Search

The Catalyst programme

Catalyst offers up to £500 to people on low incomes to pay for opportunities that spark joy and make a positive difference.

 

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.

The Catalyst fund is aimed at individuals living on low incomes who struggle to access opportunities as a result. Catalyst partners and participating organisations will work with recipients, who are already engaged with them, to ensure the fund fulfils its purpose. Please note that individuals cannot apply directly.

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.

In Islington, Catalyst was set up in 2009, funded by our parent charity Cripplegate Foundation and then Cloudesley in 2011. It was expanded in 2016 and 2018 with funding from Islington Giving and Portal Trust. Together we fund 27 Catalyst partners in the borough to award Catalyst grants to people they work with.

Having run the Catalyst for 10 years, we’ve captured learning which can be used in other communities, and stories that show how this approach changes lives.

 

Our Catalyst Partners

Family & Young Catalyst Partners:

Islington Bangladesh Association
The Maya Centre
MEWSO 
St Lukes Community Centre
Bright Futures

Young Catalyst partners

St Mary’s Youth Club
Body and Soul 
No Recourse to Public Funds
Islington & City College
Centre 404
Action Youth Boxing Intervention (AYBI)
Galbur Foundation
Rose Bowl 

Adult Catalyst Grants (supported by our parent charity, Cripplegate Foundation)

Parent House
Hillside Clubhouse 
Single Homeless Project 
Islington Pause 
The Manna
Islington Mind
Rough Sleepers Team

 

Want to Catalyse change in Islington?

We are always keen to talk with people, businesses, and other organisations, who want to change lives in Islington. If you’d like to discuss becoming a partner, making a donation or anything else, please get in touch with our Programme Manager, Victor Momodu on: victor.momodu@cripplegate.org.uk