Massive Changes Coming For Major Hartford Charitable Organization

HARTFORD, CT — A major player in Hartford's charitable scene is not only getting a new headquarters, but it will get a new name as well.

On Friday, Dec. 5, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving announced the development of a new headquarters.development of a new headquarters.development of a new headquarters.

Though based in Hartford, the foundation actually serves 29 towns in the Greater Hartford region, meaning more than just the city is impacted by what the organization has to offer.

While the new building will definitely take some time, the new name will take effect on Jan. 1.

The foundation announced it will change its name to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.it will change its name to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.

This effort also includes the creation of a new logo, a new tagline, “A strong foundation for all,” and a new website at www.greaterhartfordgives.org (which will go live on Jan. 6).

These changes come after the foundation’s Dec. 5 announcement of its plan to construct a new headquarters at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street in the North End.

“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 new headquarters is a part of a broader vision for a gateway to Hartford’s North End, according to the foundation.

The announcement was a part of the foundation’s centennial celebration at Hartford's Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

It was made before an audience of approximately 1,000 donors, nonprofit organizations, public officials, and other stakeholders.

“Our centennial has provided an opportunity for the foundation to make bold investments that strengthen the Hartford region, while preserving our annual grantmaking in the next century,” said Williams.

“Our culminating investment is our community gateway and headquarters project, and we have contractual agreements to purchase the land needed to build at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street – the gateway to Hartford’s North End.

"This decision reflects the Foundation’s commitment to literally and figuratively 'ground' us into the communities that we serve. Moving from the eighth floor of a downtown office tower to a street-level view with our stakeholders and partners moves us closer to the challenges and opportunities that drive our work.”

Hartford's mayor called it a "landmark" moment for his home city.

"This $35 million investment by the Hartford Foundation is truly a landmark moment for our city," said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “By moving their headquarters to the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street, the Foundation is not just building an office; they are making a profound, tangible commitment to the economic revitalization of our North End and integrating their work more deeply into the communities they serve. This is the kind of bold, long-term partnership that will define the future of Hartford.”

The foundation is working with JCJ Architecture, a Hartford-based firm with a 90-year local history, to design its new headquarters.

East Hartford-based Goman + York is serving as real estate advisor to identify and broker the purchase of the parcels necessary to develop the project.

BBE, a fourth-generation Bloomfield-based construction management and general contracting company, will serve as construction manager for the new headquarters.

The project is currently in the pre-design phase of what is anticipated to be a two-story, 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot building on a 2+ acre lot at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Main Street.

The Foundation expects to invest approximately $35 million in the project, which is slated to break ground in the spring of 2026, with completion anticipated in early 2028.

Foundation staff will then depart its current offices at 10 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, where the organization has been located since 2006.

“We envision the building as an inclusive hub where people will come together, formally and informally, to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and foster positive change,” said Williams. “We aim to create an inviting, accessible space that will accommodate flexible programming, as a vibrant reflection of the region’s diverse communities.”

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding towns. For more information, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.