New Century, New Name: Hartford Foundation to Become the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation

As it enters its second century of serving as the community foundation for the 29-town Greater Hartford region, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has announced that it will change its name to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation in January 2026.

The rebranding is to include the creation of a new logo, a new tagline “A strong foundation for all,” and a new website at www.greaterhartfordgives.org, which will go live on January 6.

These changes come on the heels of Foundation’s recent announcement of their plan to construct a new headquarters at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street – the gateway to Hartford’s North End – which was announced at its centennial celebration on December 5.

“As we began planning for our Centennial anniversary, we asked ourselves if there is a name for this century-old organization that more effectively communicates what is at the core of who we are and what we do,” said Greater Hartford Gives President/CEO Jay Williams. “This question has been debated on and off within the foundation for more than 30 years. As a result, we engaged in this rebranding effort to better reflect our commitment to our region.”

“We hope that this new name and brand will bring more people into our mission, those who are already giving their time, talent and treasure in their communities as well as future changemakers who care deeply about the region,” Williams said. “We believe Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is clearer, more welcoming, and better represents our vision of supporting the entire region, today and for the future.”

The Foundation worked with New York-based creative agency Big Duck, a worker-owned cooperative that works exclusively with nonprofits, to develop the new brand over an 18-month period. Throughout the process, Big Duck engaged Foundation staff and board members as well as donors, nonprofit leaders and volunteers to develop a brand that reflects where the organization has been and where it is going.

“Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is intended to be both a name and a promise—one that reflects the generosity, strength, and shared commitment of the people of our region,” said Hartford Foundation Board Chair Dr. Mark Overmyer-Velázquez. “The new name is also action-oriented, bi-directional and inclusive, inviting everyone to see themselves as part of a community that gives in many ways—through volunteerism, monetary support, bold ideas, and collective care.”

Officials describe the new logo as a bold, standalone monogram that elevates Hartford, the heart of the region the Foundation serves, with a striking ‘H’ built from structural bridge elements, symbolizing connection, strength and intention. The bold, simplified color palette reinforces a look that is both inviting and reflecting the organization's clear and forward-thinking vision. The blue colors are reminiscent of the Connecticut River, which runs through the heart of the region.

The new tagline, “A strong foundation for all,” reinforces the Foundation’s role as a driving force for generosity. “Foundation” takes a dual meaning, that of a reliable grantmaker and a basis for change. The tagline also will be used flexibly, highlighting various key aspects of the Foundation’s work.

Boosting Nonprofits in the Region

To support the efforts of local nonprofit organization as they continue to face an increased demand for services while they struggle to raise adequate revenue, the Foundation launched the Social Enterprise Accelerator in partnership with No Margin, No Mission, a national consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits increase their entrepreneurial capacity, revenue, and mission impact.

The first cohort of ten nonprofits was launched in 2018; the second cohort of six nonprofits was launched in 2021; a third cohort of eight nonprofits was launched in 2023; and a fourth cohort of four is currently engaged in the process. Collectively, the 28 organizations have generated more than $16 million in revenue to date from their ventures.

In June, the Foundation announced a matching challenge: 100 percent of every dollar of startup or growth capital raised by the four nonprofits in the current cohort (up to $30,000 per organization) would be matched by the Foundation. The four organizations raised sufficient dollars by the deadline to make them eligible for more than $101,000 in matching grants from the Foundation.

Each organization held a “Fast Pitch” session at which they presented their business plans to current and potential donors and made a direct ask for financial support toward startup capital needs. The matching challenge officially ended in October. However, the four organizations are continuing to raise capital for their ventures.

“The enthusiasm and effort that area nonprofit organizations have brought to the Social Enterprise Accelerator program has exceeded our expectations,” said Associate Director of the Hartford Foundation’s Nonprofit Support Program, Meher Shulman. “While the creative ideas these organizations have been building are truly exciting, we are even more impressed by their level of commitment to developing detailed and viable business plans. Nonprofits in Greater Hartford have an appetite for social enterprise and a need for new revenue sources. We are proud to help them meet that need.”

The four nonprofit organizations and their social enterprises are:

Charter Oak Cultural Center – has raised $71,000 in startup capital (includes $30,000 in Hartford Foundation matching funds) to support Bien Venue, venue rentals in the building’s historic sanctuary, galleries, classrooms, and other spaces. Bookings may be enhanced with arts and cultural programs, workshops and community engagement activities.

Ebony Horsewomen - has raised $23,000 in startup capital (includes $11,531 in Hartford Foundation matching funds) to support Black Boots Venue Rentals, at the Mary Fields Museum, Conference Center, and Tent Pavilion.  Events may be enhanced with optional equine experiences, including horseback riding, hayrides, sleigh rides, and more.

Journey Home – has raised $114,000 in startup capital (includes $30,000 in Hartford Foundation matching funds) to support Home for Good, a thrift store offering high-quality, gently-used household items and furniture at deeply discounted prices.

Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) - has raised $63,500 in startup capital (includes $30,000 in Hartford Foundation matching funds) to support OPPU, empowering youth-serving social service professionals and providers through comprehensive training and development programs.