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Catalyst Fund

The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund recognizes promising ventures led by Fellows of the Aspen Institute with significant early momentum and at critical junctures on their path to creating meaningful change. Recipients receive $20,000 and non-monetary support to further their leadership and impact.

The Catalyst Fund builds on more than a decade of impact with the John P. McNulty Prize, a $450,000 annual award that celebrates the boldness and impact of individuals using their leadership abilities, entrepreneurial spirit, and expertise to address the world’s toughest challenges.

Support the Catalyst Fund

We invite you to consider making a contribution in tribute to John P. McNulty and to advance the efforts of the many extraordinary leaders who are striving to make a difference in the world.

The Fund has received over $1.3 million in contributions from David Blood, the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the Nancy & George Walker Foundation, and many more, as well as a matching grant from the McNulty Foundation, all honoring the legacy of John P. McNulty.

To support the Catalyst Fund, please visit the link below to donate through the Aspen Institute, a 501(c)3 organization.

Application & Eligibility

Learn More about the Catalyst Fund

Meet our Catalyst Fund Awardees

The Catalyst Fund Awardees are leading ventures that are poised to scale and deepen their impact. They are fearlessly tackling entrenched inequities and structural barriers that communities across the world face.

The Catalyst Fund Awardees

Now more than ever, we must support a fundamental re-imagining of systems to advance opportunity and self-determination for all, and these individuals are leading the way.

Anne Welsh McNulty

Featuring inaugural Catalyst Fund recipient Student DREAMers Alliance

Thank you to our generous Supporters

VISIONARY

David Blood • Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund • Nancy & George Walker Foundation • Anonymous

INNOVATOR

Suzanne Donohoe • Pamela & David B. Ford • Richard A. & Susan P. Friedman • Justin & Victoria Gmelich • Eric & Sarah Lane • Bruce McEver • Nadia Zilkha • Tushara Canekeratne • Anonymous

BENEFACTOR

Lloyd & Laura Blankfein • Cornell Capital LLC • Cheryl & Joe Della Rosa • Herb & Mary Ehlers • Lawton Fitt • Amanda & Glenn Fuhrman • Joseph & Carson Gleberman • Walter Haydock • Roch & Carol Hillenbrand • Robert & Soledad Hurst • Linda E. Johnson • The Kapnick Foundation • Diane L. Morris • Daniel M. Neidich & Brooke Garber Neidich • O’Toole Family Foundation • Ellen R. Porges • Lyn M. Ross • Bruce & Cynthia Sherman • Robert K. & Gillian Steel • Jonathan Hallihan

FRIEND

Amy & David Abrams • Ann & Bill Bain • Diane Campbell • Phil & Beth Cooper • Dobkin Family Foundation • Beth & Michael Fascitelli • Mary & Howard Frank • Steve & Barbara Friedman • Tom & Meg Healey • Kevin & Karen Kennedy • Robert & Jeanne Knox • Peter Kraus • Tammy & Philip Murphy • Wendy J. Paulson & Henry M. Paulson, Jr. • Jeff & Laura Roberts • Linda Sonders & Edward Templer Calkins • Garen & Shari Staglin • Tom & Diane Tuft • Andy Walter • Gerrie McManus • John C. O'Hara • Chiavacci Family Foundation INC • Anonymous

Paul & Terry Arango • Margrit Benton • Michael Costa • Chuck & Lisa Fleischman • Bruce & Vicki Heyman • Louise & Tom Middleton • Linda Sirow & Harold Koplewicz • Peter & Lisa Poulakakos • Liz Ann Sonders & Bob Meier • Kaysie Uniacke • Susan & Tucker York • Denis Weil • Deborah Hannam • Douglas Renfield-Miller • William Albert Nitze • Alexandra Thorne