Hartford Foundation Seeking Applications for Basic Human Needs Emergency Assistance Grants

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has opened its first round of 2024 Emergency Assistance Grants, which prioritize nonprofits that serve neighborhoods and towns in the region with a higher percentage of residents living in poverty and seek to reduce barriers to equity

In August and November of 2023, the Hartford Foundation awarded more than $574,000 in Emergency Assistance Grants to 65 nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

The Foundation welcomes requests of $1,000-$15,000 for individual projects and up to $20,000 for collaborative projects for items and/or services to be provided during a one-year period. Items and services can include:

• Food or food assistance (primary focus)
• Emergency clothing needs (e.g., shoes, school uniforms, coats)
• Personal care items (e.g., deodorant, diapers, sanitary products)
• Emergency financial assistance (e.g., rent and/or mortgage assistance and utility expense assistance, childcare assistance, bus fare/tokens, gas money)
• Emergency medical aid or immediate expense assistance (e.g., dental, medical, mental health supports, and prescription expenses)
• Durable medical equipment
• Aftercare programs for victims of domestic violence
• Emergency and/or informal case management services

The Hartford Foundation is continuing its long-term support of emergency aid and basic needs throughout its 29-town service area. Basic Human Needs is one of five outcome areas identified in the Foundation’s commitment to creating lasting solutions that result in vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities for all Greater Hartford residents. To achieve this, the Foundation seeks to advance equitable economic and social mobility and dismantle structural racism.

Emergency Assistance Grants are awarded twice a year. Applications received between April 2 and the Round 1 deadline: May 7 will be awarded no later than late July. Applications received between August 1 and the Round 2 deadline: September 12 will be awarded no later than late November. Applicants are allowed to submit one application each round but may only receive one grant a year.

The deadline for Round 1, which is open now, is May 7th. The deadline for Round 2 is September 12th.

The online application is available here.

For more information, potential applicants can review a fact sheet or contact Susan Hills at shills@hfpg.org.

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.