Catalyst Giving Circle
Catalyst members have awarded tens of thousands of dollars to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community.
Grass Roots Giving
Whether you’re brand new to philanthropy or a seasoned giver, Catalyst offers an accessible way to get involved, learn about pressing community issues, and be part of real solutions—together.
Why Join Catalyst?
The idea is simple but powerful: Every membership goes into a collective fund supplemented by the Foundation. This fund, equaling $20,000, becomes a grant that supports local organization tackling a selected issue. Every member has a voice in where the grant goes.
Our model makes philanthropy accessible to everyone. You don’t need to give thousands to make a difference. When we pool our dollars, every gift becomes part of something bigger.
Here’s How It Works:
1. Learn Together
Three times a year, Catalyst members meet to explore a community issue—selected by the group—and hear directly from local nonprofits and experts working on the front lines.
2. Give with Purpose
Together, members review funding proposals from local nonprofits addressing that issue and then vote to decide which program(s) to support with our pooled grant dollars.
3. Build Real Impact
Since 2009, Catalyst has awarded over $247,500 in grants to local programs—and that number keeps growing with your support.
Membership Options
- Discovery Member – $50 (first-time members)
- Annual Member – $250
- Business Sponsor – $250
Join Catalyst and discover how small gifts, when combined, can lead to big change.
For more information about how you can become a part of the Catalyst Fund, please call or e-mail Joeline Wruck, Director of Grants & Initiatives at jwruck@cfgnb.org or 860.229.6018 x 307.
2026 Catalyst Giving Circle Focus
Increasing Access to Food for Those in Need
Each year, Catalyst members select a community issue to explore and address through collective giving. For 2026, members have chosen Increasing Access to Food for Those in Need as this year’s funding priority.
Food insecurity affects children, older adults, working families, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and many others throughout Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. While emergency food assistance remains essential, Catalyst recognizes that creating lasting change also requires strengthening the systems that make nutritious food more accessible, affordable, and sustainable.
The Catalyst Giving Circle will award one $20,000 grant to support a proven or promising initiative that improves access to nutritious food within our four-town region. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. Applications are due Monday, August 17, 2026, and selected finalists may be invited to present their proposals to Catalyst members at the September 23, 2026 meeting before a final funding decision is made.
Click the below to download the 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) and watch the June Catalyst meeting to learn more about this year’s funding opportunity and community discussion.
Thank You to Our Catalyst Business Sponsors!
