Catalyst Endowment Fund: 2018 Topic & News

The 2018 topic of study for the Catalyst Endowment Fund will be:

Fight Blight: One Neighborhood at a Time

The negative impact of rundown and abandoned property is real and is a major factor in the overall decline of a community. Morale and a sense of belonging is tested as one stands on a front porch and views a streetscape of bad repairs and a lack of urban commitment. Along with blight comes arson, drug deals, squatters and prostitution.

If the Hartford area is to retain and attract residents and new investments, developing its curbside appeal must be a focus in supporting the vitality of communities, especially as Hartford faces fiscal challenges. Neighborhood Revitalization Zones are engaging residents, as well as a number of nonprofits in our region. What works and how great is the impact?

2018 Catalyst program dates 

Read a recap of our March 22 Catalyst meeting

Read a recap of our June 20 Catalyst meeting

Read a recap of our October 23 Catalyst meeting

Each year, the Catalyst Endowment Fund chooses a topic that they explore and discuss throughout the year, ultimately awarding a grant to a local nonprofit (or multiple nonprofits) that work in this area. Last year's topic was "Family Economic Security: Career Pathways." At the end of the year, a $50,000 grant was awarded to a program that recruits and trains women for manufacturing careers.

Click here for more information about the Catalyst Endowment Fund and how to join. 

We encourage you to follow the Hartford Foundation on Facebook and Twitter, where we'll continue the discussion of Neighborhood Blight throughout the year.

Fight Blight: One Neighborhood at a Time
Related News

Hartford Courant (November 26, 2017)

Hartford Courant (October 11, 2018)

Hartford Courant (October 8, 2018)

Vacant/Blighted Properties Update - Mayor Luke Bronin & Laura Settlemyer, Blight Remediation Director

Hartford Courant (September 17, 2018)

Can Hartford's Parkville Neighborhood Be An Arts Destination? These Developers Think So.
Hartford Courant (September 3, 2018) 

New Developer Takes Over Redevelopment of Crucial Corner of Hartford's Main and Park Streets
Hartford Courant (August 30, 2018) 

After A Body Is Found In Neglected Hartford Home, An Old Issue Gets New Attention: Blight
Hartford Courant (July 24, 2018) 

Hartford's Swift Factory Renovation Aimed At Providing Jobs For Neighborhood
Hartford Courant (July 19, 2018) 

City Wins Grant To Fight Blight
Hartford Courant (July 18, 2018) 

Hartford Council Approves Sale Of Blighted North End Property, Tax Agreement For Hydroponics Company
Hartford Courant (July 9, 2018) 

Hartford Tops List of Urban Blight
Hartford Courant (June 26, 2018) 

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Invests in Economic and Community Development in the North End
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (May 14, 2018)

Student Apprenticeship Programs Open Doors to Manufacturing Jobs
Hartford Courant (May 4, 2018) 

Windsor Locks Approves Blight Ordinance Despite Vocal Opposition
Manchester Journal Inquirer (May 3, 2018) 

Local Hero: Nicola Allen
Family Circle (April 2018) 

1,000 Volunteers Expected For Rebuilding Together on Saturday
Manchester Journal Inquirer (April 25, 2018) 

Hartford Capewell Factory Office Sold to Housing Advocates
Hartford Courant (April 20, 2018) 

A Half Century After Fair Housing Act: 'We Are Segregated'
CT Mirror (April 15, 2018)

Dillon Stadium Redevelopment Moves Forward
Hartford Courant (April 9, 2018)

Hartford Foundation Impact & Learning Brief: Blight Remediation (PDF)
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (March 2018)

Residents Back Stricter Blight Rules at Public Hearing
Manchester Journal Inquirer (March 28, 2018)

Hartford Pressures Downtown Landlord to Renovate Blighted Building Near Bushnell Park
Hartford Courant (March 28, 2018)

City Cites Ex-Downtown YMCA Site For Blight
Hartford Business Journal (March 28, 2018)

An Urbane, $100M Visage for Sam Colt's Ex-Hartford Gun Works
Hartford Business Journal (March 5, 2018)

Displaced Tenants Must Find New Homes
New Haven Independent (February 26, 2018)

80 Relocated After Apartments Condemned
New Haven Independent (February 22, 2018)

At Hartford Gateway, a Blighted Corner Remains an Eyesore
Hartford Courant (February 20, 2018) 

From Blight, to Bought
Philanthropy Roundtable (Winter 2018 issue)

Mission Accomplished: Anti-Blight Effort Cleans Up Cleveland Avenue In Hartford
Hartford Courant (November 1, 2017)

Bronin Touts Efforts To Curb Blight At Crowded North End Meeting
Hartford Courant (June 28, 2017)

New Blight Director Brings Benefit Of Experience To Hartford
Hartford Courant (November 21, 2016)

East Hartford Mayor Asks Residents to Fight Blight on Private Property
Hartford Courant (August 4, 2016)  

Manchester Directors Adopt New Rules to Fight Blight
Hartford Courant (July 6, 2018)