Catalyst Giving Circle Membership Now Open

New Britain, Conn., February 16, 2022 – The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain wants to share a unique and affordable opportunity for local residents to come together and make an impact in their community. Now entering its 19th year, membership for Catalyst 2022 is now open.

Catalyst members meet three times a year to enjoy a light meal and learn about a member-chosen issue facing their community. Members then consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing that issue and choose a grant recipient to receive up to $15,000. In its 19 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded over $196,500 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community.

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 is $250 and offers local businesses the opportunity to involve their employees in local philanthropy. Current Catalyst business sponsors include Acme Monaco, American Savings Foundation, Hospital of Central Connecticut, Hospital for Special Care, New Britain ROOTS, OKAY Industries, Schaller Auto, and Stanley Black and Decker.

For 2022, Catalyst will focus on issues pertaining to youth and young adults due to concern with mental health/depression, addiction; social and gender inclusion; human trafficking; lack of employment training and preparation (trades, soft skills such as use of social media), and continuation of services for those with special needs beyond graduation.

The first meeting of 2022 will take place on June 28 at the Tunxis Country Club Outdoor Pavilion, 87 Town Farm Rd, Farmington, CT from 5:30-7:30 and will feature presenters who will provide a deeper look at issues pertaining to this population where a grant from the Catalyst fund could make an impact. Anyone can participate in the first meeting as a way of learning more about Catalyst.

The second meeting will take place September 13 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain where members will hear from organizations applying for the grant to address the topic. The final meeting date is November 16 at Shuttle Meadow Country Club on Kensington where members will vote on the grant award and hear from last year’s grantee. All meetings feature a light supper.

A social event will also take place this spring where members will be able to socialize and where those interested in Catalyst can learn more about it.

A downloadable brochure and application 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, 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.