Expression of Interest
Join the Catalyst Stewardship Group
Are you dedicated to strengthening the community finance ecosystem in Canada? Do you have connections within the community finance sector and experience in fund development, policy, regulation, and organizational development? If so, we invite you to join the Stewardship Committee for Catalyst: Community Finance Initiative
About Catalyst Community Finance Initiative
Catalyst Community Finance Initiative is a collaborative network comprising place-based impact funds, community loan funds, investment co-operatives, community land trusts, local credit unions, and other community finance organizations. Our network aims to advance the sector by providing access to peer networks, innovative programming, tools, and resources, supporting the start-up, growth, and sustainability of community finance initiatives in urban, rural, and Northern communities across Canada.
About the Stewardship Group
The purpose of the Stewardship Group is to govern the Catalyst project and provide strategic vision and direction. As a steward, you will help shape the direction and foster the growth of a vibrant community finance ecosystem. Your insights will guide initiatives that enhance the network’s connectivity, visibility and capability to strengthen and grow the sector.
Role:
- Be engaged in the development of the field of community finance either as an ecosystem ally and/or through your roles in fund development and management.
- Be an advocate for Catalyst in bringing new people and organizations into the network
- Work collaboratively and in a spirit of mutual cooperation by contributing knowledge and/or experience to advance place-based and identity-based community finance
- Maintain knowledge of ecosystem and stakeholder expectations, needs, concerns, interests, and wants
- Support the identification of and development of financial and other resources for Catalyst sustained future
- Grow the presence of Catalyst in sector networks, support policy development processes (with wide engagement of the voices in the Catalyst network) for the network
- Contribute to measuring and evaluating the project managers, the Administrator’s, and the stewardship group’s own contribution and achievement of goals
- Explore with the Group the transition of the Catalyst initiative, now a project of SVX.ca into its own independent entity/network.
Ideal Skills and Interests:
- Strong connections within Canada’s community finance sector, including impact funds, credit unions, Community Futures/Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC), Indigenous Financial Institutions, cooperatives, and land trusts
- Deep understanding of policy, regulatory, and funding mechanisms relevant to community finance organizations
- Experience supporting the development, start-up, or scale-up of community-led financial initiatives
- Knowledge of regional, cultural, and sectoral differences affecting community finance in urban, rural, and Northern communities
- Excellent networking, partnership-building, and advocacy skills
- Passion for fostering inclusive, place-based financial solutions that build community resilience
Commitment
This is a voluntary role requiring varying time commitments depending on your interest and availability. Stewards generally participate in 60min bi-weekly meetings and often engage in deeper strategic planning activities. There will be an opportunity to explore how you’d like to contribute during the process.
Each steward commits to a 2-year term with a limit of 3 terms followed by a break of at least one year.
Application Process
Interested individuals are encouraged to complete this short form outlining relevant experience and motivation. If you have any questions, reach out to Co-Managers Jo Reynolds and Geraldine Cahill at manager@catalystcommunityfinance.ca
Please submit no later than Monday September 15, 2025 at 5pm ET
By contributing your expertise, you will help catalyze innovative financial solutions that serve communities across Canada. Join Catalyst to connect with peers, contribute valuable skills and resources, and be part of a movement toward a more equitable, community-driven economy.