The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving awarded more than $45 million in grants to the region’s nonprofit agencies in 2021. This is the second largest grantmaking total in the Foundation’s 96-year history, behind only the record $52.7 million in grants made during the peak of the pandemic’s public health and economic crises in 2020. According to the latest, unaudited numbers, the Foundation ended 2021 with total assets of nearly  $1.25 billion. Individuals, families and a variety of organizations opened a total of 83 new funds, and the Foundation received gifts totaling more than $24.5 million. Since its founding in 1925, the Foundation has awarded more than $894 million in grants. 

Hartford Marathon Foundation is expanding its youth running platform to benefit more middle and high school students with the new Susie Beris, MD Youth Running Program.Through a generous endowment provided by Dr. Susan Beris, a Southbury pediatrician, HMF will reach more students and increase inclusion, diversity and opportunities to support the next generation of lifelong runners.

The Landscape Architecture and Planning practice of SLAM (The S/L/A/M Collaborative) welcomes the addition of Cynthia “Cyndy” Reynolds, landscape architect, ASLA, Keith Whipple, PLA, landscape practice leader – Orlando, and Henry Withers, ASLA, senior landscape architect, to the firm, supporting national initiatives for the education, healthcare, corporate, sports and justice practices. Cyndy and Henry are based in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and Keith joins the Orlando, Florida office.

Luz Holmes, President and Chair of the Upper Albany Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, has been elected President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Young Professionals (YP). The auxiliary supports the Urban League’s mission to reduce economic disparities through programs, services, and educational opportunities by providing a forum for professional development, volunteerism, and social awareness for young adults ages 21 through 40.

Breana Vessichio, an attorney in Reid and Riege, P.C.’s Business Services Practice, has been named a Commissioner of the Hartford Business Improvement District (Hartford BID).