This article examines how the collective impact framework can drive internal cultural and organizational change within higher education institutions to enhance community engagement and public impact. Using the Catalyzing Impact Initiative at the University of California, Davis, as a case study, we explore how collective impact can address internal strategies for improving university-wide engagement practices. Launched by the Office of Public Scholarship and Engagement (PSE) in 2024, the initiative formed interdisciplinary working groups, including diverse campus units and community partners. Unlike traditional applications of collective impact, which focus on external collaborations between the university and broader community, this initiative prioritizes internal transformation to foster greater accountability and institutional support for community engagement. We document the initiative’s implementation, analyze the role of PSE as a backbone structure, and discuss the opportunities and challenges to using collective impact for cultural change in higher education.