Catalyst Giving Circle Membership Now Open

New Britain, Conn. March 17, 2021 – 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 18th year, membership for Catalyst 2021 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 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., with four presenters who will help take a deeper look at the many ways communities and residents can benefit from community gardens. Anyone can participate in the first meeting as a way of learning more about Catalyst. Presenters include Patrick Doyle from the Knox Park Foundation who 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, and 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.

The second meeting will be a safe and socially distant meeting on September 29 at Tunxis Country Club Outdoor Pavillion, 87 Town Farm Rd, Farmington, CT from 5:00-7:00 p.m., featuring a light supper where members will hear from organizations applying for the grant to address the topic. The final meeting in November will be scheduled later this year and in line with safety and gathering protocols from the State of Connecticut.

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes has expressed interest in our topic, given her recent appointment as Chairwoman of the Nutrition, Oversight and Department of Operations Committee. The Foundation recently met with one of her staff and it is possible that they will participate in the meetings.

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.