Accelerating Social Change Leadership

Investing in Early- and Idea-Stage Social Enterprises

A Philanthropic Action Guide

Lowering barriers for social change leaders to effectively launch and sustain projects

World-changing ideas can emerge from leaders anywhere. But too often social entrepreneurs are furthest from power and funding—kept at a distance by systemic barriers to resources, community, and education. These constraints can slow, hinder, or outright prevent the potential for world-changing ideas and a stronger social sector.

Increasing equity in the nonprofit ecosystem

The Accelerating Social Change Leadership Initiative aims to increase equity in the social change ecosystem for early-stage entrepreneurs from historically excluded communities who are launching or scaling social change initiatives or organizations.

The initiative is designed to shorten the learning curve, deepen skills, and minimize barriers to entry for early-stage entrepreneurs by identifying needs and gaps, and ensuring equitable access to streamlined tools and resources.

Why early stage social entrepreneurs?

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Leadership development, individual mentorship, and peer collaboration for success

Through curated cohorts that offer tailored and strategic counseling, the Accelerating Social Change Leadership initiative equips social change leaders with the knowledge and tools for launching and sustaining impact initiatives. Activities throughout each 12-month cohort are designed to:

1

Build knowledge

Build knowledge among early-stage entrepreneurs about different nonprofit operating models and broaden understandings of when and how to scale.

2

Support connection and wellness

Support connection and wellness by facilitating a peer learning community that establishes learning, trust, and solidarity among social entrepreneurs.

3

Shift a fragmented and competitive landscape

Shift a fragmented and competitive landscape to a more collaborative, equitable, and abundant one by fostering better collaboration, normalizing failure, and identifying points of connection between diverse actors.

4

Strengthen the pipeline of entrepreneurs

Strengthen the pipeline of entrepreneurs seeking funding by ensuring they are prepared and informed of organizational development strategies before applying for accelerator programs or other means of financial backing.

The Accelerating Social Change Leadership Initiative is also developing resources that increase understanding of the needs, barriers, and gaps that social entrepreneurs frequently face to improve how funders, investors, and the broader ecosystem support early-stage entrepreneurs. Learnings and insights from early cohorts also inform the design of more widely available programs, resources, and strategies for social entrepreneurs.
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What our first cohort of social entrepreneurs are saying

Inclusion in this program has been a game-changer, providing me with the expertise and encouragement to tackle some of the key challenges for growing [my organization]. The one-to-one coaching has enabled me to see a clear path forward - and have the confidence to follow it. The wealth of resources provided by the team and my peers has been excellent and the wisdom, enthusiasm and care for participants by the Panorama Global staff is infectious! Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Our hope is that this initiative inspires and educates leaders from the philanthropic and social sectors on how to dream big and identify pathways to accelerate the pace of social change, in order to have a more profound impact on the most pressing issues facing people and the planet.

[The peer learning community] quickly became open and real...It’s helpful to understand that others are struggling too, and what they’re struggling with…What an incredible collection of leaders. I am truly honored to be a part of it.

[This program] was incredibly helpful in beginning my journey as a social justice entrepreneur. The organizers were extremely supportive and wholeheartedly welcomed thematic suggestions from cohort members. They, and the speakers they lined up for us, fielded questions in an open and comprehension manner, provided tools and resources, and were available for follow-up. I felt nothing was off limits. The Initiative helped me conceive of and contemplate questions I did not know I needed to ask.

NEW:

Social Purpose Action Resource Kit

A vetted hub of resources by and for early-stage social entrepreneurs.

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Help us promote equity in the social change ecosystem

The Accelerating Social Change Leadership Initiative is a first step towards a stronger, more equitable social sector. Join us in supporting changemakers:

Recommend early-stage social entrepreneurs to join our next cohort
Contribute to our cohort’s leadership development as an advisor and educator
Share your network, lessons learned, expertise, and high-impact educational resources
Provide funding for future cohorts

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Join our mailing list or contact us to get involved.

Contact Us

“Phillips Foundation is committed to investing in high-impact social change leaders, and we believe in ensuring that leaders have access to the knowledge and resources to succeed. We’re thrilled to partner with Panorama on this exciting new initiative that will support early-stage social entrepreneurs, including those from historically excluded communities, to develop and launch impactful initiatives.”