Wanted: New Catalyst Fund Members
Public Invited to Give “Interactive Philanthropy” a Test Drive; Literacy, Services for Seniors and Oral Health Among Topics at May 29 Event
(April 2, 2008) Have you ever wondered how you could make a difference in your community, but hesitated because of a hectic life filled with personal and business commitments?
The Catalyst Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is for you.
The Community Foundation is inviting members of the public curious about how they can step up their level of philanthropy and community service to its first meeting of 2008, to take place May 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mooreland Hill School, 166 Lincoln Road, Kensington. A light supper and refreshments will be served. RSVP (860) 229-6018, ext. 300. There is no obligation to join.
Featured speakers for the May 29 meeting will be Lynne Prairie of Literacy Volunteers of Central Connecticut, who will discuss literacy; Patricia Walden of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services, who will discuss issues affecting seniors; and Kathy Myers of the Connecticut Health Foundation, who will discuss oral health, particularly for our children.
The Catalyst Fund is “interactive philanthropy” at its best, but without the enormous time commitment that some community service opportunities might demand. Here’s how it works: For a modest annual investment of $250, Catalyst Fund members annually select a charitable focus, convene three educational sessions to learn about their issue and, at the end of each year, choose a nonprofit recipient specializing in the issue of choice to receive a grant award.
Catalyst Fund members will more narrowly define their charitable focus for 2008 from among the topics presented May 29. At a second meeting in September, more in-depth education about the chosen focus will take place. The membership will vote on applicants for a $10,000 grant award at the third and final meeting in November.
The Catalyst Fund, created in 2003 with the support of the Robert C. Vance Foundation, is a grass roots community service initiative that provides a means by which citizens from all walks of life can participate in the philanthropic process.
To learn more about the Catalyst Fund, please contact Cheryl Farmer or Ann Bova, Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, at (860) 229-6018, or visit the Foundation’s website at www.cfgnb.org.
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