The Covid-19 pandemic has required a considerable redeployment of resources and focus at the Catalytic Foundation (formerly United Way NZ). Not only did we need to provide emergency funding, resources and advocacy for our non-profit partners, we also reached out to support our corporate partners manage their CSR priorities, within a rapidly evolving business environment. Like many challenges, this led to open discussions, opportunities, collaboration and sharing of resources.

Over the past year, people have shown that they are very thankful for the income and resources they have been fortunate enough to retain. We have seen that gratitude evolve into generosity for people who have been affected by Covid- 19 job losses and are experiencing financial and emotional pressures. This has meant we have moved from the traditional philanthropy model into a catalytic philanthropy model, which involves the generous giving of time, skills, money and resources.  

Community charities and not-for-profit organisations seek to address major social issues. Unfortunately, many of them lack the scale and resources to help them with the problems they are trying to solve.  By leveraging the catalytic philanthropy model, we unlock resources from businesses and donors and then by collectively combining them with the non-profit sector, we become the catalysts for change and maximum social impact.

Bill Gates wrote about catalytic philanthropy "Whether your chief resource is volunteer-time or hard earned dollars, for a relatively small investment, catalytic philanthropy can make a big impact"

To do something for many is one of the main concepts of catalytic philanthropy.  By working under this model, the Catalytic Foundation can get the most value out of every dollar or skill donated and with our extensive 46 year history of community partnerships, drive social change.

Our focus is on promoting wellbeing and looking after people. The rebrand to the Catalytic Foundation gives us the freedom to conceive new technology, ideas and initiatives that will resonate with New Zealanders to accelerate social impact.

We invite you to join us on our journey.

Ngā mihi nui,

Teresa Moore | Chief Executive | Catalytic Foundation | catalytic.org.nz