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Our Story
From a university initiative to a 501(c)3 foundation—discover how we’ve been catalyzing leaders and transforming communities since 2017
Established in 2017, the C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T.S. (Cultivating Achievers To Actively Lead and Yield Strategic & Transformative Success) Initiative, in collaboration with Kennesaw State University, embarked on a journey to empower student leaders of color actively engaged in college life, the nonprofit sector, and pioneering high-potential philanthropy for tangible social change.
This initiative, now rebranded as the CATALYSTS Foundation, has consistently evolved with a core commitment to “motivating the middle” – providing essential support to student leaders navigating the intersection of innovative social impact and college life, and fostering the next generation of [Black and Brown] philanthropists.
From 2018 to 2022, the CATALYSTS Initiative experienced remarkable growth, fueled by the unwavering support of the CATALYSTS community. In 2023, our commitment expanded further to include support for minority-led and/or serving nonprofits through the Impact Collective. This groundbreaking effort extends beyond financial assistance, offering grantmaking and pro-bono consulting to empower organizations with capacity building and organizational development.
Excitingly, 2023 marked a pivotal moment for the CATALYSTS Initiative as it officially transformed into the CATALYSTS Foundation, now recognized as a 501(c)3 entity by Georgia’s Secretary of State. Under the dynamic leadership of Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chaz Chapman, and guided by a dedicated 13-member Board of Directors, the Foundation is poised to deepen its impact and usher in a new era of transformative change.
As the CATALYSTS community expands once more, we invite you to join us on this innovative journey, as together we continue to push the boundaries of social impact and inspire meaningful change.
Our Approach
At CATALYSTS, we take a holistic, community-centered approach to advancing equity and impact. We believe sustainable change happens when financial investment is paired with access, relationships, and strategic support.
Our work is grounded in three core principles:
Invest in People
We provide direct financial support through scholarships for college students and grants for minority-led and minority-serving nonprofits. These investments are designed to remove barriers, unlock potential, and affirm the leadership already present in our communities.
Build Capacity
Beyond funding, we offer pro bono consulting and strategic guidance to help emerging nonprofits strengthen their people, operations, and long-term sustainability. We meet organizations where they are and partner with them to build what’s next.
Activate Community
We convene a growing network of young professionals, industry leaders, and community partners who believe in collective action. Through events, partnerships, and shared learning, we create spaces where relationships turn into resources and ideas into impact.
Together, this approach allows us to support immediate needs while investing in long-term transformation- creating pathways, opening doors, and advancing a more equitable future.
Join Us
Be Part of Our Continuing Story
Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of social impact and inspire meaningful change in communities across the nation.