Become a Member
THE WORLD ISN’T SHORT OF SOLUTIONS, IT’S SHORT OF ALIGNMENT.
Social innovators everywhere are solving real problems, but too often they work in isolation.
That is why Catalyst Now exists: to bring together social innovators from every corner of the world to address this century's growing human and environmental crises, so they can find each other, build relationships, and co-create solutions for lasting systems change
Social innovators everywhere are solving real problems, but too often they work in isolation.
That is why Catalyst Now exists: to bring together social innovators from every corner of the world to address this century's growing human and environmental crises, so they can find each other, build relationships, and co-create solutions for lasting systems change
Join Catalyst Now
Catalyst Now is the global umbrella movement for social innovators committed to breaking down silos and building cross-sector collaboration for systems change.
If you're an innovator who believes in the power of collaboration, brings real-world experience, and is eager to learn from others, Catalyst Now is where you belong.
Here, community leaders, businesses, governments, and local organizations connect and co-create solutions that address today's most pressing challenges.
Becoming a Catalyst NOW Member
Explore the steps to become a member of the movement. As part of our community, you’ll actively accelerate systemic change by leading and participating in collaborations and chapters, hosting sessions, and sharing knowledge and resources.
03
Selection Process
Our Committee will review your information and come back to you within 2 months.
04
Onboarding
Upon acceptance, you will be invited to join one of our onboarding sessions.
05
Complete Member
Over the following 6 months, contribute actively to the community around 2h a month to become a full member.
10 Reasons to Join the Movement
According to our members, what sets Catalyst Now apart is the profound sense of belonging to a mission-driven community that shares their values. We cultivate a safe and inclusive environment that fosters meaningful connections among like-minded innovators, encouraging collaboration and collective impact.
1. Direct Influence
In Catalyst social innovators are empowered to lead, co-create initiatives, and actively shape key movement decisions.
2. Learning OPPORTUNITIES
We foster collaborative learning opportunities that enhance your knowledge, empowering you to create greater impact in your work.
3. Global Impact
Catalyst Now is the largest movement of social innovators amplifying local solutions globally and catalyzing transformation at scale.
4. Member Diversity
We connect stakeholders across the global social innovation ecosystem, creating opportunities to scale their impact. Explore our member network here.
5. Co-Creation and Active Listening
The movement is led in co-creation and is dedicated to actively listening to members’ insights.
6. Visibility AND NETWORKING
We design spaces where social innovators connect effectively to create solutions that address challenges comprehensively and showcase their social impact.
7. Support from Our Team
We have dedicated operational infrastructure to support you navigate the movement’s resources and facilitate your engagement.
8. Flexible PARTICIPATION
Engagement takes many forms, from sharing insights and knowledge to co-developing projects to collaborating at both local and global levels.
9. Collaborative and Supportive Network
Build global connections, collaborate for systemic change and uphold core values while supporting each others’ work and well-being in a nurturing environment.
10. Peer Learning and Support
Connect with other peers within the network. Gain valuable insights, share experiences, access resources and help others to overcome challenges and scale your initiatives more effectively through our Buddy System program.
Membership application guidelines
The four main considerations when approving a membership application include:
01
Working towards adopting systems change approaches (i.e. addressing root causes of problems)
02
Commitment to creating lasting solutions to achieve the SDGs
03
Application of or commitment to using collaborative, cross-sectoral solutions that address complex challenges
04
Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The four approval criteria encompass
For more information, see our FAQs below
Mission alignment
The organisation (or individual) is actively involved in practices or projects that align with the movement’s goal of attaining the SDGs and solving complex issues.
Social innovation and related expertise
The organisation (or individual) has some knowledge and skills in the field of social entrepreneurship and innovation. Understanding of social change and/or the skills that drive or support social change processes will be preferable.
Impact experience and Impact growth potential
The organisation (or individual) has a track record of accelerating change in communities, organisations, industries or sectors. Alternatively, if the desired outcomes have not yet been achieved, a readiness to develop effective systems change impacts will be considered.
Relevant networks
The organisation (or individual) is actively engaging with social change networks or collaborations. These networks refer to underserved communities, professionals, experts, or impact investors who are working in the social change field
Membership FAQs
See the membership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding our application process and other information related to our movement. If you would like to arrange a conversation with us to learn more about Catalyst Now, please contact our membership team at [email protected]
What happens if my application is accepted?
You will be invited to attend an Onboarding Ceremony (1h 30 min), where you will meet like-minded changemakers who have joined the Catalyst Now community based on a set of shared values. This session will be a moment for you to learn more about the Catalyst Now ethos, our engagement opportunities and the events Catalyst is organising. There will also be a breakout room by region, where you will be able to speak your regional language.
What are the stages of membership?
Once you submit your membership application, our membership team will review the information you share and present it to the Selection & Onboarding Committee who will evaluate the fit based on the membership criteria. The committee will take a decision on your application. Upon approval, you will be invited to an Onboarding Ceremony that will officially mark the start of your membership journey at Catalyst Now.
For the first 6 months after the Onboarding Ceremony, you will become an Onboarding Member and will be exposed to different engagement opportunities and groups. At the end of the Onboarding Membership and on condition of your active engagement within the network, you will become a Complete Member and you will receive a Membership Certificate in recognition of your dedication to addressing systemic change.
What activities can I join as a member of Catalyst?
As a member of Catalyst Now, you can lead and join a diverse group of collaborations, working groups, and engagement opportunities locally and globally. Engage in various initiatives, connect with like-minded change-makers, and participate in membership events to drive systemic change. Learn more about our Ecosystem Development, Collaborations and Engagement Opportunities.
What can I expect as a member of Catalyst Now?
- Build global and local meaningful connections, collaborate for systemic change and uphold core values while supporting each others’ work and well-being in a nurturing environment.
- Be a part of an inclusive organization, representing a cross-section of the social innovation ecosystem.
- Have access to opportunities for shared learning to enrich your knowledge and skills to improve your work.
- Make new friends and allies from around the world and spanning all sectors.
- Have a voice in key movement decisions
- Gain visibility through organized events to meet other social innovators and showcase social impact projects, amplifying your reach and influence.
Is Catalyst Now a funder?
No. Catalyst is not a funder. However, the Secretariat is building a set of available fundraising resources and a program of practical workshops to support members. Explore our Fundraising Toolkit.
Do members pay a membership fee or any other charge?
No. However, you are expected to reciprocate with your time, talent and ideas in collaboration with other members.
Should you be interested in supporting the movement, you can have a look at our donate page.
My work is not in line with the membership criteria. Can I engage with Catalyst as a non-member? If yes, how?
Yes, even if your work does not yet align with our membership criteria you are welcome to engage with Catalyst Now.
You can engage by:
- Participating in our open events and reviewing the recordings on our YouTube Channel
- Contributing relevant ways in advocating the message of Catalyst Now
- Spreading awareness about Catalyst Now
- Donating or fundraising for Catalyst Now initiatives
- Providing pro-bono support in a specific area of expertise or core competency
I am still a student, can I be a member of Catalyst Now?
Undergraduate and graduate students who have started a social venture that is working to achieve the SDGs are welcome to apply to Catalyst Now.
To be able to be accepted into the movement all individuals need to be of age (18+ years old)
My university is a member of Catalyst Now. Are students able to join events and meetings?
Individuals who are interested in learning more are welcome to join open events like the annual Catalysing Change Week and review the material on our YouTube Channel.
We do not accept members under the age of 18. You are welcome to attend sessions with a parent who is a member of Catalyst Now.
Additionally, we encourage students to explore our Catalyst Youth – Global collaboration. Follow our LinkedIn page to learn about exciting opportunities, resources, and events engaging youth in meaningful ways. Stay connected and involved in initiatives aimed at making a positive impact!
I am leaving the organization I’m currently registered with at Catalyst, but I would like to stay engaged. What should I do?
To remain a member, you will need to submit a new membership application either:
- Under your new organization, or
- As an Independent member.
Once your new application is approved, your membership will continue under the updated affiliation.
How can I add any new members to my organization?
If your organization is already a member, you can add new team members by emailing us at [email protected] with the following details for each person:
- Full name
- Role or position within your organization
- Contact email
- The country they’re based in
We’ll guide you through the next steps to ensure they gain full access to Catalyst Now resources and opportunities. Their participation in an Onboarding Ceremony will be optional.
Can both individuals and organizations join Catalyst Now? How do their memberships differ?
Yes, Catalyst Now welcomes both individual innovators and organizations.
- Individual Membership: Designed for social innovators, consultants, and academics who want to connect, learn, and actively contribute to collaborations and projects. Individuals apply with their personal experience, skills, and commitment to systemic change.
- Organization Membership: For private sector companies, NGOs, civil society groups, and local initiatives aiming to engage their teams, share resources, and co-create cross-sector solutions. Organizations apply by demonstrating their alignment with Catalyst Now’s mission, impact potential, and commitment to collaborative approaches.
Key difference: Individuals participate personally, while organizations join as an entity, enabling multiple team members to access resources, events, and collaboration opportunities. We strongly suggest that you join as an organization since more team members can benefit from it.
I would like to withdraw my membership from Catalyst. How do I do that?
Please email [email protected] and let us know that you would like to withdraw your membership. We ask that you briefly share your reason for leaving so we can continue improving our community.
You are welcome to rejoin at any time by submitting a new membership application form.
How do I BEcome a member?
Our membership application form is available in 5 languages, please select the one you feel more comfortable with. Should you have any issues, please reach out to [email protected]
