Core Initiatives
Core Initiatives are vital focus areas that require multi-year collective problem-solving and that can be influenced by philanthropy.
Working on these initiatives requires a blend of grant making and hands-on execution.
The Food Security Initiative (2023 - Current)
Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. In 2022, we ordered a study of Sonoma’s food security needs. Catalyst’s largest area of funding during the pandemic was food assistance—and the demand for hasn’t gone down. Working with local residents, consultants Cathy Capriola (former city manager) and her colleague, researcher Laurie Decker, Catalyst pulled all the local food providers together, surveyed 300 residents and created a comprehensive view of Sonoma’s surprisingly complex food “system.” The food study identified 20+ actions that can be taken to create a more efficient and effective approach to making sure no one in Sonoma goes hungry.
CLICK HERE to view the full study report, summary, and video presentation
Using the recommendations from the study, we, in partnership with the local food providers, have created a multi-year plan to expand access, increase choice and reduce waste, and improve the food security system by investing in coordination and collaboration. Our goal is to create a sustainable local food security system that is strategic, coordinated and cost effective.
CLICK HERE to read about our work on the Initiative
The Covid-19 Pandemic Initiative (2020 - 2022)
Catalyst got its start by taking initiative during the pandemic, working with 125 donors to deploy more than $1.3 million in 44 grants—all aiming to provide the “extra” needed in the emergency to reduce suffering and raise spirits. We spotted gaps, brought leaders together, catalyzed new solutions, and helped to avoid duplication. Funds went out steadily, week after week, to keep people fed and housed, to increase vaccine uptake, to support mental health, to help small businesses, and more. As a result, we were able to have a cumulative impact across the community that no individual donor could have had working alone.
Rebecca Hermosillo, a member of Catalyst’s steering committee during the pandemic, put it this way: “We changed the community we live in. It’s amazing to impact so many people, and so many people of color, when they really needed it.”
CLICK HERE for full reporting on the Covid-19 Pandemic Initiative, list of grants, and summary.
