Grass Roots Giving

The Catalyst Fund brings people who care about Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington together to experience philanthropy first-hand. With a modest donation of only $50 for first-time “Discovery” members and $250 for annual renewals, members (individuals and couples) pool their resources to:

• Learn about topical issues facing our communities.
• Jointly determine grants to nonprofit organizations tackling those issues.
• Meet new people who share a commitment to our communities.

Catalyst presentation at Stanley Black & Decker.

Three times per year, Catalyst Fund members gather to learn about a member-chosen issue facing their community, and to consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing the issue. The year concludes with a collective vote to award a $10,000 grant to a chosen grantee.

Community foundations across the country have created such funds to encourage broader participation in the philanthropic process. Participants enjoy the educational, social and interactive nature of this “giving circle” and many continue to be involved for years. Community Foundation Catalyst Fund members have awarded more than $150,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community.

For more information about how you can become a part of the Catalyst Fund, please call or e-mail Joeline Wruck, Director of Community Initiatives and Program Services at 860.229.6018 x307.

Download Our Catalyst Fund Brochure
and Membership Form

Download Our Catalyst Fund Grant History

Mark Your Calendars! 2020 Catalyst meetings will be held:

• Thursday, June 4 at The Hospital of Central Connecticut
  (Sponsored by The Hospital of Central Connecticut)
• Thursday, September 17 at Stanley Black & Decker University
  (Sponsored by Stanley Black and Decker)
• Thursday, November 12 at Shuttle Meadow Country Club