This Years Topic
Stronger Together: Immigrant & Refugee Futures in Greater Hartford.
From Jamaican migrant workers to Southeast Asian refugees, Greater Hartford’s story is one of arrival. Arrival for opportunity, for safety, for the chance to thrive despite what was endured. We can feel it taking root in our neighborhoods, in Greek festivals and mom-and-pop Peruvian restaurants. It still exists quietly, as it always has, in doctors’ offices where a grandson misses school to translate for his grandmother, or a father struggling to navigate his job application in English.
But now, more than ever, many families are navigating increased uncertainty. These realities, visible and unseen, are tied to immigration enforcement and complex policy changes. The fears they carry underscore the importance of language access, trusted legal support, and culturally responsive services.
This theme invites members beyond the national headlines and into the lived experiences of our region. Across Connecticut, roughly one in six residents is foreign-born, and in Hartford, nearly one in four residents was born outside the U.S., with many households speaking a language other than English at home. We will look to understand how policy changes are showing up here, how nonprofits are responding with urgency and care, and where philanthropy can play a stabilizing role by supporting immediate needs and help neighbors remain anchored and safe.
Together, we will explore what is changing locally, how organizations are responding, and where philanthropy can play a meaningful role in supporting our neighbors.
Giving Circles Events
Tuesday, March 31 | 5:00-7:30PM | CT Museum of Culture and History
Navigating Change: Immigration, Community, and Support Systems
During this program, we heard a series of thought‑provoking talks from local leaders and practitioners working directly with immigrant and refugee communities. Together, we explored what is changing locally, how organizations are responding, and where philanthropy could play a meaningful role in supporting our neighbors.
Speakers:
- Rebecca Crosswaith Martinez, Immigration Constituent Liaison, United States Senate
- Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director, CT Students for a Dream
- Ted Doolittle, Former Federal Immigration Judge
- Sarah Eisele-Dyrli, Assistant Director, CTData Collaborative
Tuesday, May 19 | 5:00-7:30 | University of Connecticut
Educational Program 2
This second program will move from learning about the landscape to engaging with it, we invite Giving Circle members and guest into a participatory data walk experience that deepens understanding of immigrant and refugee experiences and futures in our region.
Wednesday, June 24 | Details TBD
Community Bus Tour
Join a Giving Circle
- Learn deeply — Explore local challenges and opportunities through educational programs, site visits, conversations with community leaders, and shared learning experiences.
- Give collectively — Pool donations to create a greater impact than any one person could alone, and take part in member-led grantmaking.
- Support local nonprofits — Review proposals, hear directly from organizations, and vote to award grants that address the needs of our communities.
- Build community and belonging — Connect with people who share your values, cultural identity, and commitment to community.
Our Giving Circles
Greater Hartford Gives hosts three Giving Circles:
Mission: Create sustainable change in the Black community by leveraging philanthropic efforts and celebrating Black philanthropy.
- Established: 2015
- Impact: the fund has awarded more than $200,000, and has grown the endowment to over $700,000.
- Membership:
- Annual contribution: $365.
Mission: Engage community-minded individuals in hands-on philanthropy to address critical regional issues.
- Established: 1993
- Impact: 68 grants totaling $1.1 million; endowment has grown to $1.9 million.
- Membership:
- Annual contribution: $500 ($250 for first-time members).
Mission: Address challenges facing Latino residents and support organizations serving the Latino community.
- Established: 2003
- Impact: More than $450,000 awarded in grants; fund valued at more than $600,000.
- Membership:
- Annual contribution: $365 ($150 for individuals 30 years or younger).
Giving Circles: Latest News
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our Giving Circles
Who can join a Giving Circle?
Anyone who is committed to collective giving and community impact is welcome to join. Some Circles may focus on specific communities or causes.
How much does it cost to join?
Each Giving Circle sets its own annual contribution level. Some offer flexible giving options or tiered membership levels. View Giving Circles information above to see contribution amounts for each Circle.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
What do members actually do?
Members come together for shared learning opportunities where they learn about community needs, combine their resources, and collectively choose which organizations to support. Each Giving Circle is supported by a steering committee, providing members with an opportunity for deeper involvement and leadership.
Do I have to attend every meeting or event?
While we encourage members to participate as fully as they can, we understand that schedules vary. Each Giving Circle shares its calendar of events early in the year to help members plan ahead. During grantmaking, members who cannot attend in person will still have the opportunity to vote by proxy so their voice is included in the decision.
How are funding decisions made?
Funding decisions are made through a democratic voting process among members.
Can I join more than one Giving Circle?
Yes! Some members feel connected to more than one mission or identity and choose to join multiple Giving Circles. You can do the same by making a gift to each circle you wish to participate in.
Can I recommend an organization for funding?
Absolutely, we welcome suggestions from members and include time during the grantmaking process for member nominations.
What if I’m not sure about joining?
That’s okay! We’d love to connect and invite you to a Giving Circle event so you can experience the community, conversations, and impact firsthand. It’s a great way to get a feel for what being part of a Circle is like before deciding. Please reach out to Romy Garcia at rgarcia@greaterhartfordgives.org
