The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is pleased to announce an opportunity for local residents to come together and make an impact in their community. Now entering its 23rd year, membership for Catalyst 2025 is open. The Catalyst Giving Circle membership offers a chance for citizens to join others in the community, including their family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, to socialize, enjoy refreshments, and learn about community needs in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. It transforms a modest gift into significant community impact, turning everyone into a philanthropist. (will people know what this means to be turned into a philanthropist)

Catalyst members meet three times a year to enjoy a light meal and discuss a member-chosen issue facing their community. Members then review funding requests from charitable organizations addressing that issue and select a grant recipient to receive up to $20,000. Over its 22 years, Catalyst Fund members have awarded over $247,000 to various programs addressing critical needs and challenges in the community. First-time “Discovery” members can join with a gift of $50 for their first year of membership; this 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.

Catalyst members have tackled a wide range of community challenges, including homelessness for area families with children, addressing mental health issues in schools and families, repairing the homes of veterans in need, preparing non-college-bound students for post-high school success, expanding services for senior citizens, and improving literacy. Catalyst members embrace the challenge of coming together, learning about important community issues, and making a tangible impact by awarding an annual grant.

For 2025, Catalyst will focus on Supporting the Needs of Unsheltered Populations. Unsheltered individuals face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic necessities, healthcare, and stable housing. Without these essential support systems, transitioning to independence and improving life outcomes becomes extremely difficult. By exploring and supporting programs designed to assist the unsheltered population, Catalyst members will make a significant and meaningful impact in the community.

The first meeting of 2025 will take place on June 25 at The Back Nine Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain, from 5:30-7:30. It will feature presenters who will provide a deeper look at issues related to this topic and educate members on ways a Catalyst fund could make an impact. Anyone can participate in the first meeting to learn more about Catalyst. The second meeting will take place on September 17 at the Hospital of Central CT New Britain Campus, 100 Grand Street, New Britain – lecture rooms 1 and 2 from 5:30-7:30, where members will hear from organizations applying for the grant to address the topic. The final meeting date is November 19 at Shuttle Meadow Country Club, 51 Randecker Lane, Berlin, CT from 5:30-7:30, 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 on May 20, 2025, at East Side Restaurant Beer Garden, 131 Dwight Street, New Britain, from 5:00-7:30, where members can socialize and those interested in Catalyst can attend to learn more about it.

For more information, please contact Joeline Wruck at jwruck@cfgnb.org or 860- 229-6018, ext. 307.