Introduction

This presentation and accompanying notes

aims to help Fellows run events to come up

with and collaborate on new ideas to tackle

social problems

Presentation for a

Catalyst-themed

workshop

Four questions

about Catalyst- what is it?

- what does it support?

- exactly what are its criteria?

- what can you do next?

What is Catalyst?

thersa.org/catalyst

1 What is Catalyst? thersa.org/catalyst

A process for awarding small grants and non-financial support through Fellows to support new Fellow-led ideas to tackle social problems

1 What is Catalyst? thersa.org/catalyst

Grants:• Initial grants of £1,000-£2,000 • Additional grants of £5,000

Each year we award a total of £100,000 to Fellows’ projects

1 What is Catalyst? thersa.org/catalyst

Non-financial resources:• Regional teams find local Fellows who can give expertise • SkillsBank matches to Fellows who have volunteered time• Staff target Fellows via our database• Subject expertise from RSA staff including signposting to other funds available• Help to raise awareness via newsletter, blog & Journal

Fellows are encouraged to apply to Catalyst for non-financial resources even when grants are not needed

What does Catalyst support?

thersa.org/catalyst

2 What does Catalyst support? thersa.org/catalyst

Reap + Sow, Kate Welch and Rebecca Howard, Durham www.reapandsow.org.ukwww.reapandsow.org.ukwww.reapandsow.org.ukwww.reapandsow.org.uk

2 What does Catalyst support? thersa.org/catalyst

Saturday Arts Academy, Sharon Turner, Chattanooga, Tennessee

2 What does Catalyst support? thersa.org/catalyst

Plan Zheroes, Maria Ana Neves and Chris Wilkie, London, www.planzheroes.orgwww.planzheroes.orgwww.planzheroes.orgwww.planzheroes.org

Exactly what does Catalyst support?

thersa.org/catalyst

3 Exactly what does Catalyst support? thersa.org/catalyst

Idea:• does it offer a solution to tackle a pressing social problem?• is it a totally new idea or applying something in a new setting?• can it be sustained in the longer-term?

3 Exactly what does Catalyst support? thersa.org/catalyst

People and other resources:• does it have a passionate and relevantly skilled and experienced team*?• can it involve the wider Fellowship in the development or delivery of the project?• is it in its early stages of development?• does it need to deliver activities that would be difficult to deliver without the help of Catalyst?• does it have a feasible and economical plan for delivering those activities?

* must have an RSA Fellow as part of the team leading the project

What can you do next?

thersa.org/catalyst

4 What can I do next? thersa.org/catalyst

If you want to help:• register in the RSA SkillsBank and we will match you to ideas that need your experience and expertise www.thersa.org/skillsbank• find Catalyst-supported projects that match your interest via the list of all Catalyst projects at www.thersa.org/catalyst• if you want to help a specific project, mention the name of it when you register in the SkillsBank

4 What can I do next? thersa.org/catalyst

If you have an idea:• talk to Fellows at your local network meetings (now!) to get feedback and start collaborating by getting in touch with your Regional Team www.thersa.org/fellowship/where-you-are• post your idea onto a relevant group on the Fellows online social network www.rsafellowship.com• complete the Catalyst application form via www.thersa.org/catalyst – after the deadline, staff and Fellows will give applicants feedback and a chance to amend to make the strongest possible case to the Catalyst panel

For the application form or more information, please visit www.thersa.org/catalyst

If you have any other questions email fellowship.fund@rsa.org.uk