MISSION:
Putting philanthropy into action to create lasting solutions that result in vibrant communities within the Greater Hartford region.
As Greater Hartford’s community foundation, we are a public grantmaking organization bringing together dedicated individuals, businesses and nonprofits to understand local challenges, share information, and invest resources in solutions that can improve the quality of life for residents of our region and across the state of Connecticut.
GOALS
We are working with an array of partners to remove persistent disparities in our region where we know them to be most pronounced across 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 in our region facing barriers to employment.
- Support basic human needs, applying an equity lens to the systems and programs that address food and housing, physical and mental health and the digital divide.
- Support arts and culture in our region, with a focus on expanding opportunities for people of color, who are underrepresented in Greater Hartford’s art workforce.
- Support civic and resident engagement by resourcing resident-led advocacy and organizing efforts and inclusive civic processes.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Persistent disparities affecting the region’s Black and Latinx communities as well as other communities of color create barriers to health, well-being, and wealth building. These disparities are the result of decades of systemic factors and disinvestment in our communities, many of which are still woven into the fabric of our institutions.
The Action Fund for Racial Justice was launched in June to help dismantle structural racism and achieve equity in social and economic mobility in Greater Hartford. Donors can make a gift of any size to the Action Fund or choose to direct their gift toward racial justice work in one of our five strategic outcome areas. Learn more at hfpg.org/actionfund.
The Hartford Foundation is also here to help donors with their unique philanthropic goals, from opening a donor-advised fund to starting a scholarship or building an endowment. Individuals and organizations can establish a fund with as little as $1,000 and build it up over time—with interest earned—until the threshold is reached where grants can be awarded. Our charitable gift planning experts are here to establish a one-on-one relationship with donors, working to design a plan that best meets any giving goals. Donors also have secure digital access to their fund information, whenever and wherever they want.
POST-PANDEMIC
In response to the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism, and based on feedback from our community partners, we made several internal changes over the past 18 months. 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. As we plan for a future return to our office while respecting public health guidelines and monitoring changes in the COVID virus, we continue to look for ways to better serve our donors and our community.
“Dismantling structural racism and inequity is essential work that we must do individually and collectively. We’re proud to support the Foundation’s Action Fund for Racial Justice. Together we can and will accomplish real and lasting change.”
— Diane Mack, The Bluebird Fund, West Hartford, CT
“Centering the voices of residents in organizing and advocacy is foundational to creating strong, socially and economically healthy communities. We are in a pivotal moment, with a unique opportunity to confront structural racism and build a just and equitable society. I enthusiastically support HFPG’s commitment to create sustainable solutions. ”
— Jackie Johnson, West Hartford, CT
