With two decades of experience in the social sector, they at CMS know that reaching scale, impact and sustainability of social initiatives requires the operation of an eco-system that integrates four elements – the capacities of the communities; the efficiency of the market; the reach, vision and effectiveness of social initiatives; and the power of the state.  As catalysts, they work with their partners to harness the ecosystem strength for accelerated impact, maximisation of the social return of initiatives, and creation of shared value. They deliver these through rigorous impact evaluations, performance management services, social investment planning and sectoral connects

They guide partners as they envision and articulate their pathways to results. Their work includes designing innovative solutions to address complex challenges, and supporting partners in its effective implementation. 

They  facilitate the generation and sharing of knowledge by connecting people and institutions through networks and platforms and developing knowledge products. They develop new tools, methodologies and approaches, and effectively adapt and employ tools and methodologies developed by other as per need and relevance. Through the evidence and insights generated they help partners engage in policy advocacy.

Through their services they bridge critical gaps between the market and development sectors; between corporate and development organisations; between policy and practice, enhancing the value of social initiatives. 

At Catalyst they approach their work through:

• A culture of innovation and learning that drives us to constantly explore new models, strategies, tools and technologies to improve efficiencies, effectiveness and impact.
• Enduring and collaborative relationships with their clients, with whom they work as partners.
• Ability to bring diversity, scale and convergence through integrating diverse thematic and management portfolios
• An appreciation that development challenges require plurality of methods and approaches to address and the ability to provide customised context based solutions, adapted to the needs of stakeholders, and the diverse cultural context of communities.
• Focus on results and follow through

They have executed over 500 assignments, through which they have engaged directly with over 1,000 organisations. They work extensively in India, South Asia, South East Asia.