Zak Fund Seeks Grant Applicants

From the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is accepting applications for grants of up to $25,000 each through the Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund. The Foundation expects to award between two and eight grants from the fund during 2012.

Community-based organizations, civic associations, volunteer groups, and public agencies are invited to submit proposals for projects that will address basic needs or improve the quality of life for residents in Suffield.

The successful project will demonstrate two or more of the following elements:

• Expand resources for residents of Suffield.
• Improve the quality of life for residents of Suffield.
• Promote community service in the town or the surrounding area.
• Inspire community spirit by motivating citizens to feel connected to, and responsible for, their community.

For example, construction of a community pavilion by the Suffield Rotary Club and restoration of an antique horse-drawn carriage by the Suffield Historical Society were among 13 projects awarded a total of more than $81,000 in grants during 2011.

For eligibility criteria and application procedures, interested organizations should contact Maggie Willard, senior donor services officer at the Hartford Foundation, at 860-548-1888, x1020, or mwillard@hfpg.org. The application deadline is Feb. 19.

There will be an informational meeting Jan. 18 at which representatives of the Hartford Foundation will present information on the Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund and answer questions on the application process. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association. Attendance is not required to apply.

The Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund was established at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving by Michael J. Zak to honor the commitment, activism and dedicated years of service that his parents, Amiel and Mary Anne Zak, have devoted to the Suffield community.  Since 2003, 60 grants totaling more than $508,000 have been awarded.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for the 29-town Greater Hartford region, dedicated to improving the quality of life for area residents.  The Hartford Foundation receives gifts from thousands of generous individuals and families, and in 2010, awarded grants of more than $29 million to a broad range of area nonprofit organizations, the largest amount granted in the Foundation’s history.  For more information about the Hartford Foundation, and its strategic plan, Accelerate Success, visit www.hfpg.org or call 860-548-1888.