The Catalyst Fund, an initiative by the Roddenberry Foundation, is a global grantmaking program designed to support individuals, teams, nonprofit organizations, and social enterprises with early-stage ideas that propose bold and impactful solutions to pressing global challenges. With an open invitation to changemakers from around the world, the fund emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, encouraging applications from both seasoned social entrepreneurs and first-time innovators alike.
Applicants to the Catalyst Fund must be at least 18 years of age and capable of legally receiving grant funds. All proposals must be submitted in English and include complete responses to the required application questions. Additionally, applicants must agree to the legal terms and conditions of the Catalyst Fund program. The program operates on a rolling basis, meaning there are no set deadlines, and applications are accepted throughout the year.
Grant awards range between $2,500 and $15,000. Applications requesting amounts outside this range will be disqualified. Projects should align with the fund’s mission by showcasing a well-thought-out plan that demonstrates a potential for lasting impact. The fund particularly values ideas that are innovative, community-rooted, and sustainable, led by individuals or teams with the experience and vision to execute them effectively.
Applications are evaluated based on their innovativeness, originality, impact potential, understanding of the community they aim to serve, and the capacity of the leadership team. Preference is given to projects that are still in their early stages, rather than those nearing completion. Catalyst is looking for new ideas that challenge existing paradigms and inspire transformative change.
Awardees are given nine months from the time of grant receipt to complete their project activities. While prior applicants whose proposals were declined are welcome to reapply after twelve months, they must present a new or substantially revised idea. The fund supports a diverse array of applicants, including individuals and entities that are not based in or associated with the United States.
