Hartford Foundation Announces Changes to Community Impact Team

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving announces new leadership in its Community Impact department, which is responsible for the Foundation’s grantmaking, capacity building, learning and evaluation, and public policy work. 

Kate Szczerbacki, who has been serving as the Foundation’s Director of Learning and Evaluation, is now responsible for a portfolio that facilitates even greater coherence between learning and evaluation, capacity building and grantmaking in her new role as Director of Learning, Evaluation and Capacity Building. Szczerbacki will continue and expand the integration of the Foundation’s Nonprofit Support Program and other organizational strengthening resources with the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking.

Senior Community Impact Officer Lucas Codognolla is now responsible for the Hartford Foundation’s Greater Together Community Fundsprogram. With resident volunteer committees in each of the 29 towns in the Foundation’s 29 geographic region, it is one of the most ambitious participatory grantmaking initiatives in the country. Codognolla will also continue his work to support the region’s small nonprofit organizations.

Senior Community Impact Officer Kate Piotrowski is now responsible for leading the strategy and grantmaking for the Foundation’s Higher Opportunities Neighborhoods portfolio and the Foundation’s Community Leadership portfolio which includes oversight of the Foundation’s “front door” for grant inquiries.  

“I am grateful to work with our incredible team who contribute their leadership, deep content expertise, and a broad range of life and professional experiences as we enhance our efforts to listen, learn and advance inclusive opportunity in our region,” said Elysa Gordon, vice president of Community Impact.  

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 $948 million since its founding in 1925. For more information, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.