Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

Dairin had already decided against college. Unwilling to let her father, who runs a small drywall company, work longer hours to cover her tuition. She sees him return home each evening with hands cut and calloused, his body heavy with years of labor. When the Greater Futures scholarship came, it stunned her. “I was like, wait, me?” she said, half-laughing. It meant she could study construction management at Central Connecticut State University without watching her father’s body break down. The oldest child and the first in her family to attend college, Dairin feels the weight of her place. “My parents have sacrificed everything for me since I was little,” she says. In five years, she pictures herself working alongside her dad, helping grow the business he built. This scholarship is more than her opportunity, it’s his reprieve. A gift to the hands that built her. Hartford Promise Central Connecticut State University Hartford Public Schools https://lnkd.in/evkQ94p7 #GreaterFuturesAhead #College #CommunityFoundation #Philanthropy #Giving #FirstGenCollegeStudent #Connecticut #HigherEd #AccessToEducation #Nonprofit #DebtFreeDegrees #EdSocialMedia

Eric can still feel the air shift when the news broke about the Greater Future Scholarship and its promise of up to $100K for the college of his choice. It was pure relief, the kind that makes your chest lighter. A Hartford Public Schools graduate, he’s headed to Morgan State University to study business administration. The scholarship provides tuition money, yes, but it’s also a doorway into a home he’s never lived in. An #HBCU that feels like kin. The first in his family to attend college, he’s already picturing the years ahead: the day he’ll return to Hartford not just as a graduate, but as a mentor and scholarship donor. “Bringing joy to students by taking away a financial burden,” he smiles, “is a really big thing.” The way he says joy sounds like he’s measuring it in decades, not dollars. Hartford Promise https://lnkd.in/ewR4tHaW #GreaterFuturesAhead #College #CommunityFoundation #Philanthropy #Giving #FirstGenCollegeStudent #Connecticut #HigherEducation #AccessToEducation #Nonprofit #DebtFreeDegrees

Nicole partners with companies, schools, and organizations to help leaders strengthen workplace culture, and ensure environments are welcoming, empathetic, and inclusive for all. The focal point of Nicole’s work is to identify and address the needs of colleagues, peers, and community members while developing creative programs and real-world strategies to encourage growth amongst leaders. In 2021, Nicole founded the firm EquityCorps Group, which collaborates with organizations to assist the training of members and leaders from a host of industries to engage in dialogue about the state of equity and justice within their respective communities. Since 2010, Nicole has worked with Goodwin University, and today she serves as Associate Dean of Community, Inclusion, and Belonging. She also works as an Associate Dean at the University of Bridgeport. She serves on several nonprofit boards including Leadership Greater Hartford and Connecticut Against Gun Violence. #CommunityImpact #100Influencers #HartfordFoundation #DEIBChampion #Entrepreneur #RacialJustice #Equity #Inclusion #EquityChampion

⏱️Deadline Approaching!⏱️ Calling all Connecticut artists! We’re looking for 12–14 local creatives to be featured in the Gallery for Good 2026 calendar — a beautiful collection that will be gifted to over 400 donors of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. If you’re a CT-based visual artist (18 or older), this is your chance to have your work professionally printed, credited, and shared — plus receive a monetary award for your contribution. ✅ Submit up to 5 pieces (landscape format) 🗓️ Deadline: August 31, 2025 📩 Selected artists will be notified by September 15, 2025 This initiative is powered by Gallery for Good, a platform founded by artist and philanthropist Kate Emery to help creatives share their art and support causes they care about. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eCqkq4gc #GalleryForGood #CTArtists #CTCreatives #CreativeConnecticut

Billy dedicated more than 50 years to the state of Connecticut as a state employee and elected official. He started his career at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in 1947, and served a minimum of four consecutive terms as Chair of the Connecticut Senate Transportation Committee. Billy’s most notable achievements in office include leading efforts to lower the gas tax, raise the minimum wage and protect funding for senior programs. To recognize Billy’s longtime commitment to the DMV, a building at the Wethersfield headquarters was named in his honor. Billy was proud of his heritage and always acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices his parents made after immigrating from Italy. “From my parents I learned two things: to cherish the freedoms and opportunities we have here in this country, and that there are honor and dignity in hard work,” shared Billy. #100Influencers #DepartmentofMotorVehicle #ItalianAmerican #PublicServant #DeputyComissioner #ConnecticutGeneralAssembly #HartfordFoundation

Thank you, Dr. Andraé Townsel, for lifting up this opportunity. Hartford’s young leaders dare to imagine bold futures. Through the Greater Futures Scholarship and our partnership with Hartford Promise, we are with them on their journey. Beyond the up to $100K scholarship for qualifying Hartford Public Schools students, scholars receive tutoring, mentoring, networking, and the skills to turn hard work into life-changing possibilities—before, during, and after college. #HigherEducation #AccessToEducation #Nonprofit #DebtFreeDegrees #Hartford #Connecticut #CommunityFoundation

Elizabeth “Betty” Keister was a driving force behind the renovation of the 100‑year‑old Charles Hall building and the subsequent launch of the Marlborough Arts Center (MAC). In 2000, at the time when building renovation discussions were underway, Betty was the committee chair, and with the help of many like-minded residents, was able to raise the thousands of dollars needed to begin the project. “It's taken a lot of work to get what we’ve gotten so far. There’s still a lot more work to be done,” said Betty. Established in 2007, the MAC is a regional nonprofit organization operated by community volunteers and others who dedicate their time to spotlighting artistic, cultural, and historic programs for the public to enjoy. Today, the cherished MAC is housed on an historic site and serves as a platform for creatives of all kinds to showcase their work, contributing to the vibrancy of life in Marlborough. #CommunityCatalyst #HartfordFoundation #GreaterHartford #100Influencers #CommunityImpact #InfluentialLeaders

As President of the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball, Tim has turned Dunkin' Park into a community hub — highlighting how pro sports can build civic pride and authentic connections. He has forged countless relationships with local companies, nonprofits, and schools to make the ballpark an inclusive venue. “The Dunk” hosts a variety of events, including high school and college graduations, food festivals, and most recently, the Hartford Public Schools’ annual Back-to-School Celebration, where thousands of students received learning essentials to start the school year right. “Utilizing the ballpark for more than baseball is a community asset, and we work with many groups to host events there,” said Tim. In 2017, Tim was awarded the Eastern League Executive of the Year by Minor League Baseball. Currently, he serves on the advisory board of the Miracle League of Connecticut and iQuilt Partnership. #HartfordYardGoats #DunkinPark #MinorLeagueBaseball #HartfordHasIt #CTAttractions #Influencer #LetsGoYardGoats #HartfordFoundation

Our Piece of the Pie University (OPPU) is committed to empowering youth-serving professionals through training and programs. By strengthening the skills and knowledge of those working with youth, OPPU in looking to drive positive outcomes. Learn more about OPPU today and how your support can empower the professional lives of young people: https://lnkd.in/eSMUQrg8 In partnership with No Margin, No Mission. #GivingBack #SocialEnterprise #Nonprofit #CommunityBuilding #Fundraising #HartfordCT #CTNonprofits #EmpowerYouth #Growth #ProfessionalDevelopment

Home for Good, a Journey Home Thrift Store, offers high-quality, gently used household items, including furniture and appliances, to assist those transitioning from homelessness to housing. Become a Journey Home sponsor today and learn the many ways your support can give residents in the capital region a place to call home. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/eSMUQrg8 In partnership with No Margin, No Mission. #SocialImpact #GivingBack #SocialEnterprise #Nonprofit #CommunityBuilding #Fundraising #SupportLocalCT #HartfordCT #CTNonprofits #EndHomelessness #SecondHand #Thrifting #Furniture #Unshelter