Since 2013, iCat has helped more than 70 organizations
like these grow their revenue and mission:
Spend nine months with us and we’ll help you change the world.
The iCat program is a nine-month cohort-based venture design process that integrates group training and consultation with peer coaching and individual support, to help participants develop and launch new social ventures, programs, or business models.
92%
Of participants reported that their initiative enhanced their organization's impact.*
78%
Of participants successfully launched the initiatives they developed through iCat.*
69%
Of participants reported that their iCat initiative generated revenue for their organization.*
*"Innovation Catalyst: Retrospective Evaluation Report June 2023" by Elevate Consulting LLC
What can Innovation Catalyst do for you?
Innovation Catalyst - Program Overview
Why Funders Support Innovation Catalyst
Hear what participants say about Innovation Catalyst.
Innovation Catalyst empowers your organization to bring your best ideas to life.
Here’s how iCat works:
Select
Each cohort brings together a small group of organizations, selected through a competitive process, that are ready, willing, and able to commit the time, effort, and resources needed to support meaningful innovation.
Explore &
Design
Every cohort benefits from nine months of integrated group training, consultation, and individual support in social venture development. We work at a pace designed for busy nonprofit leaders and their boards.
Pitch
We guide you through development of a compelling case for your new venture, including multiple practice pitch sessions. We finish with a public pitch event that is open to the community, press, and potential funders.
"The Frist Foundation Loves to Support the Innovation Catalyst Program because it continues to foster innovation in the nonprofit community, and especially earned revenue, which is extremely important in diversifying the funding base for so many nonprofits in Nashville and making them sustainable in the long term, which we love to see."
Corinne Bergeron, The Frist Foundation
"There's a whole public mission that's important to the consultants at CauseImpact that complements their work: They are willing to be in the community and engage with people even if there's nothing specific on the table for them. I don't know anyone else who does that."
Emily Savors, The Columbus Foundation
What Participating Organizations Gain
Clarify your strategic priorities and gain alignment within your organization.
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Develop an effective pitch, business plan, and complete financial projections.
Co-learn and collaborate alongside peer organizations in your city.
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Engage funders and stakeholders at live pitch events!
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Receive technical support for market research, financial modeling, and critical planning needs.
Grow your organization’s impact and diversify your revenue.
FAQ
How many organizations can participate?
Each cohort may include as many as eight organizations.
How is participation funded?
Innovation Catalyst is made possible by generous donors and sponsors who provide Innovation Grants covering the majority of each participating organization's program cost. Each participating organization contributes a modest matching investment.
Where has iCat been offered?
Innovation Catalyst cohorts have been offered in Columbus, Ohio, and Nashville, Tennessee.
What is the time commitment?
Each organization in a cohort assembles an Impact Team that includes executive leadership, board members, and community stakeholders. Teams typically spend a combined 3-5 hours per week on their project, with most individual team members contributing 0-2 hours per week.
Innovation Catalyst is supported by:
