In March, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving launched the COVID-19 Response Fund to rapidly deploy resources to support the residents who are most significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Fund is designed to complement the work of federal, state and municipal government efforts and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.
“The Foundation continues to support the unprecedented and monumental efforts of our community nonprofit providers who are supporting our residents during this public health and economic crisis,” said Hartford Foundation President Jay Williams. “This sixth round of grants from the Fund not only includes resources to provide food, housing and other basic needs, but also to support small businesses owned by women and people of color, and expanded education and other supports for students impacted by COVID-19 school closures.”
The sixth round of grants totaling $229,600 will support nine community-based organizations that provide basic human needs and other critical supports to residents with the greatest need.
| Organization | Services | Grant Amount |
| Capital For Change
|
Grant will support the costs of administration of the Hartford Small Business Emergency
Assistance Program. |
$15,000 |
| Enfield Loaves and Fishes | Grant will support the organization to expand the services of the food pantry as well as the extra costs related to food delivery. | $10,000 |
| Family Life Education
|
Grant will support delivery of basic human needs and mental health services to families through the Children’s Wellness Center. | $40,000 |
| Hartford Food System
|
Grant will support enhancements to allow the Hartford Mobile Market and Northend Farmers Market to reopen safely including staffing, equipment, safety supplies and inventory. | $18,500 |
| HEDCO | Grant will support administrative costs associated with HEDCO’s administration of various lending programs to businesses owned by people of color and/or women and Greater
Hartford nonprofits. |
$35,000 |
| No Animal Left Unfed | Grant will allow the organization to maintain the Community Pet Pantry in Hartford. | $2,000 |
| North United Methodist Church | Grant will support the food pantry, clothing/diaper bank at NUMC’s North Family Life Center and Promise Zone Community Farmers Market to expand access and increase delivery options. | $27,500 |
| Second Congregational Church (Manchester) | Grant will support increased capacity of the food pantry serving Manchester residents and neighboring towns. | $6,600 |
| Windsor Locks Public Schools | Grant will aid in technology costs associated with transitioning to distance learning as well as address food insecurity and social emotional needs of students. | $75,000 |
Grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund are being made on a weekly basis. Hartford Foundation staff will continue to review applications and work with existing grantees to explore options to repurpose already awarded grant dollars and accelerate multi-year grant payments to address emerging needs. In addition to grant dollars, the Foundation will offer capacity building, technical support and lines of credit to nonprofit organizations in the Hartford region.
The Foundation has committed $6.4 million to the COVID-19 Response Fund through the end of May. Furthermore, the Foundation has received more than $3.38 million in donations from generous individuals, corporations and donor-advised-funds. For a complete listing of COVID-19 Response Donors follow this link.
Fundraising will continue throughout the public health crisis, but it is clear that the consequences of COVID-19 will continue through the end of 2020. While the Fund will not be able to address all of the needs that arise, the Foundation expects to add additional Foundation-directed dollars to the COVID-19 Response Fund going forward.
To learn more about the COVID-19 Response Fund or to make a donation log onto www.hfpg.org/covid-19-response.
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $795 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.