Thriving Neighborhoods
Building stronger, more equitable communities
Achieving equity requires strengthening neighborhoods so that opportunities for social connections and economic mobility reaches all individuals and families. This means increasing the number of residents living in quality, affordable housing, and the growth of prosperous, resident-owned small businesses across the region.
In Hartford, we support increased preservation and development of neighborhood assets such as parks, gardens, and other places where neighbors can gather and connect as well as resourcing activities that bolster a sense of belonging and mutual support among residents.
We prioritize planning and development solutions that are community-informed or driven and responsive to needs and aspirations that reflect all community members, especially those who face barriers to having a seat at the table.
The outcome we seek is:
Increased number of thriving Greater Hartford neighborhoods.
What we support
Here are some examples of our Thriving Neighborhoods work:
Love Your Block
For several years, we’ve collaborated with the City of Hartford to support Love Your Block, a grant program that helps beautify and clean up neighborhoods with the help of residents.
Housing Development Fund
Housing Development Fund received a $600,000 grant to assist BIPOC first-time homebuyers in Greater Hartford.
Partnership for Strong Communities
In 2025, we awarded a $475,000 grant to Partnership for Strong Communities to support the organization as it works to advance housing justice in Connecticut.
See more of our Thriving Neighborhoods 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. Ensuring neighborhoods have the resources to thrive will drive more equitable outcomes for all Greater Hartford residents and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our region.
Read the data on Thriving Neighborhoods:
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.
Basic Human Needs
Inequitable systems and practices have failed to meet the most basic of human needs critical for individual well-being—food, housing, and health care. When these needs are met, people in our region can flourish.
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 strengthen neighborhoods across Greater Hartford.
Learn how you can support our strategic priorities.
Nonprofits:
Does your mission or project work align with our Thriving Neighborhoods outcome?
Learn how to best position your organization for our grant opportunities.