Getting Started

Catalytic Philanthropy,
sized for how you actually work

If your foundation has one staff member — or none — Catalytic Philanthropy can still be your approach. This is a shorter, lower-lift entry point into the full framework.

Where to begin

What you don't need — and what you do

Lean funders are uniquely positioned to practice Catalytic Philanthropy: fewer layers of approval, closer relationships with grantees, and the flexibility to act quickly.

You don't need
  • More staff
  • A bigger budget
  • A new strategic plan
  • A year of preparation
You do need
  • A willingness to listen differently
  • Small shifts in time and attention
  • Openness to relationship-based work
  • A starting point — which is right here
Choose your starting point

How much time do you have right now?

Start wherever you are. Each path is complete on its own.

5 minutes

Read the one-line "In practice" translation on each of the four component pages — Virtues, Skills, Practices, and Catalysts. No forms, no assessment. Just a gut check on where you already are.

20 minutes

Take the 4-Question Quick Start below — one question per framework component. It's a lightweight version of the full Self-Assessment, built for a first look with no submission required.

1 hour

Take the full Self-Assessment and read the Catalytic Philanthropy in 2026 report to see how foundations like yours are already practicing this.

The Quick Start

4 questions — one per framework component

Rate yourself 1 (rarely) to 5 (almost always) on each. There's no scoring here — just a starting point for reflection.

Virtues — The Roots
When was the last time you asked a grantee a question instead of offering advice?
Rarely Almost always
Skills — The Stem
Do you know, right now, what your top three grantees would say they need most — beyond money?
Rarely Almost always
Practices — The Leaves
Is your grant application or report shorter than it was two years ago?
Rarely Almost always
Catalysts — The Petals
Have you introduced two people or organizations to each other in the last three months, without a grant attached?
Rarely Almost always
If most of your answers are low, that's normal — not a deficiency. 39% of foundations nationally say Catalytic Philanthropy is only somewhat, slightly, or not at all aligned with their current approach. You're not behind; you're at the starting line with most of the field.
What this looks like

Real actions, not initiatives

Each of these takes minutes, not months — and each is a genuine expression of one of the four framework components.

Instead of a formal listening tour
Ask one open-ended question on your next grantee call.
"What do you need?" — then actually wait for the answer. No agenda, no structure. Just listen.
Virtues — The Roots
Instead of a formal needs assessment
Send a five-sentence email to your top grantees.
"What are you navigating right now, and what would be most useful from us?" The responses may surprise you.
Skills — The Stem
Instead of a multiyear strategic pivot
Drop one reporting requirement you don't actually use.
Make your next renewal grant one year longer, or replace a 12-page report with two meaningful questions.
Practices — The Leaves
Instead of convening a coalition
Introduce two grantees who don't know each other yet.
Or forward one job posting, one piece of research, one contact. Five minutes — genuine impact.
Catalysts — The Petals
Keep going

Ready to go deeper?

When you're ready to move beyond this page, here's where to go next.

Full Assessment
Take the 20-Question Self-Assessment

Answer 20 questions across all four components and get a detailed picture of your strengths and growth areas.
2026 Report
See how lean funders are practicing this

Explore data from the 2026 Foundation Operations and Management Report and see where you stand nationally.
The Framework
Explore the four components in depth

Dive into Leadership Virtues, Key Skills, Core Practices, and the Catalysts — each with reflection prompts and real examples.