Mission:
We put philanthropy into action to create lasting solutions that result in vibrant communities within the Greater Hartford region. To achieve our mission, we must take significant steps to dismantle structural racism and advance equity in social and economic mobility in Greater Hartford’s Black and Latinx communities.
Who are you helping, and how?
Black, Latinx and other communities of color face persistent disparities that create barriers to health, well-being and wealth building. These disparities are woven into the fabric of societal institutions after decades of systemic discrimination and disinvestment.
To achieve our mission, we must take significant steps to dismantle structural racism and advance equity in social and economic mobility in Greater Hartford’s Black and Latinx communities. Learn more about our commitment at hfpg.org/commitment.
Goals for the next 12 months
We work with numerous partners to address persistent disparities in five outcome areas:
• Increase the number of Hartford residents living in higher opportunity neighborhoods
• Increase stable employment opportunities for Black and Latinx adults and youth facing barriers to employment and education
• Support basic human needs, applying an equity lens to the systems and programs addressing food and housing; physical and mental health; and the digital divide
• Support arts and culture; with a focus on expanding opportunities for people of color
• Support civic and resident engagement by resourcing resident-led advocacy and organizing efforts and inclusive civic processes.
Giving Opportunities
The Action Fund for Racial Justice was launched in 2021 to help dismantle structural racism and achieve equity in social and economic mobility in Greater Hartford. Donors can make a gift directly to the Action Fund or direct their gift toward one of five strategic outcome areas. Learn more at hfpg.org/actionfund.
The Hartford Foundation is also here to help donors with their unique philanthropic goals, such as opening a donor-advised fund, starting a scholarship or building an endowment. Our charitable gift planning experts establish a one-on-one relationship with you, working to design a plan that meets any giving goals.
Post-pandemic:
The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism forced us to take a hard look at ourselves. Following feedback from community partners, we refined our operations for greater impact, such as streamlining our grantmaking processes. We implemented staffing changes to align around our strategic goals and we embedded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices throughout our work.
“The foundation of our efforts and intent is social justice issues and how we can help contribute to creating a more equitable society, essentially leveling the playing field in different areas whether it’s health, education or other social and human services.”
Yvette Meléndez
President, YMR Consulting, South Glastonbury
