John E. Blair Fund for the Visually Impaired Grant

The John E. Blair Fund for the Visually Impaired Grant is a charitable endowment aimed at supporting organizations that assist visually impaired individuals in the Greater Hartford Region. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 are available depending on project scope. Eligibility includes nonprofit organizations and those partnering with fiscal sponsors. The foundation prioritizes effective governance and initiatives that address equity and social mobility disparities in the community.

The John E. Blair Fund for the Visually Impaired is an endowed charitable endowment that seeks to support organizations that serve visually impaired individuals residing in the Greater Hartford Region.
Funding
Grants ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 will be awarded, depending upon the scope of work to be performed. This funding is not intended to replace governmental funding of projects or needs that should be properly funded through the municipal appropriations process.

Eligibility

In order to receive funding, your organization must meet our basic eligibility criteria.The Hartford Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - with the exception of private non-operating foundations, which we do not fund.The Foundation will consider supporting projects led by organizations or residents without 501(c)(3) status, if they partner with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.As a community foundation, we make grants that benefit residents in our funding region.
If your organization is located outside of our 29-town region, but a significant portion of your services go toward benefiting residents in our region, you may be eligible for a grant.The Foundation seeks to support organizations that engage in effective governance practices. A strong board is a true asset to an organization. High-performing boards have engaged members, understand their roles and responsibilities, and reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.What we look for includes:Do you have a board that meets regularly?
Does your organization keep minutes of board meetings?
Does your board regularly review financial reports and approve the annual budget?
Does your organization have idenitified strategic goals or a strategic plan?The Hartford Foundation is committed to dismantling structural racism and advancing equity in social and economic mobility in Greater Hartford’s Black and Latine communities. Does your organization’s mission or your proposed work contribute to these goals?We encourage grantseekers to consider projects and approaches that help reduce persistent disparities in our region.Applicants can choose from new, enhanced or expanded programs, equipment/capital projects, capacity building, or general operating support. The Foundation will only consider one of these funding areas at a time and generally does not fund an entire project budget.