HARTFORD FOUNDATION IS SEEDING THE FUND WITH $1 MILLIONÂ
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has launched a fund to rapidly deploy resources to support the residents who are most significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations throughout the region that serve residents who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. 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.
In November 2017, the Hartford Foundation established the Respond-Rebuild-Renew Fund in response to the growing needs faced by individuals and families relocating to Greater Hartford following natural disasters. We are redeploying that fund and renaming it to address the urgent needs during the current coronavirus pandemic as well as the long-term recovery efforts resulting from this outbreak.
“Working with the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and other partners, the Hartford Foundation is launching the COVID-19 Response Fund to provide both short- and long-term support, as our community and residents deal with the fallout from the pandemic,” said Hartford Foundation president Jay Williams. “The corporate community has stepped up before in times of crisis, and we are hopeful that these companies will continue to grow the COVID-19 Response Fund to help provide immediate assistance to nonprofits and support long-term efforts that will be necessary to stabilize our region in the aftermath of this crisis.”
The first phase of these rapid-response grants will address:
- Immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by closures and cancellations related to COVID-19.
- Increased demand for medical information and support.
- The economic impact of reduced and lost work due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In the near-term, one-time operating grants will fund community-based organizations that provide basic human needs to residents with the highest needs for:
- Food and grocery items
- Health Care Services
- Resources for Rent and Utility services
The Hartford Foundation will administer grants and in collaboration with the United Way, will convene an advisory group to include representatives of the business community, philanthropy, nonprofits and faith-based organizations. Together, we will proactively identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance from community advisors, and recommend final awards. The COVID-19 Response Fund expects to make an initial round of grants within the next few weeks.
DONATE TO THE COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
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.