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Social Innovator Accelerator 

Accepting applications now until August 12, 2025! 

 

The Social Innovation Forum (SIF) works to create a community inclusive of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, and other change agents seeking to build a more equitable nonprofit sector in the region.

About the Social Innovator Accelerator

The Accelerator program provides participating nonprofit organizations (Social Innovators) with support and resources to deepen and expand their work and impact in Eastern Massachusetts. This two-year program offers in-depth consulting, executive coaching, presentation advising, access to unrestricted grants, and more. These offerings will help them raise their organization’s visibility, expand their networks, and connect with philanthropic and in-kind resources in order to increase and deepen the impact of their work.

 Each selected organization, a Social Innovator, receives access to cash and in-kind benefits that include:

  • Six months of consulting and graphic design services focused on developing written materials, visual materials, and presentation skills for a funder/investor audience
  • Presentation and networking opportunities with funders/investors, including at the Social Innovator Showcase in May 2026 (usually has an audience of 300 of local business and philanthropic leaders), Lunch & Learn in the spring of 2027, and various other events
  • Membership in a cohort with other small to midsize community-led nonprofit organizations
  • Five months of executive coaching to focus on promoting professional growth for the leadership team
  • Minimum of $30,000 cash upon completion of the consulting engagement
  • Support from SIF’s in-kind partners (e.g., legal, graphic design, PR, technology)
  • Ongoing support through the Alumni & Nonprofit Network program

Who would be involved: 

  • 1 “lead” Innovator (typically Executive Director or Program Director)

  • Optional: 1-3 other staff to support decision making on materials and participate in executive coaching 

 Time commitment: 

  • This is a two year capacity building program (Launching in December 2025 - closing in December 2027)

    • 6-8 hours per week from December 2025 - May 2026

    • 6-8 hours per month from September 2026 - December 2027 

Does this sound like something your organization would benefit from?

Check out our website where you’ll learn more about:

  • 2026 Social Issue Areas & Criteria 
  • Selection Process Timeline 
  • Application Questions

Interested in Applying?

  • Step 1: Review the criteria to confirm eligibility

  • Step 2: Attend an information session and/or set up a call with our Program team

  • Step 3: Complete an application by creating an account here. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Tuesday, August 12, at 5:00 pm; however, early submissions are highly encouraged.

Questions?

Feel free to give us a call at 617.649.1518 or send our team an email at accelerator@socialinnovationforum.org for any questions about the application process.