Connecticut

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has announced that Alan Mattamana has been appointed by the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education to serve on the foundation’s board. Mattamana will replace Rodney Powell, who has served on the board since 2012, most recently as vice chair. Mattamana is a partner at Fairview Capital, a venture capital firm, where he is involved in investment selection, deal execution, and monitoring activities for the firm’s venture capital and private equity direct co-investment and partnership portfolios.

Florida

The Orlando Economic Partnership has announced the graduation of the first leadership participants in the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute (BBLI), a program under the umbrella of Leadership Orlando, which aims to amplify inclusion in boardrooms and increase Black representation on local nonprofit boards. The six-month program engaged 20 individuals representing small businesses, educational organizations, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and Fortune 500 companies from across the region. An investment from an anonymous fundholder at the Central Florida Foundation is supporting the first three years of the program, enabling participants to receive the training at no charge.

Illinois

The Chicago Community Trust has announced that, with its latest round of grants to support development projects in Black and Latinx communities, We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery has invested nearly $34 million in the past 15 months, unlocking $328 million in new real estate investment to support thriving neighborhoods and a stronger Chicago. Recent grant recipients include Enlace, Policy Kings, Urban Juncture, and the Bruce and Batter & Berries.

Louisiana

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) has announced the conclusion of a detailed planning process that involved participation from hundreds of community members during much of last year and included its findings in a strategic framework (56 pages, PDF). Gathering input from a dedicated planning committee, six topical advisory councils, and discussions with more than 300 community members, BRAF has determined that to build a thriving and resilient future for the area, it will focus on catalyzing change and positive opportunities, fostering a strong philanthropic community, empowering changemakers and nonprofits, spotlighting impact and inspirational civic pride, and delivering operational excellence.

New Jersey

The Princeton Area Community Foundation has announced that its Trenton Arts Fund has awarded $29,550 in grants to seven local arts, culture, and history nonprofits. Recipients include Artworks Trenton, the Passage Theatre Company, Trenton Circus Squad, and the Trenton Museum Society.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Foundation has announced $160,000 in emergency grants to help with food, housing, and heating costs. Recipients include Connecting for Children and Families, the Salvation Army offices in Providence and Newport, and the WARM Shelter.

South Carolina

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has announced grants totaling $412,000 in grants to five nonprofits: Memory Matters, Mental Health America – Beaufort/Jasper, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Programs for Exceptional People, and Meals on Wheels – Bluffton-Hilton Head.