We were thrilled to host our 3rd annual Catalyst Day on June 19, 2025. It was a day of great connections and vibes.
Catalyst is the Foundation’s multi-year core funding program that supports leading access to justice organizations across Ontario. Catalyst Day offers grantees of the program and Foundation staff a chance to come together for networking and learning. We got an early start to Catalyst Day with a reception at the Foundation’s office the evening before. This gave everyone, especially first-timers, the chance to connect and get to know each other in an informal setting.
“It was a wonderful day of workshopping, networking, and social connection.” – Catalyst Day attendee
Catalyst Day itself began with small group discussions. Grantees shared updates on their work with their peers and Grants Managers. These conversations helped connect organizations around common issues and sparked ideas for collaboration. Then, Noah Aiken-Klar, the Foundation’s Director of Grants & Programs, led a discussion about the Foundation’s impact framework project. The iterative framework is a tool to help the Foundation and others to better understand the impact of the work supported through our funding. Grantees asked compelling questions, including how the framework reflects and intersects with their specific activities. Their insights will help us craft the most flexible and relevant framework possible.
“It was my first time attending and I was really pleased with the day. I particularly enjoyed getting the opportunity to get to know and talk more deeply about our work with our specific Grants Manager. I felt it was really helpful for building that relationship.” – Catalyst Day attendee
The afternoon was dedicated to the popular Open Space sessions. These are confidential sessions led by and for grantees. Participants facilitate their own discussion groups on topics they choose. These included conversations about AI, communications, and partnerships, as well as network-wide strategies around 2SLGBTQ+ rights, employment insurance, and public legal education and information. Our post-event survey confirmed that grantees find these sessions to be very valuable and productive.
We are exceedingly fortunate to be able to hold space for this remarkable group of access to justice leaders. Our grantees tell us how energizing these networking and professional development opportunities are. We agree, and we are committed to continuing them. Catalyst Day is an inspiring reminder of the benefits of creating spaces to collaborate and be together.
“I’m genuinely impressed by the level of engagement and leadership demonstrated by the Foundation. Events like Catalyst Day foster a true sense of community—one that is collaborative, supportive, and united in working toward shared goals.” – Catalyst Day attendee
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