Hartford Foundation Has Two New Ways To Fund Social Justice Causes

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford-based foundation charged with funding social justice and diversity initiatives has recently announced two new funds through which area organizations doing that type of work can apply for.

Last year, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving provided two grant opportunities in support of its strategic goals to advance equity in social and economic mobility and contribute to dismantling structural racism.

Focused on community organizing and resident engagement projects, the foundation awarded more than $500,000 in grants to support of the community organizing work of 10 community groups and nonprofit organizations and more than $110,000 in grants to support the resident engagement activities of six community groups and nonprofits.

Recently, the Foundation announced two new requests for proposals to nonprofits and other community groups engaged in local civic engagement, participation and social change.

“The Foundation was overwhelmed by depth and breadth of the responses we received through last year’s community organizing and resident engagement opportunities,” said Hartford Foundation Senior Community Impact Officer Cierra Stancil.

Community Organizing RFP

• The Community Organizing RFP is a competitive grant opportunity for nonprofits or community groups conducting community organizing efforts led by people of color and/or people representing traditionally marginalized communities.

Efforts can focus on increasing racial/social justice issue awareness, increasing resident leadership on racial/social justice issues and increasing civic education and issue awareness.

Projects can include efforts to address issues such as housing, education, health care, the concerns of returning citizens and issues affecting LGBTQIA+ persons.

The scope of work considered could take place over the span of one year.

Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $60,000.

The foundation estimates applicants will hear whether they received a grant approximately 4 to 7 weeks from the date they submit their application.

The application deadline is rolling through Sept. 26.

Prospective applicants can review the Request for Proposal to learn more at this link.

Resident Engagement

• The Resident Engagement competitive grant opportunity is for nonprofits or community groups engaged in or planning local civic participation efforts with the potential to increase civic trust, increase social issue awareness and promote allyship with marginalized communities.

Resident engagement efforts might include activities such as: hosting community meetings or forums; conducting workshops, retreats or informational outreach campaigns; and volunteerism projects.

Efforts can focus on increasing racial/social justice issue awareness, increasing resident leadership on racial/social justice issues, and increasing civic education and issue awareness.

Projects can include efforts to address issues such as housing, education, health care, the concerns of returning citizens, and issues affecting LGBTQIA+ persons.

Scope of work considered could take place over the course of one year.

Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $25,000.

The Foundation estimates applicants will hear whether they received a grant approximately 4 to 7 weeks from the date they submit their application.

The application deadline is rolling through Sept. 26.

Prospective applicants can review the Request for Proposal to learn more.An access code is required to complete this application. Contact Tiana Starks at tstarks@hfpg.org to determine eligibility and receive the access code.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.