Giving Circles
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2025 Joint Giving Circle Topic:
Empowering Post-Secondary Success: Diverse Pathways to Opportunity
This year, our three giving circles unite to explore and address the multifaceted challenges facing students pursuing post-secondary education and career advancement in our region. We will work to understand the critical disparities in post-secondary success that disproportionately impact students from underrepresented and under-resourced communities, while recognizing that "success" encompasses many different pathways.
The Catalyst Endowment Fund, the Latino Endowment Fund, and the Black Giving Circle Fund hosted Understanding the Landscape of Post-Secondary Success in 2025.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the remarkable panelists and moderator who brought this important discussion to life:
Elizabeth Burland, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, School of Public Policy, University of Connecticut
Jordan Green, Director of Reaching Back Services, Hartford Promise
Yolanda Rivera, Director, CT State Building Trades Training Institute
Alessondra Wilson, LMSW, School Social Worker, Hartford Public Schools
Moderator: Alexis Safo-Agyeman, Community Impact Officer, Hartford Foundation
for Public Giving
Key takeaways from the evening:
Success is self-defined — Students are empowered to shape their own visions of success, beyond traditional expectations.
Exposure matters — Awareness of diverse postsecondary and career pathways helps students make informed choices.
Workforce development is essential — These pathways may differ from college but are equally rigorous and rewarding.
Pathways Forward: Strong Supports for Post-Secondary Success
Location: Hartford Public Library (Downtown Branch)
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Join us for the second installment of our donor education series exploring postsecondary success. This panel will spotlight the often-unseen supports that help students succeed after high school with a focus on mental health and wellness, vocational and college access, mentoring, and retention strategies. Hear from experts working directly with students and systems to ensure every pathway is supported and every student has the tools to thrive.
More details coming soon. Please check back for updates on panelists.
Please RSVP to secure your spot.
Community Bus Tour
Meeting Location: Hartford Foundation - 10 Columbus Blvd. Hartford CT
Parking: Sheldon Street Lot.
Departure Time: 1:30pm
Return Time: 5:30pm
More details to come. Check periodically for updates.
Join a Hartford Foundation Giving Circle and collaborate to create meaningful change.
Our Giving Circles bring together individuals with a shared passion for their community. Together, they study a topic and decide how best to direct their pooled funds to local nonprofits addressing critical issues in our region.
THE HARTFORD FOUNDATION OFFERS THREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLECTIVE PHILANTHROPY:
Latino Endowment Fund
Help address the challenges facing Latino residents and the organizations that serve them. This innovative fund is among the first of its kind in the U.S. Learn more.
Black Giving Circle Fund
Join a powerful and positive force for good in our region. This group promotes meaningful philanthropy within the Black community. Learn more.
Catalyst Endowment Fund
Since it began in 1993, the Fund’s endowment has grown to more than $1.9 million, and the Giving Circle has made 68 grants totaling $1.1 million to nonprofits in Greater Hartford. Learn more.