Connecticut's Only
Black Philanthropy
We enable community members to engage in philanthropy by creating their own funds on our platform. Through coordinated, focused efforts, TPF believes that philanthropy funded and managed by Black people is a viable and sustainable means of addressing critical social and economic gaps in Black communities.
Our Core Values
Cultural
Competence
Equity & Economic Sustainability
Leading
Through Accountability
Independence and Donor Engagement
Collaboration
Our Mission
Cultivate and grow black communities in Connecticut through capacity-building solutions
Our Vision
The Prosperity Foundation envisions a network of thriving black communities throughout the state of Connecticut
Our History
In 2010, Howard K. Hill founded The Prosperity Foundation, which was an outgrowth of the Urban Prosperity Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund was established as a component of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to promote philanthropy, prosperity, and self-empowerment in the Black community.
Additionally, the goal was to effectuate sustainable change and challenge the mindset of the Black community. Hill’s vision was to empower Black people to uplift the Black community by coming together, participating in philanthropic activities, and committing their dollars to support Black-owned businesses and initiatives.
As the owner of Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, he witnessed many families who were not prepared financially to address funeral costs or life after the death of a loved one. Hill recognized that Black families are economically disadvantaged because of institutional racism and a lack of financial literacy, knowledge and planning to offset financial crises.
Thus, The Prosperity Foundation was created to establish a sustainable system of support to meet the unique needs of the Black community. Our vision is to create a fundamental mindset shift among Black people and within the Black community. We want this change in perspective to be the foundation on which trust and faith in Black business owners will be built.
Donna Lecky
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Donna Lecky was named Interim Chief Executive Officer of The Prosperity Foundation on
September 1, 2025, where she leads the organization’s strategic, financial, and operational
direction during a pivotal period of growth and transformation. A founding board member
and former Chair of the Finance Committee, Lecky has been central to shaping the Foundation’s first
decade—strengthening its endowment, expanding investment capacity, and advancing
policies that promote equity and community wealth building.
She has been instrumental in elevating Black philanthropy in Connecticut, including
supporting the state’s recognition of Black Philanthropy Month. Her leadership reflects a
deep commitment to building sustainable systems of community investment and ensuring
philanthropic capital drives measurable, equitable change.
In addition to her role at The Prosperity Foundation, Lecky is Chief Financial Officer and
Co-Founder of HealthVenture, a global health innovation and investment firm. She brings
over 25 years of executive experience in finance, healthcare, and venture capital, including
senior roles at Omnicare (a CVS Company) and HealthSouth Corporation. Earlier in her
career, she spent two decades with KPMG, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte, advising on
mergers and acquisitions, tax strategy, and business development across the healthcare
and financial sectors.
Lecky brings a multidisciplinary foundation to her leadership. She holds a B.S. in Accounting
from Temple University and a J.D. from Howard University School of Law, complemented by
an LL.M. in Taxation from Emory University School of Law. Her commitment to continuous
learning led her to complete an MBA from Yale University with a concentration in healthcare,
the University of Oxford Private Equity Program, and a Venture Capital certification from
Startup@Berkeley Law and the National Venture Capital Association.
Beyond her academic credentials, Lecky serves on the Board of the World Surgical Infection
Society and the State and Local Tax Advisory Board at NYU School of Law, and holds the
position of Associate Fellow at Pierson College, Yale University. Her contributions to the field
have been recognized through the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Women's Excellence
in Business Award and a feature in Forbes highlighting her advocacy on diversity and
inclusion in early-stage investing.
At The Prosperity Foundation, Lecky unites her experience in finance, philanthropy, and
social investment to advance a vision of sustainable prosperity for Connecticut’s Black
communities—grounded in equity, accountability, and collective growth.
Exceptional Leadership
Strategic Themes
As The Prosperity Foundation enters its next decade of impact, four Strategic Themes will guide our work to cultivate and grow Connecticut’s Black communities. Together, these themes reflect our commitment to building organizational strength, deepening community connection, and ensuring every grantee experience is meaningful and effective.
Guiding our Work...
Acquire
Top
Talent
Identify, attract, and retain exceptional talent committed to cultivating and growing Black communities in Connecticut.
Build
Core
Processes
Define and document mission-critical processes that enable TPF to effectively manage its programs, internal operations, and community engagement.
Formalize & Grow
Strengthen and expand TPF’s visibility and engagement while fostering connections that amplify its impact across Connecticut
Exceptional Grantee Experience
Deliver exceptional grantee experience through the resources, partnerships, and support that enable TPF grantees to thrive and create meaningful change in their communities.
