Catalytic Communities
Helping communities in Africa and worldwide share solutions to health, education, and other community challenges through a unique online database of solutions--created and shared by grassroots organizers, social entrepreneurs, and their partners--and mechanisms to allow people to connect with one another.Catalytic Communities (CatComm) opens the eyes of the world to the positive changes taking place in thousands of low-income communities. The database is the only global, comprehensive public repository for grassroots solutions to social issues. The 200+ solutions in the database are from 21 countries and are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. These include solutions from nine African countries— Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe . Projects range from caring for HIV/AIDS orphans, building medical centers, teaching job skills to teenagers, to generating alternative, cost-effective energy.
For example, for Sudan, the database includes information on the Kwoto Popular Theatre’s approach to using drama to strengthen southern Sudanese culture and to educate the public. Following its posting in the database, CNN and the BBC profiled the theater and international companies have staged their work. Kwoto has received volunteers, press attention, and opportunities to perform around the world.
Because grassroots efforts are traditionally underrepresented on the Internet due to social, cultural, and economic barriers, CatComm reaches out to find a wide range of solutions for its users. These are documented so that projects can be replicated around the world. We conduct hands-on coaching and technical assistance for contributors and work to help communities easily and quickly connect and exchange vital resources with one another.
Contact Information
Theresa Williamson
Executive Director
Catalytic Communities
PO Box 42010
Washington D.C. 20015
T: 301-637-7360
F: 202-318-3223
E: Theresa@catcomm.org
www.catcomm.org
Financial Information
A Self-Help Assistance Program is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Click below to view our most recent independent audit and IRS Form 990.
Banner photo: Performers of the Kwoto Popular Theatre in Sudan
Photo right: Participants in the International Youth Network Programme in Nigeria.
Photo left: Growing African Red Bird Eye Chili in Uganda
Volunteer Opportunities
CatComm’s web platform are available in three languages – English, Portuguese, and Spanish – through the work of hundreds of volunteers, like you, around the world. If you are fluent in Portuguese or Spanish, you can help expand CatComm's global network of civic solutions and in the process make a huge contribution to the social change commons. Your efforts will help bring hundreds of civic solutions to your own neighborhood, town, city, and country, enabling social leaders to access the work of local communities throughout the world. Contact Roseli Franco, Community Liaison, at rose@catcomm.org to get started!
To donate to this member charity by check, please print our designation form and mail it with your check to
Aid for Africa
P.O. Box 8734
Topeka, KS 66608
CFC number explanation