Catalyst Fund Members to Hear Grant Proposals

Three Local Programs Seeking $10,000 Grant to Address Youth and Family Homelessness

New Britain, Conn., September 15, 2016 – Local programs and agencies seeking a $10,000 grant to address youth and family homelessness in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington will be presenting proposals to members of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s Catalyst Fund this evening.

Proposals from three programs/agencies are being considered: The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness; Family Promise of Connecticut; and the Friendship Service Center of New Britain.

“Our Catalyst Fund membership is looking forward to learning more from these programs, each of which does wonderful work on behalf of our area’s youth and family homeless population,” said Community Foundation Director of Community Initiatives Joeline Wruck. “We are hopeful that our $10,000 grant will ultimately help one of these programs further minimize, relieve or prevent homelessness among young families with children and/or unaccompanied young people in the 14-24 year-old age range.”

The meeting, open to existing Catalyst Fund members only, will take place at the Stanley Center for Training and Innovation, 1000 Stanley Drive, New Britain, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Following the presentations, members will consider the proposals and, in November, announce the grant recipient.

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.

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.