224 EcoSpace Selected for Hartford Foundation's Social Enterprise Accelerator Program
/The Conference of Churches (TCC), parent organization of The 224 EcoSpace, was recently selected to participate in The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA) program. The impactful program was created to strengthen each organization's entrepreneurial capacity by launching or growing revenue-generating ventures that are mission-aligned.
As a program participant, TCC can continue its mission of helping redefine the role of faith-based organizations (locally and nationally) by reimagining the practice of community engagement and economic empowerment.
“This opportunity will enable us to make a more significant impact on our region,” emphasized Rev. Lydell Brown, CEO of TCC and The 224 EcoSpace. “It has always been our goal to provide the environment, support, and social enterprise platforms to gather and inspire individuals who want to grow and facilitate positive change. We’re thrilled to work alongside other great organizations also dedicated to transforming themselves and building successful ventures that profit the community.”
Through TCC, The 224 provides all people with the opportunity to advance for the greater good of themselves and the community.
The 224 EcoSpace is the premier arts, health and wellness social enterprise in Hartford, CT where change-makers work, create and lead. Described as a first of its kind in the nation, The 224 EcoSpace is “more than a traditional gallery, co-working space, yoga, dance studio and performance sanctuary. We combine them all within our 30,000 square foot community laboratory in Hartford, Connecticut forming the ‘EcoSpace.’”
“We are immensely proud of The Conference of Churches and The 224 EcoSpace for being selected to participate in this accelerator program,” said Mary Crean, Chairperson of the Board. “This partnership allows us to work alongside other forward-thinking organizations, all driven by the common purpose of transforming ourselves and building successful ventures that not only prosper but also enrich the very communities we serve,” she added. “Together, we strive to make a substantial and lasting difference, bring positive change, and inspire growth in our region.”
In addition to The Conference of Churches, the following organizations have been selected by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to participate in the Social Enterprise Accelerator 2023: AHM Youth Services, Camp Courant, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, HartBeat Ensemble, Leadership Greater Hartford, Urban League of Greater Hartford and URISE Ventures.
“The Social Enterprise Accelerator has served as a platform for nonprofits to learn and take the evolutionary steps necessary to become thriving, sustainable organizations with greater impact in our region,” said Hartford Foundation’s Associate Director of the Nonprofit Support Program Meher Shulman. “The leadership, readiness, and culture demonstrated by this cohort will facilitate their efforts to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity through this exciting 30-month process. Congratulations to these enterprising nonprofits, and thanks to all the organizations that participated in the learning labs.”
Since 2019, 16 local nonprofit organizations have participated in the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA), a 30-month process to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity by launching or growing revenue generating ventures that are mission-aligned. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Nonprofit Support Program, each organization developed and implemented business plans to boost revenue and heighten their mission 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.
Since its inception in 1900, The Conference of Churches (TCC) has been redefining ministry and providing a haven for community engagement and economic empowerment. TCC provides the environment, support, and social enterprise platforms to gather and inspire individuals who want to grow and facilitate positive change—for the greater good of themselves and the community.
