Apply to the Accelerator
Build your nonprofit with clarity, confidence, and community.
Idea to Impact Accelerator
Build your nonprofit with clarity, confidence, and community.
We run two in-person cohorts and one online cohort each fall. You'll leave with a tested program, clear mission, launch-ready pitch deck, and the tools to grow your impact—backed by 25+ years of nonprofit leadership.
🚀 Fall 2025 Cohorts
In-Person @ Impact House (Chicago)
Cohort 1: Starts Friday, Aug 15
Cohort 2: Starts Friday, Oct 17
Meets Fridays, 12–2pm (8 weeks)
Bring lunch, we’ll bring drinks
Evening Online Cohort
Starts Wednesday, Sept 10
Meets Wednesdays, 6–8pm on Zoom
We recommend joining in-person for the richest experience, but our online cohort is built for deep connection too.
💡 What You'll Learn
Week 1 – Strategic Foundations Why your work matters and how to stay focused on mission.
Week 2 – Mission, Vision & Values Define what you do and why.
Week 3 – Systems Thinking & Theory of Change Design change that sticks—frameworks, not guesses.
Week 4 – Program Piloting Plan, test, and refine your first offering.
Week 5 – Budgets & Evaluation Make your impact measurable and fundable.
Week 6 – Fundraising Fundamentals Build real donor relationships that last.
Week 7 – Communications Strategy Tell your story and invite people into it.
Week 8 – Boards & Governance What great boards do—and how to build one.
⚙️ Elective Workshops
Legal Structures & Incorporation
Operations, Compliance & Security
Financial Systems & Audit Prep
Branding, Messaging & Audience Strategy
Marketing & PR
Grant Writing + Major Donor Cultivation
Pitch Deck Design & Storytelling
✅ By the End, You’ll Have:
Clear mission, vision, values
A working program and pilot plan
A full strategic roadmap + SWOT
An evaluation + budgeting system
Your fundraising pitch + pitch deck
A basic tech/ops platform audit
A board strategy and formation plan
501(c)(3) or incorporation (if needed)
[Apply Now →] Limited spots. Priority given to early-stage founders and community-based orgs.
Last updated