Accelerating Social Change Leadership

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.

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:

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.

What our first cohort of social entrepreneurs are saying

[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.

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.

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

Join our mailing list or contact us to get involved.