Gawlicki Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 274341026
• Annual Giving: $1,475,466 (2023)
• Total Assets: $28.5 million
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000 (up to $1 million in rare instances)
• Total Awarded Since 2012: Over $8 million to nearly 50 organizations
• Decision Time: Few weeks to several months
• Geographic Focus: Hartford, CT (primary); Connecticut and Northeast U.S.
• Application Priority Deadline: May 31st annually

Contact Details

Address: 100 Pearl Street, 14th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: 860-249-7022

Email: info@wefundforward.org

Website: www.wefundforward.org

Pre-Application Contact: The foundation welcomes and encourages calls from prospective grantseekers prior to application at 860-249-7022

Overview

Established in 2012 by husband-and-wife business partners Ted and Mary Gawlicki (who passed away in May 2023), the Gawlicki Family Foundation is an independently-funded 501(c)(3) private foundation headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. The foundation was launched after the Gawlickis sold their business, Corporate Translations Inc., which provided translations for pharmaceutical and biotech businesses internationally. With total assets of $28.5 million and annual giving of approximately $1.5 million, the foundation has awarded over $8 million to nearly 50 organizations since its inception.

The foundation's strategic approach centers on supporting "transformative change" in three core areas: pulmonary health, K-12 education (with emphasis on STEAM), and municipal and economic development in Hartford. The foundation describes itself as being "committed to supporting significant, measurable change" and operates with the belief that "private dollars power public progress." Their grantees tend to be medium- to large-sized, well-established organizations in the Hartford area with proven track records and potential for lasting community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with rolling applications, though priority is given to applications submitted by May 31st annually. Grants support both one-time capital projects and ongoing programmatic support.

• Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000 (typical); up to $1 million in exceptional cases
• Application Method: Online screening application form via website, followed by detailed questionnaire, site visit, and committee approval
• Timeline: Applications accepted year-round; priority to those submitted by May 31st

Priority Areas

Education: Strengthens academic achievement and equality through STEAM with focus on underserved populations. Supports both K-12 and higher education, emphasizing "industry skills and technology requirements" as means of ending the "cycle of unpreparedness and inequity." The foundation has partnered with organizations including Hartford Youth Scholars (providing 10+ years of support from 7th grade through college), Grace Academy, ReadyCT Summer Internship Program, Saint Patrick's School, Hartford Public Library, and Hartford Promise.

Pulmonary Health: Supports ongoing healthcare transformation with focus on innovative solutions in pulmonary health. Empowers patients and enhances health outcomes through intervention, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care. Has awarded more than $350,000 to Saint Francis Hospital for pulmonary rehabilitation programs, including $78,000 for the Van Gogh Microscopy System.

Municipal and Economic Development: Focuses on Hartford's economic revitalization and urban development, with particular emphasis on public transportation and civic infrastructure. Grantees include Bushnell Park Foundation, Elizabeth Park Conservancy, Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish a comprehensive list of exclusions, they note that they "only make contributions to preselected charitable organizations" and their focus clearly prioritizes:

• Organizations located in or serving Hartford and Connecticut
• Medium- to large-sized organizations with established reputations
• Projects aligned with their three core focus areas
• Organizations capable of demonstrating sustainability beyond grant funding

Governance and Leadership

Theodore M. Gawlicki - Co-Founder and Trustee

• Bachelor's degree in economics from Colby College
• MBA in finance from University of Connecticut
• Prior executive positions at two NYSE manufacturing companies
• Co-founded Corporate Translations, Inc. (1990-2016)

Mary C. Gawlicki (1950-2023) - Co-Founder and Trustee

• Bachelor's degree in French from Manhattanville College
• MBA in finance from University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School
• Career in manufacturing finance at Xerox, Scott Paper Company, and Digital Equipment Corp.
• Co-founded Corporate Translations, Inc. (1990-2016)
• Passed away May 26, 2023

Leadership Quotes on Funding Philosophy

Ted Gawlicki: "Our ultimate goal in all our philanthropic actions [is to support education] and have [students] come back and work and strengthen the Hartford community."

Ted Gawlicki: "We had the means to give back. It does give us tremendous satisfaction; we really think we are making a difference."

Mary Gawlicki on holistic approaches: "They look at the whole child. That's really one of our hopes, that these kids will come back, stay in Hartford and help the city blossom."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1 - Pre-Application Contact: The foundation strongly suggests all applicants call 860-249-7022 for a brief conversation prior to applying.

Step 2 - Screening Application: Complete the screening application form available at www.wefundforward.org.

Step 3 - Review by Grant Review Committee: Every application is reviewed thoroughly to understand project details, importance, implementation, and sustainability.

Step 4 - Follow-up Questionnaire: After review, a follow-up questionnaire will be submitted to the grantee for completion.

Step 5 - Site Visit: The foundation schedules a site visit to meet with your organization's implementation team.

Step 6 - Grant Approval Committee: The Grant Approval Committee meets to determine funding decisions.

Decision Timeline

The grant process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the scope and funding level requested. Priority is given to applications submitted by May 31st.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. The foundation has awarded over $8 million to nearly 50 organizations since 2012. Historical data shows approximately 30-33 awards annually. Many organizations receive ongoing, multi-year support.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation supports ongoing relationships with grantees, with many organizations receiving multi-year or repeated funding. No specific waiting period for reapplication is mentioned.

Application Success Factors

Focus on Transformative Change: The foundation explicitly seeks organizations with potential to effect "transformative change." Demonstrate significant, measurable impact beyond incremental improvements.

Emphasize Sustainability: The Grant Review Committee specifically examines "how it will be maintained once all grant funding has been expended." Clearly articulate a sustainability plan.

Align with Hartford's Future: Show how your project contributes to Hartford's long-term economic and social vitality, helping community members "come back, stay in Hartford and help the city blossom."

Demonstrate Established Credibility: The foundation's grantees "tend to be larger organizations in the Hartford area whose reputations are well established."

Connect to STEAM Education: For education applications, emphasize STEAM and "industry skills and technology requirements" that break the "cycle of unpreparedness and inequity."

Make the Pre-Application Call: Use this opportunity to test fit, refine your concept, and demonstrate seriousness before investing time in a full application.

Submit by May 31st for Priority Consideration: Applications submitted by May 31st receive priority review when annual funding is most available.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Call before you apply - The foundation actively encourages preliminary conversations at 860-249-7022
• Hartford is the priority - Geographic focus on Hartford, CT is paramount; demonstrate deep Hartford connections
• Show transformative potential - The foundation seeks "significant, measurable change," not minor improvements
• Sustainability is scrutinized - Thoroughly demonstrate how your project continues after grant funding expires
• Submit by May 31st - Priority is given to applications received by May 31st annually
• Build relationships for ongoing support - Many grantees receive multi-year funding; this is a relationship-focused foundation
• Align with three core areas - Pulmonary health, K-12 STEAM education, and Hartford municipal/economic development

References

• Gawlicki Family Foundation official website: www.wefundforward.org (Accessed February 2024)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/gawlicki-family-foundation,274341026/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/274341026
• Inside Philanthropy Profile: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/connecticut-grants/gawlicki-family-foundation
• Hartford Courant: "A CT couple is determined to help Hartford's youths and others" (January 9, 2023)
• Saint Francis Hospital news release on Van Gogh Microscopy System grant
• Hartford Public Library blog on early literacy program grant
• Mary Gawlicki Obituary, Hartford Courant (May 26, 2023)
• Connecticut Democracy Center announcements on Mary C. Gawlicki Philanthropic Leader Award