Days after unveiling plans for a new $35 million headquarters in the city’s North End, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving announced it will change its name to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation as the century-old philanthropy enters its second century.
The rebranding — which includes a new logo, tagline and website launching Jan. 6 — is intended to better reflect the organization’s regional mission, leaders said.
The new identity follows Friday’s announcement of a two-story, 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot headquarters planned for the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street, a project foundation officials have described as a “gateway” investment for Hartford’s North End.
Jay Williams, the foundation’s president and CEO, said the name change stems from longstanding discussions about whether the organization’s identity clearly communicated its work and reach across Greater Hartford.
“As we began planning for our Centennial anniversary, we asked ourselves if there is a name for this century-old organization that more effectively communicates what is at the core of who we are and what we do,” Williams said in a statement.
Under the plan, the foundation will officially adopt the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation name in January 2026, along with the tagline “A strong foundation for all.” Its redesigned website, greaterhartfordgives.org, is scheduled to go live Jan. 6.
The announcement also adds context to the institution’s ongoing capital projects. On Friday, during a centennial celebration at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Williams detailed plans for the new headquarters, saying the move from the eighth floor of a downtown tower to a street-level site in the North End brings the foundation closer to the communities it serves.
The foundation expects to break ground in spring 2026 and finish construction in early 2028.
The rebranding effort was developed over 18 months in partnership with Big Duck, a New York-based creative agency that specializes in nonprofit communications. The work included input from staff, board members, donors, nonprofit leaders and volunteers, the organization said.
Board Chair Mark Overmyer-Velázquez said the new name is intended to signal both identity and intent, reflecting “the generosity, strength and shared commitment of the people of our region.”
According to the foundation, its new monogram logo incorporates structural bridge elements as a symbol of connection and strength, with a blue palette inspired by the Connecticut River. The tagline will be used to highlight different aspects of the foundation’s work.
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving serves Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Since its founding in 1925, it has awarded more than $1 billion in grants funded by individuals, families and organizations.
