Public Policy

Greater Hartford Gives recognizes the power of public policy to amplify the impact of our investments and help us contribute to lasting, equitable change for communities across the region.

We engage in a broad range of public policy activity.  

Achieving our strategic priorities and advancing equity requires working with government at all levels.

In 2014, Greater Hartford Gives registered as a lobbyist with the Connecticut Office of State Ethics, and we adhere to federal and state rules relevant to lobbying. Our policy work, grounded in our mission and priorities makes our grantmaking and other work more far-reaching, sustainable, and responsive to critical community issues.

Bringing key voices to the table

When government, nonprofits, and philanthropy work together, they create a powerful force for change, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the table to tackle community challenges.

As a community foundation, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate these  connections, providing guidance and serving as a bridge between residents, nonprofits, state agencies, and policymakers. We nurture relationships between key stakeholders, encouraging shared learning and building consensus to address system and program challenges.

Advancing policy to reflect resident needs

Our policy activities are aligned with our mission and community investment priorities, focused on sharing what we learn from grantmaking and other work with elected officials and government agency leaders. We are regularly invited to participate in federal, state, and municipal workgroups that affect our region and we submit testimony to provide key insights from our investments in the region. We also seek opportunities to collaborate with other philanthropy and nonprofits to address statewide policies that impact Greater Hartford residents.

Additionally, our grantmaking supports grassroots organizing and movement building by nonprofits and resident groups that aligns with our priorities.

Join Us

If you are a…

Policymaker:

We believe in the power of public-private partnership. We are eager to share the learning from our grantmaking and what we are hearing from community partners. While our funds cannot replace public dollars, they can offer flexible and nimble opportunities to pilot innovation, commission research, and support learning and evaluation. We welcome a conversation.

Nonprofit:

Does your work align with our strategic outcomes? Learn how we can support your advocacy work that advance equity.

To learn more about our public policy work, contact us.

Judy McBride
Director, Strategic Partnership Investments

Another way Greater Hartford Gives creates impact is by convening stakeholders and investing in Community Leadership initiatives.

Community Leadership