Your Guide to Catalyst’s 2025 Programs

As we step into 2025, Catalyst has an exciting lineup of programs to meet you wherever you are in your philanthropic journey. From sessions on the fundamentals of philanthropy to briefings covering hot topics, whatever way you’re looking to engage, we’ve got you. 

Keep reading to explore what’s ahead and discover how Catalyst can amplify your impact this year. 

FUNDAMENTALS ACADEMY  

The 101 of philanthropy you wished you had when you started your job  

In response to an ever-evolving workforce, we are pleased to launch the Fundamentals Academy. Think of Fundamentals Academy as the 101 of philanthropy you wished you had when you started your job. In this four-session learning journey, you will gain in-depth knowledge of essential philanthropic practices, understand the lay of the land of our region’s funding organizations and grow your own professional network within the field.   

Fundamentals Academy is a great fit for those who are new to the field of philanthropy and want to gain a solid foundation to build their work, or anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of the world of philanthropy. Paced to fit the demands of your daily life easily, there will be one session a month from February to May, culminating with a certificate of completion.   

Spots will fill quickly! Don’t miss the chance to participate in our inaugural Academy by registering now. 

DO THE WORK   

Be where the change happens  

Forged from deep and trusting community relationships, Catalyst’s Do the Work programs bridge connections between funders and community-based organizations while giving funders an authentic gaze to what is actually happening on the ground.   

Do The Work programs are among our most sought-after learning experiences each year for a reason. Catalyst brings intentional, immersive, experiential learning to issue areas you care deeply about. Do the Work trips feature direct, real-time access to community members who are shouldering the challenges and opportunities you are seeking to impact, as well as robust connection time with other funders who share your priorities. Show up prepared to engage with the community in an intentional, committed way and we will make sure you have an experience that will change you.   

Up first for 2025 will be an overnight trip to the United States/Mexico border. The land border with Mexico is a defining feature of our binational region and as uncertainty looms, community-based organizations on both sides of the border are rallying to ensure humane support for those seeking safe passage. We will spend time on both the US and Mexico side sides, learning directly from those shouldering the impacts of border policy decisions. 

Join funders from International Community Foundation, The California Endowment, the James Irvine Foundation and more in deep exploration of this urgent and evolving issue. Do The Work trips are capped to 30 participants. Don’t delay: Learn more and join our save-the-date list to be notified when registration opens! 

SHOW UP   

Connect with the Kumeyaay Nation on their terms   

Between the space of learning and doing is truly being in community through intentional time spent at community events. But, how do you connect to new communities that you have yet to be invited into? We’ve got you covered. Show Up is a new series of opportunities that go to the heart of being in community with the Kumeyaay Nation, on their terms. In this series we will share Kumeyaay community events that funders have been invited into, and that the Catalyst team will be present at. This series is designed for anyone seeking to build and deepen authentic relationship with members of the Kumeyaay Nation. 

Please note: We work closely with our Kumeyaay partners to ensure Show Up events are, indeed, events that they would like us to show up to! If you’re interested in the ongoing event calendar for this series, contact Aline to indicate your interest.

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE  

You don’t need to go alone  

Within our diverse network of funders at Catalyst, we recognize the importance of spaces where members can simply connect, strategize, and collaborate in an intentional and open environment. Communities of Practice bring together similarly structured Catalyst members to do just that. Think of your community of practice as “your people,” the ones you can go to with questions or commiserating, or to dream big with. These spaces devote largely unstructured time for the development of connections that help us grow not just as individual funders, but also as a stronger, more unified sector.   

Interested in finding your community? The below Communities of Practice are live for 2025, indicate your interest in one or more of these by adding your email address here.

Don’t see your people? Contact Maryan to suggest a new community of practice.  

• Family Foundations 

• Corporate 

• Impact investing 

LEARNING LABS: EQUITABLE GRANTMAKING  

No lab coat required, but bring your materials!  

Grab your spreadsheets, dust off your Theory of Change, rally your stack of notebooks: Learning Labs is your working session to get things done. In these workshop-style sessions designed for hands-on engagement, participants will be encouraged to bring their own materials to translate their learning into practical action. This year’s labs will focus on auditing your foundation practices to align with equitable grantmaking best practices.   

Learning Labs are for all members committed to enhancing their grantmaking with an equity-driven approach. Whether you’re just beginning your journey toward equitable grantmaking or you’re a seasoned funder eager to share insights and lessons learned, we welcome everyone who wants to deepen their practice and contribute to this shared mission.  

NEED TO KNOW: NOW  

Your up to date source for philanthropy in our region  

Through timely funder briefings, statewide sessions with Philanthropy California, and webinars on emerging trends and urgent local issues, Need to Know: Now ensures you stay up-to-date with the essential information you need to remain connected and engaged with the defining topics of our region and the field of philanthropy.  

Is there something you want to see this year that we don’t have planned? Contact Maryan to share your ideas with us, we’d love to hear them!