Apply for the Catalyst Award
How to Apply
Each year, organizations self-nominate for either comprehensive or discrete initiatives, which the Catalyst Award Evaluation Committee assesses through screening and telephone interviews.
The Committee determines a select number to examine during intensive on-site visits. Through interviews and focus groups with executive management, high-level women, human resources professionals, and other employees at various levels, the Committee gauges each initiative’s effectiveness and how it permeates the organization. Subsequent to these site visits, Catalyst chooses the winners of the Catalyst Award.
Applicants benefit from an outside perspective on their diversity and inclusion efforts. Organizations selected for site visits receive more than 500 hours of review by the Catalyst Award Evaluation Committee and have the opportunity to receive a feedback session that details strengths and opportunities for improvement.
What We Measure
The Catalyst Award Evaluation Committee measures each nominated initiative against the following seven criteria:
- Business Rationale: There must be an explicit connection between the initiative and the business strategy.
- Senior Leadership Support: Upper management must demonstrate commitment to the initiative.
- Accountability: Formal monitoring mechanisms must support the initiative and measure its impact.
- Communication: There must be mechanisms for engaging and informing employees of the initiative and its business rationale.
- Replicability: All or parts of the initiative must be able to be implemented by other organizations and thus used as a model for change.
- Originality: Initiatives are compared against previous winners and must include elements that are innovative and provide new knowledge to the business community.
- Measurable Results: There must be documented evidence to demonstrate the impact of the initiative; data must show improvement since the start of the initiative.
The Timeline
Applicants can expect the following timeline:
- Applications due and preliminary review (June)
- Evaluations, including telephone interviews and additional data requests (June–August)
- Selection for site visits (August–September)
- Site visits (September–October)
- Winner selection (December–January)
- Public announcement of winners (January)
- Awards Conference and Dinner (March/April)
Completing Your Application
The following forms comprise a completed application packet. Applications may be submitted in any written form as long as all questions are addressed. Nominating organizations must submit the completed CEO/Managing Partner Attendance Verification Form, with original signatures, and Nomination Fee Form, both by mail. The Catalyst Award application can be submitted by mail or email.
Download the 2009 Catalyst Award Application:
Download the CEO/Managing Partner Attendance Verification Form:
Download the Nomination Fee Form: