Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Awards Over $400K in Grants

 The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded more than $400,000 in grants this year to 36 nonprofit organizations.

The foundation’s Basic Human Needs Emergency Assistance grant program prioritizes nonprofits that serve neighborhoods and towns in the region with a higher percentage of residents living in poverty.

Funding is designed to reduce barriers to equitable access to basic needs, and provide direct support to clients.

“The foundation is proud to announce our continued support for programs and services that address the full spectrum of basic human needs,” said foundation community impact officer Bria Muwanguzi.

“Addressing basic needs goes beyond just food and personal care; the latest round of grants recognizes that individuals and families in crisis often have other needs, including case management, rent and/or utility assistance, emergency shelter, transportation, and medical aid.”

Grant Requests

Most grant requests were food-related, supporting organizations like the Horace Bushnell Children’s Food Pantry.  

“Groceries have become more expensive, and for many families, it is a daily struggle to afford necessities,” said Horace Bushnell executive director LisaMarie Sykes.

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— Hartford Business (@HartfordBiz) August 5, 2025

“We are not just handing out food, we are offering hope, stability, and dignity to people in crisis.”

The 36 grants include:   

• 23 primarily for food or food assistance ($275,000)
• Five primarily for emergency financial aid assistance ($60,000)
• Three primarily for personal care items ($28,000)
• Two for organizations to provide emergency case management ($30,000) 
• Three for emergency clothing needs ($17,500)