CCatalyst
Partners
Menu
What We DoHow It WorksWho It’s ForAboutStart a Conversation
Start a Conversation
PHILANTHROPIC CAPITAL, PUT TO WORK

Proven solutions deserve the opportunity to go further.

Catalyst Partners connects philanthropic capital with promising and proven solutions to pressing community challenges. We evaluate opportunities, structure the right financing, measure results, and put returned capital to work again.

See How It Works →Find Your Role →
CapitalSolutionsOutcomesReinvest
01

THE OPPORTUNITY GAP

Some solutions are ready to grow, but grants alone are not always the right tool.

Effective organizations can face moments when flexible capital would help them reach more people. Foundations may also want additional ways to deploy resources and extend their impact.

  • Bridge timing or working-capital gaps
  • Scale an approach with evidence behind it
  • Reuse resources when repayment is viable

WHY CATALYST EXISTS

Expand what philanthropy can make possible.

This is not about replacing what philanthropy already does well. It is about adding another tool designed for opportunities where mission-aligned capital, measurable outcomes, and a viable repayment path can extend impact.

HOW IT WORKS

A disciplined path from opportunity to outcomes.

Every step is built around the solution, the community it serves, and the most appropriate role for capital.

  1. 01

    Identify

    A partner brings forward a promising or proven solution tied to a pressing community need.

  2. 02

    Evaluate

    Catalyst reviews readiness, evidence, risk, community fit, and the organization’s capacity.

  3. 03

    Structure

    Together, we select terms that match the opportunity—never a one-size-fits-all product.

  4. 04

    Put to work

    Capital helps the solution grow, bridge timing gaps, or reach more people.

  5. 05

    Measure

    Catalyst and partners track performance, outcomes, and what communities are experiencing.

  6. 06

    Return & reinvest

    When appropriate, repaid capital becomes available to support future impact.

Explore the full process →

WHO IT’S FOR

Three pathways. One shared commitment to results.

Choose the path that best describes how you want to engage.

01

Foundations and Capital Partners

Add a flexible, mission-aligned tool to your philanthropic strategy and extend the useful life of capital.

Your role

Provide capital, shape priorities, and review performance.

Explore Capital Partnership →
02

Nonprofits and Solution Leaders

Bring forward a promising or proven solution with a clear use for flexible capital and a realistic path to repayment.

Your role

Share the opportunity, evidence, readiness, and expected outcomes.

Share a Solution →
03

Community, Outcome, and Ecosystem Partners

Help the right solutions surface, succeed, and remain accountable to the communities they serve.

Your role

Contribute outcome funding, insight, referrals, data, or expertise.

Explore Another Partnership Role →

FOCUS AREAS

Solutions focused on communities’ most pressing needs.

Catalyst considers opportunities across interconnected areas that shape community wellbeing and economic mobility.

01

Economic Opportunity

Workforce pathways, small business, education, and other solutions that expand access to economic mobility.

02

Health and Wellbeing

Approaches that improve physical, behavioral, and community health while reaching people more effectively.

03

Housing and Infrastructure

Solutions that strengthen stable housing, essential services, and the foundations communities need to thrive.

MORE THAN CAPITAL

Partnership takes many forms.

A strong ecosystem brings together resources, knowledge, accountability, and lived experience.

BUILT ON TRUST

Founded by partners with deep roots in community impact.

Catalyst was shaped by five founding philanthropic organizations and an experienced operating partner. Together, they bring local knowledge, disciplined evaluation, and a commitment to learning alongside communities.

Meet the Founding Five →

COMMON QUESTIONS

Clarity builds confidence.

Understand the model, the terms, and where you might fit.

What is Catalyst Partners?

Catalyst Partners is a trusted intermediary that connects philanthropic capital with promising and proven solutions to community challenges. We evaluate opportunities, structure appropriate financing, and measure results so returned capital can be used again when repayment is viable.

Is Catalyst a traditional investment fund?

No. Catalyst adds an option alongside grants and other philanthropic tools. It is designed for specific opportunities where flexible, mission-aligned capital and a realistic repayment path can help a solution go further.

What is an Impact Loan?

An Impact Loan is flexible financing for a mission-driven organization. Terms are built around the organization’s use of funds, expected cash flow, community outcomes, and ability to repay—not around extracting maximum financial return.

What is Pay for Success?

Pay for Success links some repayment to agreed, measurable outcomes. An outcome funding partner may repay capital when those results are achieved, helping direct resources toward demonstrated impact.

See the complete FAQ →

FIND YOUR PLACE TO BEGIN

Have capital, a proven solution, or another way to contribute?

Let’s find the right place to begin.

I represent a foundation →I lead a solution →I’m another kind of partner →