Citizens Invited to Make a Difference in Their Communities at June 17 Catalyst Fund Gathering

Interested in Giving Back? The Catalyst Fund May Be For You

New Britain, Conn. (May 20, 2014) – Citizens interested in taking a hands-on approach to making a difference in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington are invited to the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s (CFGNB) Catalyst Fund Kick-Off Meeting on Tuesday, June 17, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut (THOCC).

“The Catalyst Fund is a great opportunity for those folks who may want to be more active in their communities, but are not quite sure how,” said David Obedzinski, back for his second year along with wife Linda and 15-year-old daughter Katie as tri-chair of the Catalyst Fund. “The Catalyst Fund is open to anyone, the time and financial commitment is modest and the dynamic of being a part of a committed group of people just like you who want to help their fellow neighbors is inspiring.”

The initial, June 17 meeting is free, open to the public and there is no obligation to become a member.

The Catalyst Fund is a group of local citizens interested in improving the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Members make a modest $250 investment per couple or individual each year. Three times per year, members gather to learn about a member-chosen issue facing their community, and to consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing this issue. The year concludes with a collective vote to award a $10,000 grant to a chosen grantee.

At the June meeting, members and interested guests will hear presentations about one of three potential focus areas of the group’s 2014 charitable efforts: Capacity Building for Non-Profits, After-School/Out-of-School Programs for 10-15 year-olds; or Senior Citizens – Aging in Place. Members are currently engaged in a ballot process to choose the 2014 focus area, which will be unveiled at the June meeting.

In its 11 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded more than $100,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community.

The June 17 meeting takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in THOCC’s Lecture Rooms 1 and 2. A light supper and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Kaylah Smith by June 10 ksmith@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 300. For more information about the Catalyst Fund, contact Cheryl Farmer cfarmer@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 305.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain connects donors who care with causes that matter in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. It does this by raising resources and developing partnerships that make a measurable improvement in the quality of life in each of these communities. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.