Catalyst Fund
The Catalyst Fund is Chicago’s $50 million social impact fund, which powers our work to transform the economic landscape of underserved communities in four ways:
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Equity and inclusivity. The fund seeks to maximize financial capability for all Chicagoans.
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Transparency. The fund’s investments are open to all local investment firms, and reporting is made available every year.
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Protection. The fund’s investments are protected and seek to maximize profitability, returning capital to taxpayers with preservation as a priority.
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Impact. The fund focuses on the growth of small businesses that power our economy, increasing their access to capital and revenue opportunities.
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the Catalyst Fund responded quickly with up to a $50 million investment in the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund to assist the city’s vibrant community of small businesses. The fund provided low-interest loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses retain employees and maintain operations in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods during a time of unprecedented economic hardship and uncertainty, enabling thousands of organizations to bridge financial gaps and remain in business.
Learn more at the the Catalyst Fund website or contact Ashley Renee Evans, Chief Impact Officer [ashley.evans@cityofchicago.org].