Hartford Foundation Announces $25,000 Matching Contribution For Black Giving Circle Fund

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is pleased to announce a $25,000, dollar-for-dollar matching contribution to the “Black Giving Circle Fund” to support the needs of Greater Hartford’s Black community. 

Founded in 2015, the Black Giving Circle Fund was established to create sustainable change in the Black community by leveraging the philanthropic efforts of donors and celebrating Black philanthropy. Donations (at least $365 annually per membership) are pooled together in a dedicated endowed fund at the Hartford Foundation. Members of the fund examine issues facing the Black community in Greater Hartford and, collectively, recommend grants to nonprofit organizations that work to address needs in the Black community.

“From its genesis, the Black Giving Circle Fund’s membership has worked to create a giving circle that responds to the needs of Greater Hartford’s Black community,” said Jay Williams, president of the Hartford Foundation. “This matching grant is intended to build on our commitment to this community and encourage others to be a part of the Black Giving Circle Fund’s growth and lasting impact.”

Each year, Black Giving Circle Fund members host two informational sessions focused on a topic chosen by the membership. Last year the Fund awarded its first grant of $10,000 to Catholic Charities’ Parker Memorial Family Center’s Fatherhood initiative to provide fathers with the education and supports they need to build strong social-emotional connections with their children in order to ensure that their children are reaching literacy proficiency. 

This year the Black Giving Circle Fund’s chosen topic is financial literacy for children and youth. The group has already held its two informational sessions and is scheduled to hold its members-only grantmaking meeting on November 15.

Donations to the Black Giving Circle Fund can be made by check, payable to HFPG, Inc., with the memo line indicating Black Giving Circle Fund. Donations can also be made online at hfpg.org/BGCFmatch. 

For more information, or to join the Black Giving Circle Fund, visit hfpg.org/BlackGivingCircle or contact Chari Anderson at CAnderson@hfpg.org or 860-548-1888.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. In 2015, the Foundation celebrated ninety years of grantmaking in the Greater Hartford region, made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations. It has awarded grants of more than $680 million since its founding in 1925. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.