president's message
2009 was a momentous year for The Fund for Greater Hartford. In the interest of being transparent about our independence (in place for 30 years), we changed our name (from The Hartford Courant Foundation), and moved to a new office in Hartford. The move has been a positive one, and has served to make clear to the community the private and independent nature of the Fund.
The Fund for Greater Hartford committed nearly $700,000 to greater Hartford in 2009. We continued to focus our grants on programs that support children and their families, in the areas of health and social services, arts, community development, and education. Our assets crept up from their low point in 2008, reaching nearly $15 million in 2009, and while we hope this trend will continue so we can continue to expand our grants programs, the ongoing volatility of the markets makes sustained gains difficult. Unfortunately, we are not alone in this financial situation, and the same pressures that are weighing on investments are creating greater needs in the community. We will stay the course and continue to fund as many worthy efforts as we can. Greater Hartford is fortunate to have many diverse and excellent non-profit organizations working for the greater good. We will continue to offer support to those that are steadfast in their missions, effective in their programs, and efficient in their operations.
As I begin the second year of my presidency of The Fund for Greater Hartford, I am pleased to report that Estela López has agreed to take on the position of Vice President, with the expectation that she will become the President of the Fund in 2011.
In early 2010, the Finance Committee completed the task of selecting a new investment advisor for the Fund endowment. We are hopeful this will be the beginning of a solid relationship that will extend for some time. With the economy entering into uncharted waters, we will keep a careful watch on the assets and seek to retain the value of our endowment. This is even more important as the economy creates new and increased challenges to the populations we serve.
We also welcomed two new Board members at our recent annual meeting, Judge Nina Elgo and Ms. Jan-Gee McCollam. Ms. McCollam brings strong financial expertise to the Board and she has already stepped onto the Finance Committee. Judge Elgo has a strong expertise and interest in children’s issues, a good fit with the mission of the Fund. They are both great addition to the Board, and we are delighted to have them join us.
We know that 2010 will present challenges to us and our community, and we hope to be able to continue to offer a helping hand to many organizations in the Hartford area.
Christopher R. Skomorowski, President
The Fund for Greater Hartford
