Catalytic Grants

Overview:
Catalytic Grants are philanthropic investments into organizations or projects designed to help kickstart new ideas and gain financial traction with other supporters. These grants support small or early-stage nonprofits, or established organizations launching new initiatives.

Geographic Scope: Global

Focus Areas:

• Circular economy solutions (priority)
• Plastic pollution mitigation (priority)
• Marine and aquatic ecosystem conservation (priority)
• General environmental conservation initiatives

Key Characteristics:

• Venture philanthropy model combining business principles with philanthropy
• Non-financial returns expected (measurable environmental outcomes)
• Grant funding typically used within 1 year
• HCF may combine multiple grants into larger funding amounts for high-potential proposals
• May provide fiscal sponsorship if needed
• Program support may be offered in addition to funding

Eligibility:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or intent to become one
• Working toward conservation solutions addressing environmental problems
• Able to achieve measurable impact with funding provided
• Early-stage nonprofits or established organizations with new initiatives preferred

Recent Cohorts:

• 2023-24: Distributed grants of $5,000 each to 6 new partners and 2 existing partners (32 applications received)
• Grantees included: Beach Collective, Blue Latitudes Foundation, Langland Conservation, Missouri Botanical Garden-Madagascar, Sovereign Nature Initiative, Theytriarchy, Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, and Root Solutions

Organization Details:

• Funder: Howell Conservation Fund Inc
• Status: 501(c)(3) public charity
• EIN: 84-2776877
• Location: 1870 The Exchange SE Ste 220 PMB 23298, Atlanta, GA 30339-2171
• Website: howellconservation.org

Application Process

Submission Methods:

1. Fill out Google Form (preferred method)
2. Submit as .doc or .docx document addressing all form questions
3. Email submissions should include '2023 CATALYTIC GRANT PROPOSAL' in subject line

Submission Email: info@howellconservation.org

Required Information:

• Organization name and contact details
• Organization website
• Description of what the organization does
• Goals seeking support for (for applicants requesting funding)
• Explanation of how funding will be used (examples include: ramping up new ideas/projects, qualifying for matching funds, building traction/market validation, creating ancillary programs)
• Demonstration of measurable impact potential
• 501(c)(3) status or intent to become one
• Indication of fiscal sponsorship needs if applicable

Timeline:

• Partnership and grant details vary by grantee
• All grant funding expected to be used and reporting completed within 1 year of distribution
• Specific start dates and reporting requirements determined individually

Questions: Contact info@howellconservation.org or visit www.howellconservation.org