This case study highlights how one lean foundation experimented with seed funding to test new ideas and strengthen relationships while advancing its mission.

In 2023–2024, the Howell Conservation Fund (HCF) awarded nine $5,000 catalytic grants to environmental organizations across the globe. By trusting grantees to define success and report in their own words, HCF surfaced critical insights about learning, accountability, and catalytic impact.

Readers will discover:

• How HCF designed its Catalytic Grant Program
• Lessons learned about measuring impact and communicating with donors
• Strategies for balancing trust-based and data-informed philanthropy
• Practical takeaways for funders seeking to make small grants with big impact