Foundation Seeks Ideas To Improve Food Access in Berlin, Southington

SOUTHINGTON/BERLIN, CT — The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is accepting applications for a $20,000 grant to support projects that improve access to nutritious food for residents in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington.

The funding is being offered through the Foundation's Catalyst Fund Giving Circle, which selected food insecurity as its 2026 funding priority after hearing from local and statewide experts about challenges facing Connecticut communities.

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At the group's June meeting, Catalyst members received presentations from Christian DuBorg, food and nutrition policy analyst for the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and Jason Jakubowski, president and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. The presentations focused on food insecurity across the state and opportunities to strengthen long-term access to food.

According to the Foundation, food insecurity affects children, older adults, working families, people experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and others throughout the four communities.

While emergency food assistance remains essential, this year's grant is intended to support initiatives that strengthen local food systems and expand sustainable access to nutritious food.

The Foundation is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations serving Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington.

Projects should demonstrate proven or promising approaches that improve food access and have the potential for lasting community impact beyond the grant period.

Priority will be given to initiatives that expand access to affordable food, strengthen local food systems, improve collaboration among service providers, and promote dignity-centered food assistance.

Eligible projects may include mobile food distribution, transportation services, benefits enrollment assistance, community food production, food rescue programs, and other strategies that address gaps in existing food access systems.

One grant of up to $20,000 will be awarded. Applications are due by Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

Selected finalists may be invited to present their proposals during the Catalyst Giving Circle meeting on Sept. 23, with Catalyst members expected to make the final funding decision at their November meeting.

Organizations interested in applying can review the complete request for proposals, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, at cfgnb.org/catalyst-fund.

Community members interested in joining the Catalyst Giving Circle or attending a meeting as a guest can also find additional information through the Foundation.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain serves Berlin, New Britain, Plainville, and Southington by managing charitable assets and supporting initiatives that address community needs.