Idea -to-Impact
Accelerator

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Idea to Impact Accelerator

Strong vision should not be limited by lack of infrastructure.

For community solutions to endure, leaders need both.

Build your nonprofit with clarity, confidence, and community.

We run two in-person cohorts and one online cohort throughout the year. You'll leave with a tested program, clear mission, launch-ready pitch deck, and the tools to grow your impact—backed by 25+ years of nonprofit leadership.

🚀 Cohorts FAQ

We recommend joining in-person for the richest experience, but our online cohort is built for deep connection too.

    • Cohort 5: Starts Friday, Feb 6th

    • Cohort 7: Starts Friday, April 3rd

    • Meets Fridays at Impact House 200 W Madison St 12–2pm (9 weeks)

    • Bring lunch, we’ll bring drinks

    • Cohort 6 Starts Wednesday, Feb 25th

    • Meets Wednesdays, 6–8pm on Google Meets

  • Week 1 – Strategic Foundations
    Why your work matters and how to stay focused on mission.

    Week 2 – Mission, Vision & Values
    Define what you do and why.

    Week 3 – Systems Thinking & Theory of Change
    Design change that sticks—frameworks, not guesses.

    Week 4 – Program Piloting
    Plan, test, and refine your first offering.

    Week 5 – Budgets & Evaluation
    Make your impact measurable and fundable.

    Week 6 – Fundraising Fundamentals
    Build real donor relationships that last.

    Week 7 – Communications Strategy
    Tell your story and invite people into it.

    Week 8 – Boards & Governance
    What great boards do—and how to build one.

⚙️ Elective Workshops

  • Legal Structures & Incorporation

  • Operations, Compliance & Security

  • Financial Systems & Audit Prep

  • Branding, Messaging & Audience Strategy

  • Marketing & PR

  • Grant Writing + Major Donor Cultivation

  • Pitch Deck Design & Storytelling

✅ By the End, You’ll Have:

  • Clear mission, vision, values

  • A full strategic roadmap including theory of change

  • A working program and pilot plan

  • An evaluation + budgeting system

  • Your fundraising pitch + case for support

  • A basic tech/ops platform audit

  • A board strategy and formation plan

  • 501(c)(3) or incorporation (if needed)

Apply to the Accelerator