The Impact Accelerator provides startup nonprofits with the tools and knowledge they need to grow their organization.

The Impact Accelerator offers startup nonprofits a chance to learn and grow through a nonprofit management curriculum, 1:1 mentorship and coaching, collaboration with fellow cohort members and alumni, and a grant upon completion of the program.

You can request an application here. After submitting a request we will update you with next steps.

The OU Impact Accelerator is a three part program that includes: selection, education, and graduation. Through our selection process, we choose 4-6 innovative, new nonprofit organizations to join our annual cohort. In the cohort, nonprofit founders participate in seminars, workshops, mentorship, and consultations to grow their organizations. The cohort graduates and joins the alumni network which includes: continued education, events, and a network of fellow changemakers. Our hope is that by supporting innovation in our community, we can transform the landscape of the Jewish future.

The Accelerator aims to address critical needs of the Jewish community through innovative solutions. We look for five main criteria when evaluating applications: communal need, innovation, maturity, leadership, and potential for impact.

We accept organizations that serve the North American Jewish community. All organizations must have or be looking to obtain 501c3 status or fiscal sponsorship. We do not accept organizations that are in the idea-stage with no initial proof of concept.

Since its inception, the OU has accelerated programs that address the needs of the Jewish people; it is this long-standing impact that sets us apart. With the Impact Accelerator, you will receive unparalleled support and resources from the OU and a personalized experience catered to the needs of your nonprofit. Through the OU Accelerator, we combine funding, education, and mentorship to support innovative new nonprofits.

Yes. The OU Accelerator awards a grant to the selected nonprofits upon successful completion of the Accelerator cohort. Clear guidelines for graduation are outlined in the welcome materials upon acceptance to the Accelerator. Requirements include preparation, attendance, and active participation, as well as consistent and visible growth.

Are you a Jewish nonprofit founder? Does your nonprofit help the North American Jewish community? Are you looking for mentorship, guidance, strategy, collaboration, and much more to help grow your organization? If the answers to these questions is a resounding YES, then the Impact Accelerator is right for you!  Apply today! Regardless of your nonprofit stage, we recommend completing the online application. Past applicants view the long-form application as a critical part of their organizational growth and development. 

No. As long as your venture serves the North American Jewish community, you can be located anywhere, with the ability to meet in person in NYC three times during the education portion of the program.

We have a rigorous selection process starting with this application. At the end of the process, 6-10 nonprofits will be chosen for the cohort. 

While most founders only have time to work in their businesses, the Accelerator is a time for you to focus on your business.

We can (and will) tell you what we offer, but we think it’s best to hear from our alumni. Upon acceptance into the cohort, we offer a nonprofit management curriculum, collaboration with other nonprofit founders, mentorship from lay leaders, 1-1 consultations, a grant of up to $10K, and more.   

Throughout the selection process we have a team of nonprofit professionals and communal lay leaders assessing the nonprofit applicants. These committees read and review applications, interview applicants, and select the cohort of new nonprofit organizations.

Yes. Even if you are starting a new program within an existing larger organization, the Accelerator can still be right for you. If you feel that your program will benefit from collaborating with other startup nonprofit founders and learning basic building blocks to running a nonprofit, apply!

Your references can be both professional and/or personal. Often times they are clients, board members, mentors, community leaders, and friends. They should know both you and your work and should be able to speak highly of you and the amazing work you do for the Jewish community.

We understand that sometimes a name can be a work in progress, and that’s ok! Apply under the name you currently use, if it changes throughout the selection process, or later, feel free to keep us updated.

You can request an application here. After submitting a request we will update you with next steps.