First Round of CFGNB Grants in 2011 Totals $228,366 ... Supports First Time Collaboration Between Queen Ann Nzinga Center and Trinity-On-Main

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain recently approved grants for the arts and humanities offering specific support for a first-time collaboration between Queen Ann Nzinga and Trinity-On-Main.

“The CFGNB is pleased to support a first time collaboration between Queen Ann Nzinga Center and Trinity-On-Main,” said Phyllis Kindelan, CFGNB Grants Committee Chair.  “This grant falls directly in line with our guidelines in the area of arts and we look forward to following the successful partnership of these two organizations as Queen Ann Nzinga, based in Plainville, establishes a satellite office as well as a youth development program in New Britain.”

In addition, the Board approved a grant to the New Britain Museum of American Art to round out the largest portion of discretionary grants for its first round of grants in 2011. The grants for the arts and humanities total $70,000 while $10,000 will go towards community and economic development and $42,500 for health and human services.

Along with $127,500 in grants from discretionary funds, the CFGNB Board of Directors also approved Read More

Join A Giving Circle 

Are you interested in creating a bright future for your community and being part of a dynamic, involved group of leaders? If so, residents of Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington are encouraged to attend the 2011 Catalyst Fund kick-off meeting on Wednesday, May 25th at the Plainville Public Library auditorium from 5:30-7:30pm to learn more about joining The Catalyst Fund and about this year’s grant focus topic.

Now  in its ninth year, The Catalyst Fund is a giving circle of donors interested in helping improve the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Membership in Catalyst is available with a modest annual investment of $250 per individual or couple. Members pool their resources to learn about important issues facing our communities and jointly choose and award an annual grant to a nonprofit that is tackling that issue.

Keith Bova, Transportation Manager for Rexel USA and eight-year member of Catalyst, will serve as Chairman for the 2011 Catalyst Fund.  Bova has served on the Catalyst Fund Steering Committee for four years. At the May 25th meeting, Catalyst Fund current and prospective members will gain insight into the topic of financial literacy and responsibility, and its impact on our community, from experts Ellen Carter, Program Director for the Connecticut Association for Human Services, and Christine Traczyk, Community Development Manager for TD Bank. 

“Each year, members of Catalyst select an area of focus for grant making that addresses needs in the Greater New Britain area.  This year’s focus on financial literacy and responsibility was chosen by our group as an area of critical importance that rarely gets taught in schools or in the community,” explains Bova.  “After the presentations we will know more about what direction we wish to take with the topic and put out a call for grant applications.”

To attend the Catalyst Fund kick-off meeting on May 25th, RSVP to Karlyn Jackson at kjackson@cfgnb.org or call 860-229-6018, ext. 300. (Non-members may attend as a guest to learn more.)

To learn more about Catalyst Fund membership please contact CFGNB Donor Relations Manager, Cheryl Farmer at 860- 229-6018 x 305, cfarmer@cfgnb.org.