Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions

United Way of Central Indiana is now accepting applications for Catalyst, a new nine-week design lab and live pitch event intended to help participants test and develop sustainable solutions to community challenges.  

Catalyst is built for people who see a clear community problem – an unmet need, a broken system, a service that no longer fits today’s reality, for example – but need time, tools and support to figure out what works and then test and strengthen their ideas before launching them.  

The initiative is for nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs and mission-driven people in Central Indiana who work in or alongside human services nonprofits, agencies or community organizations – or are independent leaders ready to build something new.

Catalyst is the natural evolution of United Way’s innovation initiatives, events and funding. What makes Catalyst different? It begins with a clearly identified problem and then offers a support structure to bring solutions to life.    

“Across our community, leaders in the human services sector are seeing new challenges and opportunities to reimagine how we support individuals and families. They bring insights, creativity and a deep understanding of what’s possible,” said Fred Payne, United Way’s president and CEO. “Catalyst is intended to give passionate problem-solvers the space, expertise and support to design realistic, scalable solutions to the challenges they see every day.”

From April 23 through June 18, participants will meet 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at United Way’s Indianapolis headquarters, where they will receive:  

• in-person, guided design and testing of their idea;

• coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, business owners, C‑suite leaders, professors and mentors from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors;

• support for building operational and funding models;

• peer learning alongside other problem-solvers.

United Way anticipates selecting up to 12 participants for the design lab. At the conclusion of the lab, up to five finalists will pitch at a live event June 25 at Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis for the chance to win a $50,000 first-place prize, $30,000 second-place prize and $20,000 third-place prize.

Those interested can learn more and apply at uwci.org/catalyst. Applications close March 8.  

Key requirements are:

• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) or have fiscal sponsor.  

• Participants commit to attending in-person sessions once a week for nine weeks, with about 10 to 12 hours of work per week between sessions anticipated.  

Interested applicants can register here to attend one of two information sessions:  

• In person: 9-10 a.m. Feb. 19 at United Way of Central Indiana, 2955 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis.

• Virtual: 3-4 p.m. Feb. 24. (Meeting link will be provided upon registration.)  

Application and program questions can be sent to catalyst@uwci.org.