The Catalyst Fund

The Catalyst Fund awards small grants for early-stage, innovative, and unconventional ideas that address serious global challenges.

We’re looking for ideas that challenge our thinking, that compel us to see a problem in a new light; and whose creativity redefines notions of what can be done and how.

Apply on Funding Site

Mandatory Requirements

Stage	Stage 2: Research & Development and Stage 3: Proof of Concept
Implemented In:
Region	Low and Middle Income Countries
Country	N/A
Focus Areas	All Sectors

Who can apply to the Catalyst Fund?

Anyone. No one has a lock on a great idea. The Catalyst Fund has been created to source ideas from all corners of the globe. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. There are no disqualifiers. No prerequisites.

A project that improves on what’s already out there and has the potential for tangible impact is a good fit. A cutting-edge product, an experimental program, or a new service are all in our wheelhouse. Ideas that can be replicated, taken to scale, or leverage existing infrastructure are also a good fit. We also favor projects that inspire others, build on partnerships (public and private), and that are inclusive of those they are intended to benefit.

Other Requirements

Other	Not a good fit: Projects that are small in scope, limited in scale, or are not innovative in some way are unlikely to be funded. If the problem you’re trying to address is too narrowly defined or if it’s not clear how your solution will lead to measurable change we’re going to pass. Movie scripts, TV shows, video projects, webisodes, or podcasts are not likely to be considered. Projects that are well on their way to completion are also not a good fit.