Start a Fund with CFGNB!

Since 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has been helping individuals, families, and businesses create lasting legacies that strengthen our communities of Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, Southington, and beyond.

Did you know? Your fund can also benefit nonprofits and their programs outside these communities, across Connecticut or even nationally, depending on your giving goals!

Whether you’re honoring a loved one, supporting a cause close to your heart, or even building a family tradition of giving, starting a fund with us is a meaningful way to make a difference. If you are interested in starting a fund, many of which start at only $5,000, contact Kaylah Milligan at 860.229.6018 or email kaylah@cfgnb.org!

Types of Funds You Can Create

Donor-Advised Fund

People choose donor-advised funds to give back in a meaningful and flexible way. They want to actively support the causes and nonprofits they care about, involve their family in philanthropy, and leave a lasting legacy, without the hassle of managing administration.

At the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, we make donor-advised funds accessible, personal, and easy. Founded in 1941, we are a small foundation with deep roots in the community. We understand local needs, can act quickly, and provide guidance. You can recommend grants through our online donor portal, and we handle everything else. You can start a donor-advised fund for only $5,000 or you can build up to it over time!

One example is the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund, advised by Mayor Erin Stewart, which supports numerous local nonprofits and initiatives. With CFGNB, giving back is simple, personal, and impactful. Click here to watch a video of Mayor Erin Stewart talking about this fund on her social media.

Designated Fund

Designated funds let donors support a specific organization, cause, or project, with the flexibility to adapt if needs change. If the original charity can no longer carry out its mission, our Board can redirect the funds to a similar organization, saving donors time and legal hassle.

One example is the A. W. Stanley Park Fund, established by the City of New Britain. It supports public programs at A. W. Stanley Park, continuing the legacy of philanthropist Alix W. Stanley and ensuring the park remains a vibrant community space.

Scholarship Fund

There are many reasons people create scholarships, and we make it easy by taking the hassle out of administration. Your scholarship can provide educational opportunities for students at various levels, for a variety of purposes, and even at a specific institution. You can recognize academic achievement or financial need, honor a loved one, support a community you care about, or create a scholarship in your own name. These options make your gift meaningful, flexible, and lasting.

Some scholarships funds create impactful networks, like the Alma Exley Scholarship (Click Here), which connects dedicated educational professionals of color, allowing them to support and learn from one another long after receiving their award.

You can start your fund today with $25,000 or build up to it over time, making pass-through gifts to support awards before the fund is fully funded, or wait until it’s fully funded to begin awarding. View our scholarship webpage (Click Here)!

Field of Interest Fund

Field of interest funds allow donors to support a specific cause, program, or geographic area they care about, without naming a particular nonprofit. While the fund focuses on your chosen area, it can adapt over time to meet changing community needs, ensuring your gift continues to make a meaningful impact.

One example is the Bernard McAvay Fund, created in memory of Harriet McAvay, which provides support to disadvantaged individuals and families to help secure basic human needs.

Agency Fund

Agency funds are established by nonprofits to ensure long-term sustainability and support for their mission. These funds allow organizations to build permanent resources while the Foundation handles all administration, investment, and compliance.

One example is the Friendship Service Center Fund. Since 1968, the Center has provided food, shelter, and housing services to those at risk of homelessness in Central Connecticut. Through this fund, CFGNB helps carry out their mission by managing and growing their resources, so they can continue offering critical programs and services to the community for years to come.

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted funds give the Foundation the flexibility to respond to the most pressing and changing needs in the community. Donors provide resources without specifying a particular agency, cause, or area of interest, allowing our Board of Directors to set priorities and distribute grants where they are needed most.

One example is the A. W. Stanley Discretionary Fund, which supports a wide range of community needs in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington. This fund has helped organizations such as Best Buddies CT, Literacy Volunteers of Central CT, New Britain ROOTS, United Way of Southington, Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, Plainville Community Food Pantry, Prudence Crandall Center, and many more. Through this fund, CFGNB helps make an immediate and lasting impact across the community.

Build-A-Fund

As mentioned in the Scholarship section, Build-A-Fund is a great option for donors who want to establish their charitable intentions now and begin making an impact in the future. With Build-A-Fund, you can start your fund with a modest initial contribution in any fund category and add to it over time until it reaches the Foundation’s minimum funding level for grantmaking.

• Minimums: $5,000 for charitable funds
• $25,000 for scholarship funds

Flexible Giving: Make periodic contributions until your fund is fully established.

Planned Impact: Once the minimum is reached, your fund can start awarding grants and scholarships to support the causes you care about.

Build-A-Fund allows you to create a charitable legacy at your own pace while ensuring your contributions are invested and grow over time to maximize impact.