Catalytic leaders have an amazing opportunity to use their reputation, relationships, and resources to connect, collaborate, champion the work of their grantees, and advocate for systems change. These strategies help amplify impact year after year — and they're perfectly suited to lean funders who know their communities well.
"Nongrant strategies like the catalysts are often overlooked or dismissed, yet convenings, making connections, technical assistance, and being a champion amplify the impact of the work. These are often the "hidden gems" that can lead to bold ideas and solutions. Developing an authentic, relationship-based approach is a critical part of ensuring that you maximize your impact while also continuing to learn and grow."
— Angela Hult, President, Kuni FoundationReflection Prompts
If your foundation isn't using these catalysts to maximize your impact, discuss these questions with your key decision makers:
What change could occur if you convened your grantees to share learning and build networks with each other? The 2026 FOMR found that 46% of foundations convene grantees — but only 6% convene beneficiaries. How might you deepen your convening practice?
Are you working with other funders, nonprofits, or government agencies to pool resources and coordinate strategy? Nearly two-thirds (64%) of foundations collaborated with other funders in the past year. Are there partners you could engage more intentionally?
Are you actively using your influence and networks to raise the visibility of grantees' work? More than two-thirds (69%) of foundations connect grantees with other funding opportunities. How are you championing the organizations you fund?
Are you working to address root causes, policy issues, or both that affect the entire system of your focus area? The 2026 FOMR found that 26% of foundations met with local elected officials in the past three years. Where could your voice have the most impact?
As you continue your catalytic journey, remember that many funders jump to these catalysts quickly without taking time to reflect on the leadership virtues foundational to Catalytic Philanthropy or to build key skills and core practices into their work. But when you ground these catalysts in the connections you've built with your grantees, you can make an outsized impact in your community.
- Ask key decision makers: Are we using all the assets at our disposal? Are we going beyond the grant check?
- Identify one grantee you could champion this quarter — through an introduction, a public mention, or a connection to another funder.
- Map the policy landscape of your focus area: who are the decision makers, and how could you engage them?
- Read the Catalytic Philanthropy in 2026 report's section on The Catalysts for full benchmark data.
- Explore Exponent Philanthropy's resources on advocacy, collaboration, and nongrant strategies.
- Attend a program focused on amplifying impact through connection and collaboration.