Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Announces New Name, Logo and Tagline as It Begins a Second Century of Community Support

Hartford Foundation is changing its name to Greater Hartford Gives Foundation

As it enters its second century of serving as the community foundation for the Greater Hartford region, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has announced that it will change its name to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation in January 2026. This effort also includes the creation of a new logo, a new tagline “A strong foundation for all,” and a new website at greaterhartfordgives.org (which will go live on January 6). 

These changes come on the heels of Foundation’s recent announcement of their plan to construct a new headquarters at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street – the gateway to Hartford’s North End – which was announced at its centennial celebration on December 5.

“As we began planning for our Centennial anniversary, we asked ourselves if there is a name for this century-old organization that more effectively communicates what is at the core of who we are and what we do,” said Greater Hartford Gives President/CEO Jay Williams. “This question has been debated on and off within the foundation for more than 30 years. As a result, we engaged in this rebranding effort to better reflect our commitment to our region.” 

“We hope that this new name and brand will bring more people into our mission, those who are already giving their time, talent and treasure in their communities as well as future changemakers who care deeply about the region,” Williams said. “We believe Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is clearer, more welcoming, and better represents our vision of supporting the entire region, today and for the future.”

The Foundation worked with New York-based creative agency Big Duck, a worker-owned cooperative that works exclusively with nonprofits, to develop the new brand over an 18-month period. Throughout the process, Big Duck engaged Foundation staff and board members as well as donors, nonprofit leaders and volunteers to develop a brand that reflects where the organization has been and where it is going.

“Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is intended to be both a name and a promise—one that reflects the generosity, strength, and shared commitment of the people of our region,” said Hartford Foundation Board Chair Dr. Mark Overmyer-Velázquez. “The new name is also action-oriented, bi-directional and inclusive, inviting everyone to see themselves as part of a community that gives in many ways—through volunteerism, monetary support, bold ideas, and collective care.” 

The new logo features a bold, standalone monogram that elevates Hartford, the heart of the region the Foundation serves, with a striking ‘H’ built from structural bridge elements, symbolizing connection, strength and intention. The bold, simplified color palette reinforces a look that is both inviting and reflecting the organization's clear and forward-thinking vision. The blue colors are reminiscent of the Connecticut River, which runs through the heart of the region.

The new tagline, “A strong foundation for all,” reinforces the Foundation’s role as a driving force for generosity. “Foundation” takes a dual meaning, that of a reliable grantmaker and a basis for change. The tagline also will be used flexibly, highlighting various key aspects of the Foundation’s work (e.g., A strong foundation for scholars, food security, Manchester, etc.). 

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. Through partnerships, the Foundation seeks to strengthen communities in Greater Hartford by putting philanthropy in action to dismantle structural racism and achieve equity in social and economic mobility. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $1 billion since its founding in 1925. For more information, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.