Please be certain to visit our HOME page with core Information. Find Our Beliefs page for its vow. [Some have asked that our 2022 statement be visible: it is Contained in the website background.]

1. The Foundation makes grants only to organizations created under the laws of the United States that are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from Federal income tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as not being private foundations.

2. The Foundation’s priority is direct service delivery to persons in the city of Hartford by Connecticut organizations.

3. Special consideration is given by the Foundation to programming relating to the abuse of children and others, the nurture of children and families, the aid of those with visual or other physical or mental disability, and the encouragement of the arts.

4. The Foundation supports annual operations or specific programs rather than capital projects.

5. The Foundation’s policy is not to make grants to an organization in more than three consecutive calendar years and not to make or consider more than one grant to an organization in any calendar year.  Should exigent circumstances arise which warrant an exception to this policy, an appeal is required identifying the circumstances.  If an exception is made, in no instance will a grant be made in more than four consecutive years.

6. Grants are not made to an organization that has not made application therefor or reported on its most recent prior grant, if any. [Please find an update at the bottom of our home page. We have waived all pre-existing reporting requirements on grants since the start of the pandemic in response to partners' needs. Here is the language we give: "We're continuing to refine how we hear your story. No separate reports are due."]

Revised  8/24/16

1. We hold the leaders of the organizations as the experts, rather than ourselves.
2. We are not seeking public recognition nor attention by awarding grants.
3. We consider the impact that a grant is expected to make.
4. We place a premium on being flexible and nimble.