Catalyst Now is a unique global movement that unites social innovators, entrepreneurs, and agents of change to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs. Catalyst Now fosters collaboration across diverse sectors to drive systemic transformation in ecosystems around the world. Our global network continues to grow, amplifying our impact in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Since its inception, Catalyst Now has operated under the fiscal sponsorship of a Dutch foundation. As the movement grew, establishing a legal entity became essential to ensure financial stability, operational continuity, and the ability to form formal partnerships with donors, vendors, and international organizations. In December 2024, the Catalyst Now Secretariat was incorporated as a Delaware-based nonprofit organization and is currently registered as a 501(c)(3). Our projected annual operating budget for 2026 is ~$1.8 million USD, with a team of nearly 40 globally dispersed colleagues. Catalyst Now invites proposals from qualified independent audit firms to conduct its annual external audit as a U.S.-based nonprofit with global operations.

The selected firm will deliver a single coordinated engagement consisting of:

● An annual financial statement audit conducted in accordance with the U.S. GAAP and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS); and

● A grant-specific audit for H&M Foundation funding using U.S. standards as the closest equivalents to ISA 800/805 (Independent Auditor’s Report) and ISRS 4400 (Report of Factual Findings), subject to donor approval.

Service Requirements

● Annual Financial Statement Audit (U.S. GAAP / GAAS): Conduct an independent audit of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and GAAS, including internal control consideration and issuance of an audit opinion.

● H&M Foundation Grant Audit:

○ Perform a grant-specific audit and agreed-upon procedures engagement using U.S. standards equivalent to ISA 800/805 and ISRS 4400

• The engagement must include:

■ An audit opinion on the grant financial report

■ A Report of Factual Findings covering required procedures, including compliance with grant terms, fund transfers, internal controls, and fraud prevention.

● Reporting and Governance: Present findings to the Audit Committee and provide a management letter.

● Form 990 Review: Review IRS Form 990 for consistency with audited financials.

Firm Qualifications and Verification Requirements:
Firms must demonstrate the following:

a) AICPA membership

b) Most recent Peer Review Report with a ‘Pass’ rating

c) Experience with US nonprofit audits

d) Firms must also confirm capability to:

i) Perform GAAS audits aligned to special-purpose reporting

ii) Deliver agreed-upon procedures reports under AT-C 215

e) Preference will be given to firms with a proven track record supporting comparable audit engagements for internationally operating 501c(3) organizations.

Proposal Submission and Evaluation Guidance

Catalyst Now invites qualified independent audit firms to submit proposals for the services outlined above. Proposals must include a clear, itemized fee structure with separate pricing for (i) the annual financial statement audit and (ii) the H&M Foundation grant audit and agreed-upon procedures engagement, along with key assumptions. Firms must also provide evidence of relevant nonprofit audit experience and submit supporting documentation, including AICPA membership, most recent Peer Review Report (Pass rating), independence confirmation, and sample deliverables as noted above.

Proposals will be evaluated based on relevant experience, the clarity and practicality of the audit approach, demonstrated independence and credibility, and a fee structure aligned with scope. Submissions should include specific examples of comparable work and a clear explanation of how the audit will be planned and executed, including approach to risk and internal controls, particularly in a global, donor-funded context.

Generic or high-level responses without concrete detail will be viewed less favorably.