CFGNB Catalyst Fund Focused on COVID-19 Impact on Arts Organizations

New Britain, Conn., July 15, 2020 – The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is accepting grant applications with requests of up to $3,000 each from small to mid-sized arts organizations with revenue of $500,000 or less. These grants are part of the Foundation’s annual Catalyst Giving Circle comprised of community members who seek to improve the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington.

At a recent Catalyst meeting in June, members learned that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on arts and cultural organizations has been devastating. Statewide, millions of dollars have been lost in revenue from events, programs, and fundraising; leaving many arts organizations struggling to survive. The Catalyst grant will focus on helping organizations to adapt their business model and practices in order to continue successful operations in the current climate. 

“Catalyst is responding to the immediate needs of arts organizations during these trying times when organizations cannot host live events or fundraisers, perform or welcome visitors,” said Joeline Wruck, Director of Community Initiatives & Program Services for the Community Foundation.  The Catalyst Fund will award $12,500 in grants this year and plans to support more than one organization. 

Anyone can become a Catalyst donor with a modest annual gift of $250 ($50 for first time members). The group comes together three times per year to learn about the member-chosen issue facing their community and considers funding requests from charitable organizations addressing the issue. The year concludes with the group awarding a grant to a non-profit addressing the chosen focus area.

Catalyst is still accepting new members who are welcome to join at the next meeting scheduled for September 22 at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The meeting will take place outdoors in the Pavilion in a safe and socially distant manner.  Members will review presentations from applicants and vote on which organizations will receive funding.

Catalyst Fund members have awarded more than $172,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community including alleviating homelessness for area families with children, suicide prevention in children and young adults, and capacity building for local nonprofits.

Arts organizations that have been affected by COVID-19 and serve Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and/or Southington are invited to respond to the Foundation’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2020 Catalyst Fund. The RFP is available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.cfgnb.org/requests-for-proposals. To be considered for funding, we ask that you submit a two to three page proposal requesting no more than $3,000. Proposals must be received via email (jwruck@cfgnb.org) by Monday, August 24.

Questions regarding both Catalyst and the RFP, or attending future meetings may be directed to 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 effectively, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.