United Way of Greater Chattanooga has invested $598,741 through its Catalyst Fund in 21 local nonprofits piloting new approaches to support local families and strengthen the broader community. 

Officials said, "Some of the best solutions for our community haven't been tried yet. To help bring those ideas to life. These investments are designed to create opportunities for all children, build economic mobility for families and foster a more connected community across Greater Chattanooga.

"The Catalyst Fund exists as a one-time investment to accelerate promising, innovative strategies for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households – those that are working hard but still struggle to make ends meet.

"United Way's grant process is open and competitive.

Funding decisions are reviewed by a diverse group of 40+ volunteer grant reviewers and a decision committee of 16 local leaders using a data-informed approach. These grants empower nonprofits to test new ideas, explore innovative models and learn what works, helping strengthen the network of support available to families across the region. Five of these organizations are receiving United Way funding for the first time."

"Strong communities are built through innovation," said Abby Garrison, vice president of Community Investments at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. "The organizations closest to community challenges often have the best ideas for solving them but trying something new takes resources and capacity. That's what the Catalyst Fund is for, giving our nonprofit partners the opportunity to test bold ideas for our region."

The 2026-2027 Catalyst Fund recipients include: Bethel Bible Village, BetterFi, Chattanooga Autism Center, Chattanooga Room in the Inn, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Children's Advocacy Center of Hamilton County, Communities in Schools of Catoosa County, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Chattanooga, Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc., Creative Discovery Museum, East Lake Expression Engine, Gaining Ground, KELCURT Foundation, LIFT Youth Center, Rabbit Valley Farmers Market Inc., Scenic City Clay Arts, SPLASH, The AIM Center, The Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga, The Pop Up Project and The Sexual Assault Victim's Advocacy Center, Inc.

Officials said, "United Way recognizes that thriving families need more than crisis intervention alone. These investments also recognize the role arts, culture, creativity and youth engagement play in building confidence, connection, mental wellness and opportunity for children and families. This list of funded Catalyst Fund partners contains many organizations serving in the community in these ways.

"The Catalyst Fund is part of United Way's broader community investments cycle, which invests $3.3 million across 52 unique organizations throughout Greater Chattanooga. Together, these investments are building an ecosystem of support for our community, helping neighbors move from crisis to long-term stability and opportunity. To see the full list of funded partners across all community investments, visit unitedwaycha.org/community-investments.

"Funding innovative nonprofit solutions is one piece of the work needed to create lasting change for ALICE families. Building a community where working families can thrive also requires employers, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and residents to work together to address the challenges that keep families financially stretched.

"United Way's United for Working Families Summit on Aug. 18 is a national gathering focused on transforming workplaces and policies to create a more family-friendly Chattanooga. Employers, small businesses, human resource professionals, community partners and innovators are invited to join the conversation and connect with others working to better support the families who power our workforce. Learn more and register at unitedwaycha.org/workingfamilies."