Cash Catalyst

Cash Catalyst is the nation’s first accelerated Baby Bonds initiative, modeled after Connecticut’s recently passed Baby Bonds law. The program provides Greater New Haven residents with direct capital to build wealth while simulating the state’s upcoming Baby Bonds distributions.

Our Impact

55

Catalyst Ages 18-30

$2K

in debt relief provided to 55 program participants

$400K

distributed among 20 participants simulating Baby Bonds distributions

Program Overview

  • Like Connecticut Baby Bonds, Cash Catalyst combines investable capital with financial education. Cash Catalyst participants engage in six biweekly sessions focused on the fundamentals of financial management. Simultaneously, they complete a three-hour self-paced digital financial education curriculum, designed by MoneyByrd to supplement the in-person sessions.

  • The Cash Catalyst program kicks off in August 2025, when participants begin their financial education courses. At the completion of the program all participants receive $2,000 in debt relief. In January 2026, 20 selected participants receive the first $10,000 cash injection, followed by a second $10,000 cash injection to the same participants in January 2027.

  • The program tracks changes in consumer debt after $2,000 debt relief, net worth after a $20,000 cash injection, and credit scores after completion. Insights from participant outcomes will inform future Connecticut Baby Bonds distributions, identifying effective payout strategies, key financial education topics, and wraparound services that maximize wealth-building impact.