The Catalyst Fund

There are proven models and best practices that work. And then there are intractable and emerging problems that require a different approach, imagination and fresh, bold thinking.

The Catalyst Fund supports early-stage, novel approaches that have the potential to result in durable, transformative and equitable change, particularly in under-resourced communities.

These timely early-stage Catalyst Fund ideas should:

Address a precisely defined and timely problem or opportunity
Demonstrate a break from existing practice
Be informed by the people most affected by the issue being addressed
Create outsized impact for communities
Have the potential to inspire deep change in a field, sector, region or system
Address the needs of under-resourced communities and/or needs for a vibrant cultural sector in the Greater Philadelphia region
Stem from a shift in underlying assumptions, often built upon new or emerging evidence or arguments; or, a shift in cultural/social awareness

Application Guidelines

We encourage organizations to explore the types of ideas that Barra funds by reviewing the stories of the changemakers who have received Catalyst Fund support in and across the fields of Arts & Culture, Education, Health and Human Services. Please visit our guidelines and learn how to apply.

Our Definition of Innovation

The meaning of innovation is wide-ranging—it means different things to different people. At Barra, we define innovation as inventive and bold approaches that have the potential to lead to outsized impact. We do not want to “reinvent the wheel.” Our resources are intended to support catalytic innovation rather than incremental change or improvements. Our definition of innovation is grounded in the vision of our founder and the need for research and development (R&D) in the social sector.