CFON Spotlight:
The Foundation enters its second century of serving Greater Hartford region, with a name change from Hartford Foundation for Public Giving name to Greater Hartford Gives Foundation. The name change also comes with a new logo and tagline: A strong foundation for all.”
Greater Hartford Gives believes all high school students should have access to higher education – and a brighter future.
In 2025, the Foundation made ground-breaking progress toward achieving that goal through the Hartford Promise Scholarship, which offers Hartford Public Schools recipients up to $100,000 over four years toward any accredited four-year college.
Beyond the aim of students graduating debt free, what truly makes the scholarship a game-changer is the 10 years of wraparound services supporting students throughout their college and early career journeys. Services provided by nonprofit partner Hartford Promise, include mental health support, tutoring, career preparation and guidance.
The scholarship aims to support approximately 100 students each year. An economic impact study assessing the program estimated 760 new college graduates over the next 10 years will extend benefits far beyond the classroom, including:
in total lifetime earnings
jobs supported across industries
in local and state tax revenue
“Every student deserves the freedom to choose their own future without being held back by financial barriers,” said Jay Williams, President and CEO. “The Greater Futures Scholarship Fund is more than just tuition assistance — it’s a comprehensive support system that will change lives, strengthen communities, and serve as a national model for education-driven economic transformation.”
The Hartford Promise Scholarship is but one of many ways in which the Foundation demonstrates commitment to CFON’s mission of creating thriving and equitable communities.
The Foundation’s strategic priorities are dismantling structural racism and advancing economic and social mobility throughout Greater Hartford. To achieve those goals focuses resources and energy toward five long-term outcomes:
In the next few months, the Foundation will break ground on a new headquarters as part of a broader vision for a gateway to Hartford’s North End. The headquarters will place the Foundation closer to the community to make a catalytic impact while positioning the Foundation as cornerstone for broader community engagement and economic revitalization.
