CFGNB Catalyst Fund Focused on Suicide Prevention Among Children and Young Adults

Grant of $12,500 available; new members still welcome

New Britain, Conn., July 7, 2019 – The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is offering a grant of $12,500 to address the need for suicide prevention efforts in our communities. The topic is the 2019 focus for the Foundation’s Catalyst Fund, a giving circle comprised of community members who seek to improve the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington.

Organizations that can offer evidenced or researched based suicide prevention training targeted to children and young adults in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and/or Southington are invited to respond to the Foundation’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2019 Catalyst Fund. Proposals that increase protective factors among children and young adults are also encouraged. The RFP is available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.cfgnb.org/requests-for-proposals. Proposals are due Monday, August 5.

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in Connecticut. It is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 15-24. Reducing risk factors, increasing protective factors and building the capacity of trusted adults are seen as ways to counter this troubling trend.
“This year’s topic is a complex one and the Catalyst membership is eager to make a measurable impact in this area,” said Joeline Wruck, Director of Community Initiatives & Program Services for the Community Foundation.

Anyone can become a Catalyst donor with a modest annual gift of $250 ($50 for new 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 us at our next meetings, September 19 at Stanley University in New Britain and November 14 at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Berlin.

In its 16 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded more than $160,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community including alleviating homelessness for area families with children, repairing the homes of veterans in need and expanding services for senior citizens.

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.