Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

I am always impressed at the ways the Community Foundation supports its four-town service area. From the First Years First Early Childhood Education initiative to capacity building for non-profit organizations and the young philanthropists group, CFGNB strengthens and supports the community and its residents.

As a long-time member of its Catalyst Fund giving circle, I have learned about local needs and the groups that work hard to meet those needs. It feels good to give to causes that matter and know I'm making a difference.

Recently my family opened a donor-advised fund, which enables us to give in perpetuity -- an awesome opportunity. I'm glad that through this fund we can support non-profits anywhere in America, consolidating our giving. The foundation will always be an excellent steward of our funds and make sure they are disbursed as intended.

When an old and trusted family friend learned that I wanted to give back to the residents of New Britain in the form of financial aid, she suggested I consider the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain (CFGNB). I took her advice and was very impressed with the people I talked to and the programs the organization is involved in.

I first talked to the Director of Development, Ann Bova. We had several conversations discussing the CFGNB’s programs, my goals, and how best to integrate the two. I could not have asked for a better first-contact person to talk to.

Next, I wanted to be sure I understood the numbers in the 2012 IRS form 990 so Ann put me in touch with the Vice President of Operations, Robert Trojanowski. Bob spent a couple of hours educating me on what I was reading in the 990 since I do not have an accounting or finance degree. He was knowledgable and had the patience of a saint -- another credit to the organization.

Lastly, I wanted to talk to the President, James Williamson. I was impressed with Jim’s passion for doing good---and the work that is actually being done to fulfill the CFGNB’s mission. Jim, like Ann and Bob, willingly spent whatever time was necessary for me to feel comfortable with the organization.

After talking to Ann, Bob, and Jim, I know I made the right decision in selecting the CFGNB to manage my money when the time comes to dissolve my Trust.

When our clients, the Rogers Family of Southington, wanted to commemorate the Orchard’s 200th Anniversary and honor the legacy of the late Frank “Bud” Rogers, the Orchard’s 6th generation owner, by establishing a scholarship for local students, my recommendation was that the family entrust an undertaking of this nature to the Community Foundation. The Foundation has a good track record with a number of other funds in town, is very experienced in managing endowed funds like these, and people have confidence in them.