The Society St. Jean Baptiste Scholarship and Charitable Fund
The Society St. Jean Baptiste, a cornerstone of New Britain’s French community since 1901, has embarked on a new chapter. The club, once a vibrant social hub for French men from Maine and Canada who settled in Connecticut, became a pillar of community support, participating in parades and events like Main Street USA.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the club’s membership, ultimately leading to the tough decision to sell the property. This raised an important question: how to honor St. Jean’s legacy and make a lasting impact with the proceeds?
Legacy and Preservation
To ensure the Society’s memory endures, members Gary Leclerc and Mark Morin established both the St. Jean Baptiste Scholarship Fund and the Society St. Jean Baptiste Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. These funds will honor and remember the Society while continuing its mission of community support and educational assistance.
St. Jean’s representative, Mark Morin, shares, “We wanted the society to be remembered in future years.” He elaborates on the benefits of this partnership, “We made a decision to join the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain so that under the Society name, we can continue supporting agencies in and around New Britain. Also, a separate fund has been created to support scholarships to help students where needed.”
Scholarship
Starting in 2026, one or more scholarships will be awarded to residents of New Britain, Berlin, Plainville, or Southington pursuing a bachelor’s degree or attending technical school, demonstrating financial need, with preference towards students of French descent and/or those studying public safety or emergency response.
Charitable Fund
The St. Jean Baptiste Charitable Fund is also planning to award grants in 2026 to support nonprofits in the community, including Berlin Upbeat, New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park, Klingberg Family Centers, Prudence Crandall, Inc., Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, Friendship Service Center, Inc., Trinity-on-Main, Ltd., Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Plainville Community Food Pantry, and Bread for Life.
Impact
This partnership not only preserves the rich history of St. Jean’s but also extends its mission of community support and educational assistance for future generations. We are excited about this new chapter and the positive impact it will have on New Britain.
Make a Lasting Impact Like St. Jean Baptiste!
You have the power to preserve your legacy and make a significant difference. Start a fund with us for $5,000 or establish a scholarship with $25,000!
