Founded in 2007 and volunteer-led since 2015, Catalyst Cayuga has built a strong foundation as a convener, connector, and capacity-builder for not-for-profit organizations in Cayuga County. With this milestone hire, the organization is poised to expand its impact and deepen its support for the community’s mission-driven sector.
Our Executive Director, Jennifer VerNooy, works with the Board of Directors to strengthen Catalyst’s suite of capacity-building programs, including professional development and training, technical assistance and leadership coaching, peer networking and partnership-building, and other services to help not-for-profit organizations connect, learn, and lead well.
You Belong!
There are no barriers to being involved with Catalyst Cayuga.
Any not-for-profit organization can belong by submitting contact information to us
If you already get our emails, you are in.
Members, foundations, and businesses are encouraged to provide financial gifts to support our important work.
Benefits include:
● TechTalk, a weekly email with fun and practical tips, videos, and information sheets that help busy professionals stay current on the latest technology trends
● One hour of personalized board consulting from a certified BoardSource consultant
● One hour of grant review and/or technical assistance
● Professional development programs
● Monthly newsletter
Meeting Your Needs in 2026....we would like to hear from you!
What are your biggest challenges in the coming year?
How can Catalyst Cayuga better support you in overcoming these challenges?
Can we better communicate and engage with you?
What do Cayuga County not-for-profits need to become stronger?
CONTACT US
Catalyst Cayuga
PO Box 202
Auburn, NY 13021
Email: contactus@catalystcayuga.org
OUR CURRENT NEWS
Catalyst Cayuga and the United Way of Cayuga County joined forces to present our 4th Annual Nonprofit Summit on Thursday, October 8th, 2026 at The Lodge in Skaneateles Falls. 92 participants came together to network, learn from each other, and be inspired!
Our Summit Moderator, Deborah Mohlenoff, summarized our day perfectly!
“If you want to test a room’s capacity to adapt, try a power outage in the middle of the closing panel discussion!
The 2026 Nonprofit Summit brought together an incredible group of people for a day of honest conversation, practical learning, new connections, and thoughtful discussion about what nonprofit organizations—and the people who power them—need to thrive.
The energy and participation throughout the day were wonderful. People shared ideas, wrestled with important questions, learned from one another, and made connections that I know will continue well beyond the summit.
Then, in the middle of our panel on capacity building, the power went out.
And the conversation continued.
It was an unexpected but fitting reminder that capacity is not simply something an organization possesses. We build it through relationships, adaptability, shared knowledge, trust, and a willingness to keep moving forward together—even when the lights go out.
I shared in my opening remarks that we rarely know how far an investment, invitation, word of encouragement, or new connection may travel. A conversation begun at one table may lead to a future partnership. An idea shared in a workshop may help another organization solve a problem. A person we meet may eventually open a door we cannot yet see.
That is why this time together matters.
Thank you to the United Way of Cayuga County, Catalyst Cayuga, The Allyn Family Foundation, The Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Causewave Community Partners, and everyone who helped make the summit possible. I was honored to serve as emcee and facilitator for such an engaged and generous group.
🌈 And just when we thought the day had given us everything it had to offer, a beautiful rainbow appeared over the lake to send us home. 🌈
A pretty perfect ending to a day about possibility, partnership, and the impact we can create together”
NFP Leader Network
Monthly Network meetings are held at 8:30 am on the third Thursday at Lyons National Bank, Grant Ave.
Are you an executive director at a Cayuga County not-for-profit organization? This group is for you. And as an ED/CEO, you are automatically a member.
The NFP Leader network is a peer networking group that provides not-for-profit executive leaders a place to find trusted support only other execs can provide, strengthen connections with your colleagues, cultivate new ideas, explore collaborations, and grow your executive leadership.
We are here to support you in your leadership. Monthly meetings are designed for executive leaders and by executive leaders. Want to learn more? Please reach out to contactus@catalystcayuga.org.