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6 Hartford Business Journal • December 15, 2015 www.HartfordBusiness.com 90 YEARS TOGETHER FOR GOOD I n 1925, two bankers had a vision: establish a community-wide charitable endowment that would accept "gifts, devises and bequests" to serve as a trustworthy, steadfast and responsive charitable resource to the community forever. The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has come a long way in 90 years, and throughout our history, we have been committed to building and advancing thriving communities in our region. Charitable assets that grew from a single bequest of $1,000 now total more than $934 million. The Foundation began grantmaking in 1936, awarding their entire budget of $982.52 to the Watkinson Library, currently housed at Trinity College. In 2014, we awarded $32.6 million to more than 600 area nonprofits, including support to advance educational equity and opportunity in the region's most challenging school districts. Our 90th year has been an eventful one. In collaboration with WNPR, we launched Words to Give By, our community-wide storytelling project, where nearly 200 residents recorded stories of everyday generosity. Eight regional partners and the Hartford Foundation published the second edition of Metro Hartford Progress Points, focusing on three key challenges to our region: access to quality schools, better jobs and stronger neighborhoods. We continue to support efforts to provide our young people with opportunities to develop more solid career pathways by investing in programs that expose them to a variety of career and educational possibilities. Having an impact like this takes collaboration, partnership and a long-term view of success. Tackling the issues we face is only possible when dedicated donors, engaged nonprofits, volunteers and families come together with a common vision: helping to create thriving communities. Building a thriving community takes patience, tenacity and hope. Looking toward the future, we ask ourselves — what will the next 90 years at the Hartford Foundation look like? While there is no clear answer, one thing is certain: we will be here working hard to advance the Greater Hartford region for generations to come. Linda J. Kelly President Hartford Foundation for Public Giving BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES TOGETHER F or the more than 200 years that we've been in business at The Hartford, we have believed in being the best neighbor possible. We are proud to call Hartford our home, and as a corporate citizen with a major presence in the area, we take seriously the important role that we play in the region's continued development and growth while making sure that everyone benefits from this growth. As a leader in the insurance industry, our focus is on supporting people in their time of need and ensuring they have a better tomorrow by planning for risks and protecting what's important. We view our corporate citizenship in much the same light. We believe in our obligation to cultivate collaborative partnerships with community organizations and local residents, encourage employee volunteerism, and develop programs that have the power to deliver sustainable results and improve the quality of life for citizens. Whether it's helping to support achievement in our local schools, visibly improving our neighborhoods, or educating school children about fire safety, The Hartford and its community partners are dedicated to making a positive impact. We are also proud to have committed employees across our organization who contribute to charitable, environmental, and other philanthropic programs, both in Hartford and across the country. So far this year, our employees in Connecticut have volunteered nearly 30,000 hours, serving more than 300 non-profit organizations. But there is always more to be done. Commitment and coordination between local corporations, non-profits and community leaders can help us collectively determine where best to not only direct our philanthropic efforts, and perhaps more importantly, where to contribute our time and expertise to have a lasting positive impact. We are proud to stand among those who do the same and encourage and welcome other members of the Hartford business community to make a lasting contribution to our hometown, and make Hartford an even better place to live and work. Christopher J. Swift Chairman and Chief Executive Officer The Hartford From Our Sponsors