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Established in 2016, the C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T.S. (Cultivating Achievers To Actively Lead and Yield Strategic & Transformative Success) Initiative, in collaboration with Kennesaw State University, embarked on a journey to empower student leaders of color actively engaged in college life, the nonprofit sector, and pioneering high-potential philanthropy for tangible social change.

This initiative, now rebranded as the CATALYSTS Foundation, has consistently evolved with a core commitment to “motivating the middle” – providing essential support to student leaders navigating the intersection of innovative social impact and college life, and fostering the next generation of [Black and Brown] philanthropists.

From 2017 to 2022, the CATALYSTS Initiative experienced remarkable growth, fueled by the unwavering support of the CATALYSTS community. In 2023, our commitment expanded further to include support for minority-led and/or serving nonprofits through the Impact Collective. This groundbreaking effort extends beyond financial assistance, offering grantmaking and pro-bono consulting to empower organizations with capacity building and organizational development.

Excitingly, 2023 marked a pivotal moment for the CATALYSTS Initiative as it officially transformed into the CATALYSTS Foundation, now recognized as a 501(c)3 entity by Georgia’s Secretary of State. Under the dynamic leadership of Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chaz Chapman, and guided by a dedicated 13-member Board of Directors, the Foundation is poised to deepen its impact and usher in a new era of transformative change.

As the CATALYSTS community expands once more, we invite you to join us on this innovative journey, as together we continue to push the boundaries of social impact and inspire meaningful change.