Foundation Seeks 'Catalysts' To Help Former Convicts

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

SOUTHINGTON/BERLIN, CT — The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain wants to share a "unique and affordable opportunity" for local residents to come together and make an impact in their community.

Now entering its 20th year, membership for "Catalyst 2023" is now open, according to a recent foundation announcement.

Catalyst Giving Circle Fund membership offers an opportunity for caring citizens to join with their family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to socialize, enjoy refreshments and learn more about community needs in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington.

"It provides an opportunity to transform a modest gift into major community impact. It makes everyone into a philanthropist," reads a foundation announcement.

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, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership, according to the foundation.

Catalyst members meet three times a year to enjoy a light meal and learn about a member-chosen issue facing their community.

Members then consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing that issue and choose a grant recipient to receive up to $15,000.

In its 20 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded over $200,000 to a variety of programs.

For 2023, Catalyst will focus on folks re-entering society after serving time in prison.

"For many, breaking the cycle of incarceration is extremely difficult," wrote the foundation. "Prison conditions and limited re-entry support can make it very challenging to adjust to normal life, especially when there are such limited resources available to help formerly incarcerated people find housing, employment and other social services. Lack of support to overcome these issues can lead to re-incarceration and a continuation of the cycle."

The first Catalyst meeting of 2023 is on June 28 at the Tunxis Country Club, 87 Town Farm Road, Farmington, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It will feature three presenters who will provide a deeper look at issues pertaining to this topic and educate members on ways that a Catalyst grant could make an impact.

Anyone can participate in the first meeting as a way of learning more about Catalyst.

The second meeting of Catalyst will take place Sept. 12 at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain, where members will hear from organizations applying for the grant to address the topic.

The final meeting date is Nov. 15 at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Kensington (Berlin) where members will vote on the grant award and hear from last year’s grantee.

All meetings feature a light supper.

In addition to attending the first meeting, members of the public are invited to a Catalyst Social to be held at Alvarium Beer Co., 365 John Downey Drive, New Britain, in the B-Side room from 5 to 7 p.m. May 16.

Members and guests will be able to socialize and where those interested in Catalyst can learn more about it.

A downloadable brochure and application form are available on the Catalyst Fund page online at www.cfgnb.org/catalyst-fund. Membership donations can be paid by check or through the foundation’s website. For more information, contact Joeline Wruck at jwruck@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 307.

For more information about the Community Foundation for Greater New Britain, visit www.cfgnb.org.