Community Foundation Catalyst Fund Seeks Community-Minded Citizens to Take on Local Issues 

Youth and Family Homelessness is Topic of No-Obligation Presentation June 9

New Britain, Conn., May 10, 2016 – The Catalyst Fund is calling!

If you are interested in playing a vital role in tackling local issues and shaping the Berlin, Plainville, New Britain and/or Southington of the future, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s Catalyst Fund is inviting the public to a no-obligation presentation on June 9 for existing and prospective new members.

The June 9 meeting at the Hospital of Central Connecticut will feature Catalyst Fund members’ chosen issue for 2016, Youth and Family Homelessness. Two speakers, Mary Ann Haley, deputy director of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, and Stacey Violante, director of the Teen Legal Advocacy Project for the Center for Children’s Advocacy, will present an overview of an issue that is plaguing increasing numbers of families throughout Connecticut with devastating impact.

At the meeting, Catalyst Fund members and those interested in joining will learn about the issue and launch the process of crafting a Request for Proposal. Two more meetings will follow in September and November, with the process resulting in an end-of-year, $10,000 grant that will make a positive impact on families and youth facing these difficult circumstances.

“The Catalyst Fund is your chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, right in our backyard,” said Community Foundation Director of Community Initiatives Joeline Wruck. “Our June 9 meeting is the perfect opportunity to learn about Catalyst and if it’s right for you.”

Here’s how it works: The Catalyst Fund is directed by members 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 (Youth and Family Homelessness for 2016) facing their community, and to consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing this issue. The year concludes with a $10,000 grant award.

The June 9 meeting is free and there is no obligation to join. It takes place in THOCC’s Lecture Rooms 1 and 2 and a light supper and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Kimberly Duncan by June 2 at kduncan@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 300. For more information about the Catalyst Fund, contact Joeline Wruck at jwruck@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 307.

In its 13 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded more than $130,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The Foundation works to inspire philanthropy, manage permanent charitable assets effectively, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.