Basic Human Needs
Advancing equity by ensuring food security, reducing homelessness, and expanding access to health and wellbeing.
Inequitable systems and practices have failed to meet the most basic human needs. When these needs are met, people in our region will be better able to thrive.
We support nonprofits that address food insecurity, reduce homelessness, and expand access to physical and emotional wellbeing of Greater Hartford residents, prioritizing Black and Latine residents who are disproportionately impacted by structural racism and bias. Our grantmaking helps to strengthen the local and regional safety net and ensure people have the stability necessary to participate fully in education, the workforce, and their community. We support activities that increase the coordination among basic needs providers, and the responsiveness of local and state agencies.
The outcome we seek is:
Improved physical and emotional wellbeing of residents.
What we support
Here are some examples of our Basic Human Needs work:
$8 Million in Investments in Food Security and Basic Needs in 2025
During a challenging year, our Foundation gave $8 million toward food and other basic human needs. This includes $755,000 in total grants to 70 nonprofits through our Emergency Assistance Grants program. Our investments support the entire food ecosystem, from addressing short-term food security needs to supporting organizations working on systemic change.
Promoting Health Equity and Addressing Disparities in Health Care
A $600,000 core support grant to Hispanic Health Council will support the organization as it works to address health disparities for the Latine community.
Hartford Health Initiative: Providing Access to Health Care
The Hartford Health Initiative addresses health inequities in North Hartford by providing free mobile clinics and access to a variety of healthcare services.
See more of our Basic Human Needs work
Why did we choose this outcome?
Our outcome areas are interconnected, data-driven, and community-informed.
We chose these outcomes and developed our grantmaking strategies after listening to community partners and reviewing available data about our residents’ most pressing needs. This is a long-term commitment. We are forging partnerships with vital nonprofits and championing goals that help bring equity and well-being to Greater Hartford through on-the-ground work and prevent residents from losing their jobs, falling into homelessness or facing another day without food.
Read the data on Basic Human Needs:
More priority outcomes
Greater Hartford Gives has an internal team of experienced, knowledgeable professionals dedicated to each of our five outcome areas. These teams work closely with our community partners to stay informed about community needs and best practices. We believe that success in these outcome areas will lead to a more equitable and prosperous Greater Hartford.
Employment Opportunities
Black and Latine residents face disproportionate barriers to education and employment opportunities. These barriers start in early childhood and persist through their education journey and the workplace. When all community members have equitable opportunity to reach their education and career goals, the entire region is strengthened.
Thriving Neighborhoods
Achieving equity requires strengthening neighborhoods so that opportunities for social connections and economic mobility reaches all individuals and families. This means working to increase the number of residents living in quality, affordable housing, and in the growth of prosperous, resident-owned small businesses across the region.
Civic and Resident Engagement
When residents are civically engaged, they can share their voices to make positive changes in their communities, ensuring policies are responsive to and reflective of the entire community.
Arts and Culture
Diversity and inclusion in the arts and culture ecosystem—reflected in artists, audiences, arts leaders, and programming—can be a catalyst to bridge differences. We focus on supporting arts and culture organizations that contribute to a more diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem.
Learn more about our Strategic Priorities to dismantle structural racism and advance opportunity in Greater Hartford.
Support this work
Donors:
Help us ensure community members have the resources they need to lead self-determined lives.
Learn how you can support our strategic priorities.
Nonprofits:
Does your mission or project work align with our Basic Human Needs outcome?
Learn how to best position your organization for our grant opportunities.