Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • November 4, 2019 • GIVING GUIDE • Hartford Business Journal 5 Engaging community, making a difference T he 95th anniversary of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is an opportunity to honor our past and celebrate the future. For more than nine decades, we've been steadfast in our mission to engage and bring together people and resources committed to the well- being of children and families in our community. As we charge ahead 95 years strong, we remain resolute in our mission. We will continue to invest in innovative, results-driven programs by qualified, accountable community organizations. We will provide leadership on initiatives that drive long-lasting, positive change. And, we will partner with individuals, corporations, government and philanthropy to effectively marshal the funding and human resources needed. We will also ensure that the community's voice is elevated, and that people are authentically engaged in tackling issues and identifying opportunities. Join us in exploring additional ways to make a difference as individuals and as community partners: • Open a United Way Donor Advised Fund and invest in the causes you care about most; • Encourage your workplace to adopt Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud, the next-generation philanthropy platform that gives every employee access to a global network of opportunities to donate, volunteer and advocate for any cause; • Let us work with you in developing meaningful and innovative volunteer, employee engagement and teambuilding opportunities both at the workplace and with your personal networks; and, • Donate to United Way for the assurance that funds will be invested in programs, services and initiatives by exemplary community partners committed to long-lasting, positive change for local children and families. Together, we will accomplish more than what any of us can do alone. United to do something big, Paula S. Gilberto President and CEO United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut From Our Founding Sponsors United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Philanthropy Gives Back By Looking Forward C ongratulations 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

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