Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1482541
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | GIVING GUIDE 2022 3 AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT T his July I marked my fifth year as president of the Hartford Foun- dation for Public Giving. During that time, I have been privileged to learn—often from you—what makes Greater Hartford both a wonder- ful and challenging place to work and live. One message that continues to both resonate and be reinforced with me: We do not do our work alone. The Hartford Foundation works shoulder to shoulder with community leaders committed to improving our systems of government, and nonprofit organi- zations delivering the programs and services that help meet basic human needs, enhance our neighborhoods, create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, promote civic engagement, and support the arts. Most of all, it is the generous, passionate support of donors—people like you—that enables us to undertake the important work of creating lasting solutions that result in vibrant communities. We do not take your trust in us lightly. This year, we committed to opening our doors wider, including more individ- uals and organizations in our work. Specifically, we are working more often with smaller, more local organizations, often led by people or color. For example, Since it launched in April 2021, Access Grants totaling $1.35 million have been awarded to 41 nonprofit organizations with leadership and staff that reflect the community and have deep relationships in traditionally marginalized communities. Many of these organizations received grants from the Foundation for the first time. Donations to the Action Fund for Racial Justice were used to supplement these grants. In May, the Foundation partnered with the City of Hartford to provide another round of Love Your Block Grants, totaling more than $225,000 to support 21 resident-led projects in 15 different neighborhoods. In August, the Foundation awarded six Resident Engagement grants to- taling more than $110,000 to smaller, community-led groups to promote civic engagement in ways that connect with specific neighborhoods. As you read through this edition of the Giving Guide, take a look at the broad array of organizations working to improve the quality of life for all of us who call Greater Hartford home, then consider how you might amplify your impact. Jay Williams President and CEO Hartford Foundation for Public Giving UNITED WE CAN S ince my arrival to this United Way in February 2022, I have taken the time to listen and learn as much as I can. There is no doubt that this is a critical time in our organization's history, and a time when the community needs United Way more than ever. But the saying is true that with every challenge, a new opportunity is always on the horizon. We have a tremendous responsibility to help children and families in our region build a brighter, more equitable future for all. As we approach our Centennial year of service, we also have a respon- sibility to inspire our donors and volunteers to take action. While I look ahead, I am eager to engage stakeholders like you to solve relevant issues. This will be vital to United Way's evolution. Together, we will tailor impact to the most pressing needs of the community. My hope is to invite trans- formational giving to innovative programs that are game-changing for struggling households. Together, we can make futures brighter by creating lasting solutions to complex challenges and addressing immediate needs. Together, we can make life better for those who need help the most right now and improve community conditions for the well-being of children and families. Current and future leaders live in every town across our region and we are committed to authentically engaging with you as partners, donors and volunteers. Whether you choose to Give, Advocate or Volunteer, we are counting on you to demonstrate what it looks like to LIVE UNITED. I am here to serve, and I am honored to be leading your local United Way at such a monumental time. I am excited for the change we will create TOGETHER. Sincerely, Eric Harrison President and CEO United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut FROM OUR Founding Sponsors to all of our nonprofit partners who work to achieve greater equity in our community. hfpg.org/hbjoin Join us: