Catalyst Giving Circle Announces 2021 Meeting Dates
New Britain, Conn., May 27, 2021 – The first meeting of Catalyst Fund Giving Circle will take place via Zoom on June 23, 2021 from 6:00pm-7:30pm and anyone who wishes to participate can do so free of charge.
Presented by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, the Catalyst Giving Circle meets three times a year to enjoy a light meal and learn about a member-chosen issue facing their community. Members consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing that issue and choose a grant recipient to receive up to $12,500. First time “Discovery” members are able to join with a gift of $50 for their first year of membership; this membership increases to $250 following the first year. A “Business” membership, one that is sponsored by an employer, is $250 and offers local businesses the opportunity to engage their employees in local philanthropy.
In its 18 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded over $184,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community. Recent topics include COVID-19 grants for arts organizations, youth and family homelessness, capacity building for non-profits, and services for families and young adults with autism.
The 2021 topic chosen by members is community gardens, which bring people together in many cities and towns as a low-cost way for individuals and families to obtain healthy produce and a way to decrease food insecurity.
The first meeting of 2021 will take place via Zoom on June 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. and will feature four presenters who will help take a deeper look at the many ways communities and residents can benefit from community gardens. Presenters include:
- Patrick Doyle from the Knox Park Foundation in Hartford will speak about the overall benefits of community gardens and various models
- Erica Fearn from Auerfarm in Bloomfield will discuss how community gardens can address food insecurity
- Brent Peterkin from Gather New Haven will discuss community gardens as a way to support family-based wellness
- Patrick Byrne from Creative Living Connecticut in Manchester will talk about how community gardens can provide therapeutic and vocational opportunities for adults, including those with disabilities.
A downloadable brochure and membership form are available on the Catalyst Fund page online at www.cfgnb.org/catalyst-fund. Membership donations can be paid by check or through the Foundation’s website. For more information about attending the first meeting, please contact Joeline Wruck at jwruck@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 307.
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, responsibly manage permanent charitable assets, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.