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October 31, 2022 2022 Giving Guide

Leadership Greater Hartford

Mission:

To develop, connect and inspire diverse and effective leaders to build inclusive, vibrant communities.

What does your organization do?

We believe that the ability to lead effectively is not contingent on titles or positional influence. Rather, everyone has the capacity to influence positive change at any age. Our programs empower leaders to drive transformative change in the world around them, creating more just and caring communities.

LGH is Connecticut’s premier leadership development organization and one of the most well-regarded community leadership organizations in the country. We are a capacity builder in the Greater Hartford region serving individuals and organizations across industries.

For nearly half a century, we have served high schoolers, college students, mid-career professionals, senior executives and retirees through our programs and consulting and training offerings. These programs connect individuals from different backgrounds, sectors and communities, forging connections through shared experiences and learning. Investment in our programming allows organizations and businesses to invest in both their people and in the Greater Hartford community.

Third Age Initiative Class 16 connects with and learns from program alumni.

Fundraising Events/Opportunities

Our annual fundraiser, the Polaris Awards, honors exemplary leaders who are guiding lights in the region. Award recipients traditionally have been unsung leaders and community builders embodying the type of leadership and collaboration we teach in our programs.

The event itself is designed to build community as a celebratory evening with time for attendees to network, build new connections and friends, and meet others who are deeply invested in making our region more inclusive and vibrant. Businesses can sponsor this event, as well as our other hosted member events, to earn visibility within our broad professional and community networks. The Polaris Awards also often feature an online auction, so businesses and the public can contribute to the fundraiser’s success by donating auction items, such as gift cards, or participating as bidders.

Structural Impediments

Our community faces an unprecedented leadership gap as long-time leaders retire at the same time that new generations question traditional ways of working and seek to improve their work-life balance. Leaders today need to be agile, curious and collaborative as organizations and businesses evolve. This moment presents an incredible opportunity for LGH to change the face of leadership in our region. We are committed to empowering a racially and ethnically diverse spectrum of communities and seek to expand the representation of traditionally underserved and marginalized populations in regional leadership positions. Our programs develop adaptive, inclusive servant leaders who are acutely attuned to the world around them and understand the importance of collaboration, partnership and civic engagement. We instill an awareness of the complex challenges and opportunities in our region, inspiring participants to pursue leadership opportunities at work and in their communities.

2022 Executive Orientation Program participants get to know each other on a tour at Upward Hartford.

Post-pandemic

While our in-person programming returned this year, numerous pandemic impacts are still being felt across the organization. Nonprofits — a key audience for our programs — are still reeling from the pandemic. They face staffing challenges, increased service demands and financial limitations. Our programs support nonprofits by developing their established and aspiring leaders and helping them network with cross-sector community leaders. Generous donations from individuals and corporations help us provide nonprofits and small businesses with a deeply discounted rate to access our programs, education that would otherwise be out of reach.

We were able to weather the pandemic’s financial strain thanks to one-time federal relief funding and continued investments from individuals and corporations. While we have returned to offering our full slate of programming, continued community investment will ensure we can fulfill our mission of developing the leaders critical for our community’s future.

"LGH’s 2022 Quest program radically shifted my thinking and revolutionized how I engage with others on every level. I have learned to embrace the uncomfortable, welcome change and stand in my executive presence! Initially, I was intimidated by the 'titles' in the room … but soon realized I was in fellowship with like-minded, engaging and supportive individuals who contributed to my overall success. This has been an invaluable experience!"

Janine McMahon

Former Parent Leadership Coordinator and Financial Stability Specialist, Catholic Charities