Could your client benefit from a financial grant to support their needs? The Catalyst Programme awards up to £500 to people on low incomes to pay for opportunities that make a difference. It is a simple, special and effective programme that can be designed to support absolutely anyone. 

Read our learning report to find out more

Who is the fund for?

• Must be an Islington resident.
• Must be on a low or no income.
• Must not receive more than £500 in total over a two year period.

Key features: 

• Puts people at the centre, with grants rooted in what they want.
• Allows people to take risks, try new things, & improve their wellbeing.
• Helps people to realise their potential.
• A low-cost funding model based on trust & relationships.
• Makes grants quick & easy to award.
• It doesn’t involve lots of rules.

Background:

Catalyst was set up in 2009, funded by Cripplegate Foundation and then Cloudesley in 2011. It was expanded in 2016 and 2018 with funding from Islington Giving and The Portal Trust. Together they fund 20 Catalyst partners in the borough to award Catalyst grants to people they work with.

Sharing learning, sharing stories

Our evidence shows that small Catalyst grants unlock potential and increase wellbeing in people and provide partner organisations with a different and positive offer to those they support. The Catalyst Programme doesn’t involve lots of rules, so it could be a useful framework for changing lives in other parts of the country. From 10 years of running Catalyst Programmes, we wanted to share learning that can be used by other funders, voluntary organisations, commissioners, and businesses.

Adult Catalyst Grants (supported by Cripplegate Foundation)

Family Catalyst Grants (supported by Islington Giving)

Young Catalyst Grants (supported by Islington Giving)

Replication

If you think the Catalyst model could work in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch to discuss how you might Catalyse change.

Download Catalyst “Key Features” flyer