One, See Click Fix, OneUni
Board Member of ConnCORP, and founder of greater New Haven’s Neighbors For Housing
THE Know your neighbors fund
Selection Committee
Civic and social leaders from across New Haven, who support multiple rounds of fund selections.
Daniel Hunt
Community Liaison,
ConnCorp
Ana JUArez
Board Member,
Elm City COMPASS
Hope ChÁvez
Executive Director,
Arts Council of Greater New Haven
Elise Granata
Founder,
Group Hug