ABOUT THE FUND
With seed funding from Alliance Healthcare Foundation, the Avila Fund, The David C. Copley Foundation, Price Philanthropies Foundation, and additional support from our own reserves, the Sustained Support Fund provides timely, short-term, zero-interest, recoverable grants to nonprofits, fiscally sponsored organizations, tribal organizations, and tribal governments to help cover cash needs while awaiting payment of committed funding. The fund prioritizes those affected by federal policy and funding shifts since January 2025.
Grants from this fund are:
- Recoverable: Repayment due upon receipt of committed funds or within 90 days.
- Zero interest: The recoverable amount is equal to the amount granted.
- Flexible in size: Grant amounts will be determined based on need, repayment capacity, and available resources, up to $100,000.
Access the application here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to apply?
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status, tribal organizations/governments, or fiscally sponsored projects that serve primarily in San Diego or Imperial Counties and can demonstrate a short-term cash flow need for work associated with future committed revenue. Documentation must be included for committed revenue that will be received within 90 days.
Priority will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the following:
- Have experienced a direct loss of federal funding since January 2025.
- Are addressing increased community needs related to federal policy changes since January 2025.
- Were recommended by fund contributors.
Eligibility Questions
- Has your organization been impacted by funding or policy changes since January 2025?
- Is your primary work in San Diego County or Imperial County?
- Does your mission and demonstrated work align with inclusive and equitable values and contribute to an effective social change ecosystem?
- Are you able to clearly identify the need for operating cash within the eligible purpose of this grant?
- Are you able to document a guaranteed source of funding to repay the requested grant within 90 days?
- If no: Are you able to document a guaranteed source of funding to repay the requested grant within 6 months? Although it is not currently the case, we are interested in your need and will follow up if longer-term funds become available.
What is the application process like?
Applicants will be required to complete a letter of interest, provide required documentation, and participate in a conversation with a member of staff or the review committee to ensure that there is an effective financial management system in place.
What documentation is required?
Documentation must be included for committed revenue that will be received within six months.
Required documentation includes:
- Documentation of committed revenue, such as a signed contract, government reimbursement, or foundation grant letter, that (1) is equal to or greater than the requested bridge amount and (2) will be paid within 90 days
- Documentation of the organization’s current cash position, such as a balance sheet or statement of financial position
- Cash flow statement and forecast
What are the evaluation criteria?
Catalyst will review submitted applications to verify organizational eligibility, a committed funding source, and a repayment timeline. Applications that meet the eligibility criteria, demonstrate a clear need, and can document future committed funding will move forward to an interview.
The interview will assess whether the organization has effective financial management systems in place. If confirmed, the organization will receive a short-term recoverable grant to cover operating cash needs while awaiting payment of committed funds.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as long as funds remain available. Due to demand, eligible applications may experience delays before being invited for an interview. If a delay occurs, we will confirm with the applicant that the need remains before proceeding.
How quickly are funding decisions made?
Turnaround will be fast: within two weeks of receiving a complete application and documentation.
When are applications due?
Submit your application at any time – grant review and awards will continue on a rolling basis as funds are available.
How many awards will be given?
The number of awards will depend on grant requests. Application review and awards will take place as long as funds are available. Each grant is anticipated to return to the fund within 90 days, allowing a new grant to be made. As of 7/15/25, the total available is $400,000.
Can fiscally sponsored organizations apply?
Yes. Fiscally sponsored organizations are welcome to apply, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.