Social Innovator Accelerator (2018 – 2019)

 
The Social Innovation Forum’s flagship program, the Social Innovator Accelerator, provides a unique opportunity for innovative nonprofits to gain visibility, expand their networks, and build capacity. 

As of July 28, we are excited to announce the addition of a new social issue track to our Social Innovator Accelerator this year. Though applications on our seven other tracks are closed, we are now accepting nominations and applications on our eighth track, "Ensuring Long-term Success for Young People with Disabilities," supported by the Edith M. Ashley Fund at the Boston Foundation.
 
We will select one nonprofit Social Innovator for each of the eight social issue “tracks” below. Innovators will receive access to cash and in-kind benefits valued at $150,000 over the course of 24 months. Read more below about our benefits to Social Innovators, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

BENEFITS TO SOCIAL INNOVATORS
Each Social Innovator receives access to cash and benefits valued at more than $150,000:

1. Five months of consulting services focused on enhancing the organization's ability to articulate the social problem it is addressing, its innovative approach, and its social impact. The consulting engagement culminates in the development of the following materials designed for funder/investor audiences:
   1. Written investment prospectus
   2. Five-minute pitch (with PowerPoint slides)
2. Five months of executive coaching
3. $10,000 cash upon completion of the consulting engagement
4. Showcasing via numerous events, including a spring Showcase (May 14, 2019) that annually attracts more than 350 business leaders, institutional funders, and individual philanthropists
5. Networking and relationship-building support
6. Graphic design services
7. Presentation coaching
8. Additional support from SIF’s in-kind partners (e.g., legal, graphic design, PR, technology)
9. $2,500 capacity building grant in 2020 

 
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Social Innovation Forum’s nonprofit tracks are open to programs and organizations that:

1. Are a registered 501(c)(3) or use a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3)
2. Address a specific social need as described in at least one of our social issue tracks
3. Are working in the greater Boston area, unless otherwise noted in the track description
4. Have been operating for at least one cycle (usually a year) and have a proven concept
5. Have a minimum of 1.5 FTEs (full-time equivalents—counting full and part-time staff, not volunteers)
6. Have an annual operating budget of $100,000–$2 million*
7. Are at an inflection point in their growth and development

*Note: Organizations with budgets greater than $2 million are welcome to submit an application for a specific program/initiative that has a total budget of less than that amount. In these cases, the entire application must refer to the program/initiative, not the parent organization.
 
HOW TO APPLY
*Please note that applications are currently only being accepted on the “Ensuring Long-term Success for Young People with Disabilities” track. All other tracks are now closed. 

1. Read through the Applicant Guide to determine whether or not your organization is a good “fit” for the Social Innovator Accelerator and for the “Long-term Success for Young People with Disabilities” social issue track.
2. Create username and password on this site.
3. Complete the online application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 5:00 pm. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.

 
QUESTIONS?
Contact Sarah Dingee, Program Coordinator, team@socialinnovationforum.org or 617.492.2305.

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2018 – 2019 SOCIAL ISSUE TRACKS AND TRACK PARTNERS 
*Please note that applications are currently only being accepted on the “ Ensuring Long-term Success for Young People with Disabilities” track. All other tracks are now closed. 
 
Building the Path to Success Through Work Force Development for Youth 
Track Partner: Amelia Peabody Foundation 

Closing the Opportunity Gap Through Out-of-Classroom Engagement
Track Partner: Inspire Boston Funder Collaborative 
 
Creating Equity Through Leadership in Environmental Justice Communities
Track Partner: Cedar Tree Foundation
 
Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation for the Future
Track Partner: Wellington Management Foundation 

Ensuring Long-term Success for Young People with Disabilities
Track Partner: Edith M. Ashley Fund at the Boston Foundation
 
Pathways to Success for Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Track Partner: Liberty Mutual Insurance 

Promoting Access to Arts and Culture in New Bedford
Track Partner: Schrafft Charitable Trust

Supporting and Advancing Health and Stability of Immigrant Families
Track Partner: Shipley Foundation