$28 Million Helps Sustain Hartford Area Nonprofits

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving awarded more than $28 million in grants during 2011 in support of the 29-town region's nonprofit agencies and educational institutions.  More than 1,600 grants were awarded, with more than one-third ($10 million) to programs supporting education and economic development, key to the Foundation's recently adopted strategic plan.  The Greater Hartford Arts Council received $1.3 million, which was re-granted to more than 100 local arts, heritage, cultural and community groups; $700,000 was provided in support of programs at three agencies that provide emergency and permanent housing for the homeless in Hartford; $450,000 was provided for programs at 66 area agencies providing basic human needs.  Founded in 1925, the Foundation has more than 1,000 funds established through the years by individuals, families and organizations.

Nonprofits Mean Business

Connecticut's nonprofit business sector employs 11 percent of the state's workforce.  Ron Cretaro, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits - the largest membership organization in the state dedicated exclusively to working with nonprofits - points out that the nonprofit sector is a multi-billion dollar slice of the state's economy, and therefore critical to achieving a sustained economic recovery in the state.

Trending Up

For Hartford-area nonprofits, things are looking up.  At least that's what they're hoping.   The latest United Way Non-Profit Pulse Survey reflects an increase in "optimism" from 53 percent of responding organizations to 66 percent, over the past two years.  The survey, published in 2011, included 82 nonprofits - and noted concerns about public sector funding, increased demand for services and uncertainty about the future amidst the growing optimism.