Our Mission
Our mission is to mobilize philanthropic support and innovative approaches to address urgent, emergent and chronic challenges no Sonoma Valley donor or organization can solve alone.
Our Core Values
We envision a more united, just, and resilient Sonoma Valley
United
Bridging the many divides that beset our community—between and among nonprofits, donors, government entities, and diverse cultures
Just
Addressing deep, long-standing economic and racial injustices that disenfranchise and impoverish thousands of Valley residents
Resilient
Strengthening our community and reducing its vulnerability, so that we can better prepare for and withstand future crises and disruptions
Catalyst Fund was created in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic to respond rapidly to urgent needs in our community. As the pandemic eased, we recognized the overwhelming need for a permanent fund in the Valley. The pandemic taught us that some types of problems the Valley faces cannot be addressed effectively without the “extra” Catalyst can provide. New solutions require innovative thinking with an R&D mentality, and a funding strategy to go along with it. Our strategy is designed around a pooled fund that provides the flexibility, nimbleness and patience to tackle the hardest problems.
How We Work
Listen First
There is no substitute for the knowledge of those who understand problems the best. Wise philanthropy begins with humility and deep listening and proceeds through diverse partnerships based on trust. Our community is beset by separateness—of language, culture, income, understanding and more—divides that can be bridged with work and relationship.
Solve for the Whole Community
Frontline knowledge, in isolation, is insufficient. You can’t fill gaps you cannot see. That requires looking at the community as a whole, not just single issues, populations or organizations. Communication, connection and cooperation are increasingly essential.
Respond and Initiate
Funders must be able to act on obvious needs while also creatively initiating problem-solving. Frontline leaders are often consumed with operating realities and survival, which are hard challenges that deserve dedicated support. They also need backing to come together and generate new approaches that can attract sustainable support.
Stay flexible
In a time of rapid change and growing uncertainty, funders must adapt with openness, trust and nimbleness as essential companions to long-term commitment. Catalyst has learned to expect the unexpected. Funders have to be able to move at the speed of the need, not their own convenience, striving to make it easier rather than harder for frontline leaders to do their jobs.