top of page

United Way of Central Ohio is now accepting applications for Innovation Catalyst. A limited number of Innovation Catalyst Grants are available! Applications are open for both Group B (Late Spring/Early Summer Launch) and Group C (Late Summer/Early Fall Launch)


Program: To help Central Ohio nonprofit organizations create innovative, impactful and more sustainable initiatives, United Way of Central Ohio is once again partnering with CauseImpact to offer a premier cohort consulting package to a select number of agencies. The Columbus Innovation Catalyst Group B program will run from Late Spring/Early Summer 2023 and continue through Winter 2024. The program will conclude with the completion of an agency business plan for a new venture or business model, which will increase mission impact while diversifying revenue. Each participating agency will develop a launch-ready concept and business plan.


The Columbus Innovation Catalyst Group C program will run from Late Summer/Early Fall 2023 and continue through Spring 2024.





Innovation Catalyst Overview






Innovation Catalyst Grant: Through the generosity of United Way donors, along with critical funding support from AEP Foundation, the Columbus Foundation, and IGS Energy, each participating agency will receive an Innovation Catalyst Grant of $13,125.00, to help fund their participation in the program, and will be responsible for a 1:3 grant match of $4,375.




Innovation Catalyst Funders &

More Information




Eligibility: Any registered nonprofit organization whose primary service area is Central Ohio is invited to apply.


Requirements for Participation: Applicants must:

  • Submit a completed application.

  • Be able to provide matching funds of $4,375.00.

  • Commit to full participation in the Innovation Catalyst program:

  • Designate this project as a strategic priority.

  • Build an Impact Team (a description of the Impact Team will be provided as part of the application process. Please see below).

  • Assign a project leader from the agency’s leadership team.

  • Participate in group sessions and presentations (schedule TBA).

  • Develop, over the course of the program, a detailed business plan to launch-ready status.

  • Executive leaders and at least one board member from each finalist must be available for an online interview. Interviews will be scheduled as finalists are selected.

  • A launch date will be selected in consultation with the chose organizations.

  • The business plan development process will conclude with live presentations to the program funders and the community approximately 10 months after the chosen launch date.



Innovation Catalyst

What Participants Say





Applications may be submitted via this form.


If you have any questions, please reach out to Sean McGee at CauseImpact: smcgee@causeimpact.com


47 views0 comments

Join us for a special evening with our co-hosts LC Johnson of Zora's House and Vicki Bowen-Hewes of SocialVentures and Special Guest Steve Votaw of Furniture Bank of Central Ohio


And support these innovative nonprofit organizations as they pitch for prizes over $20,000! Adaptive Sports Connection 3 Levels of Greatness ARC Industries, Inc.Columbus Music Commission CRC - The Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center

The program is provided in partnership with United Way of Central Ohio and the generous support of the American Electric Power - AEP The Columbus Foundation, and IGS Energy. #socent #dogoodbetter #causeimpact



15 views0 comments

Looking forward to seeing these 5 innovative nonprofits pitch live and online! 3 Levels of Greatness Adaptive Sports Connection ARC Industries, Inc. CRC - The Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center Columbus Music Commission

More information coming soon!



Sponsors

The program is provided in partnership with United Way of Central Ohio and the generous support of the American Electric Power, The Columbus Foundation, and IGS Energy.

8 views0 comments
bottom of page