Andover Greater Together Community Fund

The Andover Greater Together Community Fund is a grant opportunity managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Established in 2019 with an initial $100,000 investment, the fund received an additional $50,000 in 2022, expanding its capacity to support community-driven projects in the town of Andover. The program aims to foster civic engagement, empower residents to take ownership of local needs, and strengthen the Hartford Foundation's ties to the community. The purpose of the Andover Greater Together Community Fund is to help the community identify key needs, set funding priorities, and recommend grants that address those needs. The initiative encourages awareness of local opportunities and issues, with the overarching goal of inspiring continued philanthropic giving and volunteer efforts in Andover. Grants are intended to support a wide range of community initiatives. For the 2025 grant cycle, the Andover Greater Together Community Fund will begin accepting applications on January 13, 2025. The grants available range from $250 to $10,000. Nonprofit organizations that support Andover’s community are encouraged to apply. This includes organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, as well as those without such a designation, provided they secure a fiscal sponsor. The Town of Andover itself may also apply, although the funds cannot replace existing public funding sources. Applications can be submitted directly online, and the deadline for submissions is March 1, 2025. Awardees will be required to submit a grant reporting form detailing how the funds were used. The review process may involve additional requests for information, which could be gathered through phone or video conferences, presentations, or site visits. The decision-making process is guided by a committee of local residents, ensuring that the funds address the most pressing community needs. Past grant recipients have included various organizations such as the Andover Congregational Church, which received $10,000 for a freezer and refrigerator for their food pantry, and the Andover PTA, which was awarded $10,000 to enhance outdoor learning and playground spaces. These grants reflect the community's diverse needs, from historical preservation to youth services and community wellness. Key deadlines for the current round of grants are as follows: applications open on January 13, 2025, and must be submitted by March 1, 2025. Interested organizations can contact Karen Hartenstein, Program Manager at khartenstein@hfpg.org for further information. The fund is also supported by a committee of local volunteers, including co-chairs Marianella Chalfant and Suzanne Heise, who play a pivotal role in overseeing the grant process.