Eligibility & Participation Requirements

To apply for the Innovation Catalyst, you must meet all of the following criteria:
  1. An established nonprofit
  2. A current member of the Center for Nonprofit Management
  3. A current profile on the Community Foundation’s GivingMatters.com website 
Requirements for participants: Applicants must: 
  • Submit a completed written application no later than noon Friday, August 19, 2022.
  • Be prepared to cover the agency out-of-pocket portion of the costs.
  • Commit to full participation in the Innovation Catalyst program by:
    • Designating the project as a strategic priority;
    • Building an The Impact Team™ (description below).
    • Assigning a project leader from the agency’s executive leadership team;
    • Participating in group sessions and plan presentations (schedule TBA);
    • Developing, over the course of the program, a detailed business plan to launch-ready status.
  • Executive leaders and at least one board member from each finalist must be available for an online interview on Wednesday, August 24 or Thursday, August 25, 2022. Interviews will be scheduled as finalists are selected.
  • The business plan development process will conclude with presentations to the program funders and the community in June of 2023.
The Impact Team™
The Impact Team is responsible for doing the work of developing new initiatives where needed. The Team is recruited by the Executive Director, with help from the Board Chair and/or the Project Lead. The Project Lead organizes and facilitates the Impact Team meetings, coordinating with CauseImpact consultants.

This is not a committee. This is a task force that develops new ideas and makes recommendations to the Executive Director or CEO, Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders/decision makers.

Composition
Your Impact Team should consist of 6-12 members, including:
  • The Executive Director (may also be the project leader).
  • The Project Lead.
  • Select members of management staff (two to three).
  • Staff members of different levels, including client-facing staff (one or two).
  • Members from Board of Directors (two to three).
  • Outsiders -- people somewhat unfamiliar with your agency but experienced in areas that may be important to your efforts.  Ask them to bring a fresh perspective to your organization (no more than two).
  • Serial entrepreneurs –individuals who have successfully built more than one small or medium-sized businesses (one or two)
Project Leader Role and Responsibilities
  • Primary contact with CNM and CauseImpact consultant
  • Weekly check ins with CauseImpact consultants.
  • Recruit team members as needed. There may be multiple rounds of recruitment.
  • Project Coordination Responsibilities: 
  • Maintain pace and momentum-milestones
  • Manage task assignment and accountability. 
  • Maintain team roster & team member contact information.
  • Scheduling, coordination, and information exchange with CauseImpact and team members.
  • Keep the team up to date on progress.
  • Maintain all files and work product in the team Dropbox folder.
Team Member Role and Responsibilities
  • Roll up your sleeves. Apply your core skills to the task(s) at hand. This is an active role. Offer advice and guidance based on experience.
  • Challenge assumptions and ask questions, acting as a skeptic when necessary in order to keep plans firmly grounded.
  • Assist in establishing evaluation criteria, reviewing program analysis results, and making recommendations.
  • Serve as a sounding board for the project management team as information and research findings are presented
  • Assist in opportunity research or feasibility study.
  • Take an active and vocal role in providing the organization with a fresh perspective. 
  • Assist in analyzing the results of the planning process and formulating recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding next action steps.
  • Share business expertise in various aspects of organizational management — human resource development, marketing, financial systems, cost/benefit analysis, etc.
  • Help the organization develop market positioning and strategies for key offerings or develop business plan outline for new high potential ideas.
  • Serve as a guide to action plan implementation and provide feedback from general community stakeholders.

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