Blue Hills Civic Association Receives $450,000 Hartford Foundation Grant

Two-year grant will support organization’s work in Hartford’s North End focused on community development, job training and resident organizing 

For 62 years, Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) has worked alongside the people living and working in the Hartford’s north end. The neighborhoods of Clay Arsenal, Upper Albany, and Northeast are each designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a “Promise Zone.”  

BHCA focuses its efforts on community grassroots organizing and outreach; economic and community development, including upgrading homes and a planned neighborhood and community development center; and workforce development that connects individuals, including youth, with training and job opportunities. 

In recognition of their longstanding commitment and successful support of the residents of North Hartford, Blue Hills Civic Association has received a two-year, $450,000 grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. This support will allow BHCA to build on the work that the Hartford Foundation has supported over the past several years. 

“On behalf of the Blue Hills Civic Association, I extend my sincerest gratitude the Hartford Foundation as this grant will position our organization to achieve significant and sustainable outcomes in our three strategic areas of economic development and housing, community engagement and workforce development,” said BHCA Executive Director Vicki Gallon-Clark. “We are excited to help hundreds of residents increase the market value of their homes through the deferred maintenance program, enhance their small business infrastructure, become more civically engaged, and prepare for the over 90,000 vacant jobs through our workforce development initiatives. This is truly a partnership for a stronger Hartford community!” 

BHCA’s economic and community development work is entering a new era with the planning and development of its Neighborhood and Community Development Center which will serve as the hub for the Association’s workforce development, homeownership and financial mastery and generational wealth efforts. Utilizing partnerships and collaborations with local nonprofits and businesses, BHCA envisions a broad range of services and investments to create long-term stability and growth in the communities it serves. Currently in the planning phase, BHCA has received funding to develop architectural plans (slated for completion December 2024) with construction to be completed by 2026. 

Once established, the Center will serve as the hub for BHCA’s job training and workforce development for youth and older adults in partnership with Connecticut State Capital Community College and other business and nonprofit partners.  This work builds on the Association’s expanded capacity to serve over 700 students at Weaver High School, and expanded partnerships for career exposure with local employers such as Trinity Health of New England, The Hartford, Diligence Training, and CT Green Bank. The Association has also held successful community job fairs connecting residents with area employers. The Hartford Foundation recently produced a video focusing on Blue Hill Civic Association’s summer youth employment program than can be found at this link. 

BHCA is also focused on supporting local entrepreneurs seeking to develop their own small businesses that will strengthen the local economy and build generational wealth. In partnership with Hartford-based business consulting firm SHEBA, BHCA is enrolling prospective local entrepreneurs in SHEBA’s Incubator and Accelerator Program.  This intensive eight to ten-week experience allows participants to launch, scale, and grow their business. Utilizing a unique mix of lectures, group collaboration, 1:1 coaching, and the development of a comprehensive funding package with multiple financial sources designed to expand businesses’ access to capital. 

Another key component of BHCA’s work is focused on a program to support local homeowners challenged by deferred maintenance. With state funding support, the Association has partnered with Rebuilding Together Hartford to provide repairs and home improvements to 100 homes in the Association’s catchment area. Once completed, BHCA plans to apply for more funding to provide home improvement services to 100 additional homes. 

BHCA is also expanding its community organizing, outreach and training department. BHCA community organizers are working in three target areas in North Hartford: Blue Hills, Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods with a focus on engaging young and adults in community organizing. The goal is to equip residents with tools and training to use their voice to affect change in their neighborhoods. The model is an “each one, teach one” approach where resident leaders are trained, then in turn, train other residents and neighbors which helps to build community capacity. In addition, training will include community organizing 101, training in voter registration, developing and testifying before city and state policymakers, conducting research, survey and petition development and how to hold state and local policymakers accountable to the communities they serve. 

“The Blue Hills Civic Association’s hyperlocal focus on the North Hartford neighborhoods allows them to serve as connectors and advocates for area residents, while maintaining close ties and a longstanding history of trust with the community,” said Hartford Foundation Community Impact Officer Johana Rendon Ledesma. “The Hartford Foundation is pleased to support BHCA whose work reflects the expertise of the residents of North Hartford, partnering with these neighbors to identify community needs and being a part of the solutions to address those needs through their actions and their voice.” 

Video: Blue Hills Civic Association

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Through partnerships, the Foundation seeks to strengthen communities in Greater Hartford by putting philanthropy in action to dismantle structural racism and achieve equity in social and economic mobility. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $998 million since its founding in 1925. For more information, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.