Congratulations to the Hartford Business Journal on the tenth anniversary of the Giving Guide and the support it provides to our community’s nonprofit organizations.
Hartford’s business community has a rich history of giving back to the community. In 1925, two local bankers came together to form what is now the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Because of their generosity, and that of many others in the decades since, the Foundation can give back in significant ways to the region and its residents.
How does the Foundation choose how to put these gifts to work? By looking forward.
• The Foundation developed a new strategic plan after listening to residents, donors, and nonprofits across Greater Hartford. One common theme emerged: our region must achieve greater racial, geographic and economic inclusion. Persistent disparities affected by race, place/ZIP Code and income developed over decades of systemic factors, structural racism and disinvestment in many communities.
• There are numerous opportunities to ignite development in Greater Hartford — some of which fall outside traditional grantmaking and business investing. In 2018, the Hartford Foundation launched a wholly-owned subsidiary, HFPG Impact!, to help those opportunities become realities. Our first pledge was to support the turf field at Dillon Stadium, to ensure community use of the venue. We are currently weighing several other community-enhancing investments that aim to counteract the historic exclusion of certain neighborhoods and communities.
• A strong democracy needs informed voters and engaged residents. In September, the Foundation made a one million dollar commitment to help bring a presidential debate to Hartford in 2020. A significant portion was earmarked for inclusive community engagement; that commitment remains. We will continue to promote community engagement and resident voice including through support to 20 area nonprofits on Get Out the Vote and Census 2020 efforts.
As we look back over the past decade, the Foundation is proud to have supported the Giving Guide. Looking forward, we are inspired by the array of possibilities that await the Greater Hartford community.
Jay Williams, President, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
