United Way of Central Indiana is now accepting applications for Catalyst, a new nine-week design lab and live pitch event intended to help participants test and develop sustainable solutions to community challenges.
Catalyst is built for people who see a clear community problem. It could be an unmet need, a broken system, or a service that no longer fits today’s reality. Fixing a problem takes time, tools, and support to figure out what works and then test and strengthen their ideas before launching them.
The initiative is for nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs and mission-driven people in Central Indiana who work in or alongside human services nonprofits, agencies, or community organizations, or are independent leaders ready to build something new.
Catalyst is the natural evolution of United Way’s innovation initiatives, events, and funding. Catalyst begins with a clearly identified problem and then offers a support structure to bring solutions to life.
“Across our community, leaders in the human services sector are seeing new challenges and opportunities to reimagine how we support individuals and families,” United Way CEO Fred Payne said. “They bring insights, creativity and a deep understanding of what’s possible. Catalyst is intended to give passionate problem-solvers the space, expertise and support to design realistic, scalable solutions to the challenges they see every day.”
From April 23 through June 18, participants will meet 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at United Way’s Indianapolis headquarters for coaching, support, and more.
United Way anticipates selecting up to 12 participants for the design lab. At the conclusion of the lab, up to five finalists will pitch at a live event June 25 at Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis for the chance to win a $50,000 first-place prize, $30,000 second-place prize, and $20,000 third-place prize.
Those interested can learn more and apply at uwci.org/catalyst. Applications close March 8.
Interested applicants can register here to attend one of two information sessions. The in-person session will be Feb. 19 from 9 to 10 a.m. The virtual session will be Feb. 24 form 3 to 4 p.m.
Application and program questions can be sent to catalyst@uwci.org.