Types of Funds

The Hartford Foundation offers a range of giving options that permit donors to shape the impact of their charitable dollars and select the degree of involvement, if any, that they want to have with their contributions. Virtually any type of charitable giving that your client might want to support in our region can be accommodated within these options. Call the Philanthropic Services staff and we can suggest the most effective ways to accomplish your client's goals.

The major types of individual funds are highlighted below. (For more information about each fund type, click more> after each description to visit our "Becoming a Donor" section. For additional detail on minimum contributions to individual funds and fees, click here.)

Unrestricted Funds - Unrestricted funds are the most flexible and resilient way for your client to support the community. Donors authorize the Foundation to use the fund's income for grants wherever the greatest needs and opportunities arise. more>

Donor-Advised Funds - Donor-Advised funds are created by donors who wish to remain actively involved with the grantmaking from their fund. Donors may recommend specific grants; they may also consult with the Foundation's program staff for guidance on effective grants in their area of interest.  Click here to download a chart  that compares the costs and benefits of the Hartford Foundation's Donor-Advised Funds with those of creating a private foundation. more>

Preference Funds - Preference funds are created by donors who request that the Foundation consider certain organizations, causes, communities, and/or populations when making grants from the fund, taking into account changing times and conditions. more>

Field of Interest Funds - Field of Interest funds are designed by a donor to accomplish a broad charitable goal or purpose such as improving health care, elementary education, or the region's cultural life. Donors direct the Foundation to target funds to this topic or cause, focusing dollars on the most promising organizations working in the field at any given time. more>

Designated Funds - Designated funds are created by donors who wish to specify one or more organizations to receive all or a portion of the income from a fund annually. The Foundation carries out the donor's directions, ensuring that the named agency continues to use the income to achieve intended charitable purposes. more>

Scholarship Funds - Scholarship funds are created and supported by donors to help area students afford a college education. Donors can either create a fund with specific selection criteria or contribute to the Hartford Foundation's General Scholarship Endowment Fund, which benefits students throughout the region. more>

Catalyst Endowment Fund - The Catalyst Endowment Fund is a permanent fund created by donors who pool their contributions of $500 or more per year, explore an issue critical to the region, and advise on awarding grants from the fund to nonprofit organizations tackling that issue. more>

Latino Endowment Fund - The Latino Endowment Fund was created by individuals who are committed to investing in a better life for the region's Latino residents. Annual gifts of $250 or more are pooled in a permanent endowed fund; members collectively learn about issues and challenges facing Latinos in Greater Hartford, and recommend grants to Latino organizations. more>