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

  • Group of people celebrating on stage with a large check, smiling and waving.

    The program has changed the way I think about my finances by showing me the importance of budgeting and planning ahead.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • A diverse group of people sitting and standing in a classroom or meeting room, attentively listening to someone outside the frame.

    I’m learning how to save more and ask myself questions before making purchases, like whether I really need to buy something.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • Three women and a man celebrating an achievement in a meeting room, with one woman holding a large check for $20,000, and a presentation screen displaying 'WEAR ACCELERATE' and a date of November 2025.

    The program showed me that starting early with retirement planning makes a big difference. The earlier you start, the more you’ll have later in life.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • A woman with curly hair and large hoop earrings is standing with her arms raised and smiling in a classroom or workshop setting. Several people are sitting and standing around her, some clapping and smiling, with large windows in the background allowing natural light inside.

    Before, I used to save but didn’t take it seriously. Listening to the lectures helped me understand the long-term impact, and now I’m motivated to work toward goals like becoming a homeowner.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • Two people smiling and holding a large check for twenty thousand dollars during a presentation event at Wealth Accelerator. Other individuals are in the background.

    I’ve started saving and have been using apps and tools recommended by the program.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • A smiling woman with curly hair and a girl wearing a hat and tie, both standing in front of a black backdrop with yellow and white text that reads 'Wealth Accelerator'.

    I found a new way to track my expenses by writing them down, which has been more effective. I also used one of my banking apps to record all my debts.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • A group of people attending a presentation or seminar with a speaker at the front near a backdrop labeled 'Wealth Accelerator', seated in a room with light green walls.

    I’m proud to have this knowledge from the program at such a young age so I can pass it down to my kids and do things differently than my family has.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • Close-up of a wall with the phrase 'WEALTH ACCELERATOR' written repeatedly across it in white and yellow text, with a pattern of colored bars next to the text.

    Since completing the program, I’m most proud of paying off most of my credit card debt.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • A group of diverse people seated and standing in a classroom or meeting room, listening to a speaker or presentation.

    I’m paying closer attention to my banking and taking steps to get into a savings plan. I’m dedicating time to allocate where my funds go, which has helped me feel more at peace

    Cash Catalyst Participant

  • Group of people celebrating and smiling at a Wealth Accelerator event, holding a large check, with a background displaying the Wealth Accelerator logo.

    I’ve realized the importance of focusing on my finances, and I now feel more motivated toward school and launching my business.

    Cash Catalyst Participant

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.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ page.

FAQs Page