Hartford Foundation Announces $600,000 Grant, Largest Ever Received by Urban League of Greater Hartford
/The Urban League of Greater Hartford has addressed economic disparities experienced by Black residents and other marginalized communities in the region since 1964. To help support the organization’s growth and impact, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded the nonprofit a two-year, $600,000 flexible funding grant, the largest ever received by the organization.
Based in Hartford’s Asylum Hill neighborhood, the Urban League serves approximately 3,000 individuals and families annually through programming and services to overcome institutional and systemic inequities in education, employment, housing, health, and social justice.
These five pillars directly influence the unique challenges faced by economically disadvantaged and racial minority groups in the region, who often struggle with limited access to quality schooling, stable income, affordable housing, adequate healthcare, and a place in social responsibility agendas.
Over the past five years, the Hartford Foundation points out, under the leadership of CEO David Hopkins, the Urban League has made significant strides in stabilizing its finances, staffing and infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships with health systems, financial institutions, industrial firms, and government entities the Urban League has optimally leveraged resources to enhance service delivery and expand its programs.
“As we celebrate the 60th year of the Urban League in Hartford, this grant will ensure we not only continue but continue to become a stronger and more impactful empowerment agency for the region,“ said Hopkins. “I am grateful for the dedicated team at the Hartford Foundation who are committed to our mission and therefore committed to our programming and operating success.”
The Urban League’s key programs include:
Project Ready Scholars program that equips high school students with academic support and career readiness, aiming to enhance college access through community service, test preparation, mentoring, and career exploration.
Project STABLE program that integrates workforce training, licensing, and certifications with financial literacy for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) individuals, including out-of-school youth, underemployed adults, and justice involved citizens, via the LISC Financial Opportunity Center.
Housing Partnerships that connect families to affordable housing options ranging from first-time homebuyer program, housing retention for eviction and foreclosure prevention, and community resources to help families experiencing homelessness.
Health Equity Partnerships with healthcare providers to address social determinants and disparities in population health through prenatal care, mental health support, nutrition and fitness resources.
Social Justice Advocacy to promote racial equity, partnering with corporations on DEI initiatives and advocating for systemic reforms to support Hartford’s underrepresented communities.
The Foundation has a longstanding relationship with Urban League, particularly in supporting its mission to serve the residents in North Hartford, according to officials. This has included support to administer emergency rental assistance as part of statewide COVID relief efforts, capacity building grants to explore social enterprise development, operating support for technology and financial services, and strategic planning support for long-term visioning.
“We are proud to support the Urban League of Greater Hartford with this multi-year grant,” said Hartford Foundation Senior Community Impact Officer Joel Hicks-Rivera. “The Urban League's dedication to addressing systemic inequities and empowering marginalized communities aligns perfectly with our mission to promote social and economic mobility, ensuring that more individuals and families in Greater Hartford have access to the resources they need to thrive. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of their work in our community."
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.
