Catalyst Now Awards
For Systemic Change
The solutions and real-world impact exist, but the right people, resources, and systems are not yet aligned. Each year, the Catalyst Now Awards celebrate the allies, funders, and co-creators who bridge that gap between solutions and alignment, recognising social innovators who understand that systems change demands more than traditional funding.
About Catalyst Now Awards
The awards celebrate allies and facilitators driving collaborative change, because the world isn't short of solutions; it's short of alignment, and the Awards are a catalyst for closing that gap.
At Catalyst Now, we have come together to pursue big ideas to transform society, gathering an amazing group of allies essential to turning these ideas into world-changing action. Our annual awards celebrate these remarkable people and organisations: corporate foundations, philanthropists, institutional donors, and family businesses.
The ones who understand that traditional approaches to funding social innovators are insufficient, and who recognise that new, collaborative ecosystems are needed if we are to truly move the dial on systemic change.
The CATALYST NOW Awards 2026
The Catalyst Now Awards recognise the vital role our extraordinary partners play in financing systems change. They honour donors, including corporate foundations, philanthropists, institutional donors, and family businesses, across four categories: Leader in Trust, Leader in Partnership, Leader in Field Building, and Leader in Transformative Compliance.
In addition, a special recognition will honour a leader whose radical collaboration and trust-based, high-risk commitment have made systemic change possible. Through these awards, we celebrate and highlight our honourees' innovative practices, encouraging others to follow their lead and drive systems change.
Explore how it all works
FAQs
What are the Catalyst Now Awards?
The Catalyst Now Awards takes time once a year to celebrate systems change. Nominations are made by Catalyst Now member, and for the first time since 2021, non-members are allowed to nominate. This is followed by a selection process, including input from an independent jury. Finalists are announced ahead of the Awards Ceremony, at which the winners are announced.
What are the objectives of the Catalyst Now Awards?
The purpose of the Awards is to accelerate collaborative systems change by celebrating the individuals and organisations that make it possible. The Awards are an important tool to fuel the movement and to celebrate the journey towards driving collaborative change.
What are the Awards Categories for 2026?
In its 5th edition, the Catalyst Now Awards honour donors (including corporate foundations, philanthropists, institutional donors, and family businesses) across four categories: Leader in Trust, Leader in Partnership, Leader in Field Building, and Leader in Transformative Compliance.
In addition, a special recognition will honour a leader whose radical collaboration and trust-based, high-risk commitment have made systemic change possible.
Who makes the nominations for the Catalyst Now Awards?
Both Catalyst Now members and non-members may submit nominations from July 1 to August 10, 2026. Members of the Catalyst Now Awards Committee select the shortlist, while an external jury votes to choose the winners.
What are the eligibility criteria for nominations?
This Catalyst Now Awards 2026 edition is open to donors (including corporate foundations, philanthropists, institutional donors, and family businesses) who have been working closely with social innovators, the SDGs, and systems change:
- Any individual or organisation that donates or provides grant funds to support social innovators in creating systems change.
- Individuals and organisations can be located in any country and can focus on any impact area.
- All nominated organisations are required to move through a due diligence process.
- All nominees must be aligned with Catalyst Now’s values.
- All nominees must treat social Innovators with respect, encourage diversity, collaboration, and support systems change.
- Previous Catalyst Now (Catalyst 2030) Awards winners may not be renominated.
- Previous Awards finalists are eligible for renomination.
*Note: All nominations are treated in the strictest confidence. The nominee should not be informed that they have been nominated to maintain the neutrality of the process.
Who makes up the Awards Jury?
The Jury members are chosen and appointed by the Catalyst Now Awards Committee for one year. During this time, they will objectively and impartially review and approve shortlisted nominees, paying close attention to the evaluation criteria. Jury members are not affiliated with Catalyst Now, are independent, and have a deep understanding of collaborative systems change. They also show great interest and knowledge in the work of social innovators.
When and where were the Catalyst Now Awards held in 2026?
The Catalyst Now Awards 2026 Ceremony, will take place on 5 November 2026 at Canada House, London, from 3 to 6 pm GMT
