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Accelerator Application

Applications for the Impact Accelerator are now closed.

The OU Impact Accelerator is built on mentorship-based growth, nonprofit education, and early-stage funding for Jewish nonprofit founders with the next groundbreaking ideas. Each year, we choose 4-6 organizations to join our cohort which includes nonprofit curriculum, mentorship, and a grant of 10K. We are always looking for the greatest new nonprofits with the potential to transform the Jewish communal landscape.

For questions about the application process, please see our FAQ.

We encourage you to submit a general interest form so that you can stay up to date about our next selection process.

Program overview

What To Expect

Curriculum Topics Covered

Business Planning

Communication

Marketing

Mission and Vision

Entrepreneurship

Operations

Evaluation

Personal Growth

Financials

Regulation

Fundraising

Social Media

Goal setting

Strategic Thinking

Governance

Teamwork

Curriculum

Learn the essentials of building a nonprofit business with workshops and seminars.

Mentorship

Receive guidance from successful entrepreneurs and professionals.

Collaboration

Work with cohort peers and other community nonprofit founders.

OU Network

Access OU program departments and networks for your venture.

Investment

Receive an initial investment for your nonprofit venture upon completion of the program.

Applicants

Application Process

Criteria

The Impact Accelerator works with Orthodox nonprofit ventures who cater to the North American Jewish Community. The Accelerator selects ventures which provide goods and services to the Orthodox community in ways that are related to its unique cultural or religious needs and that might not otherwise be made available to the community. Preference will be given to ventures that:

Address critical needs of the Jewish community
Provide innovative solutions
Have been in existence for more than six months and/or have an initial proof of concept
Are operated by tax-exempt organizations or plan to seek tax-exempt status
Are led by promising founders dedicated to their mission

Application Process

Applications for Cohort V are now closed.

March 14 – May 8, 2023: Online Application – request an application.
June 19 – 30, 2023: Interview – interview with the Accelerator selection committee
Week of July 10, 2023: Pitch – pitch your venture to the Accelerator and OU leadership
August 2023 – April 2024: Cohort Education – learning with a cohort of nonprofit founders

FAQ

About the Impact Accelerator program

Why should I apply for the Impact Accelerator cohort?

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

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.
How do I apply for the OU Impact Accelerator program?

You can request an application here. After submitting a request we will update you with next steps.
How does the Accelerator work?

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.
What does the OU Impact Accelerator look for in a nonprofit?

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.
What kinds of nonprofits do you support in the Accelerator?

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.
How is the OU Impact Accelerator different from other grants and training programs?

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.
Does the OU Impact Accelerator provide grant money?

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.

Applying to the OU Impact Accelerator

How do I know if my nonprofit is the right fit for the Accelerator?

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.
Does my nonprofit have to be located in the New York Metropolitan area?

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.
How many nonprofits are accepted to the cohort?

We have a rigorous selection process starting with this application. At the end of the process, 4-6 nonprofits will be chosen for the cohort.
What is the time commitment for nonprofits in the accelerator?

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

The Impact Accelerator Cohort V educational program will run from August 2023 to April 2024. You will be engaging in educational workshops, mentorship and coaching, and cohort building activities. There will be 6 in-person days (3, 2-day seminars). On months that there is no in-person meetings, there will be a virtual learning session, a catch-up call with the Impact Accelerator team, and a mentor call, all equaling a 3 hour time commitment per month.

We expect you to integrate your Accelerator learning into the day-to-day of your nonprofit program.
What will I/my nonprofit gain from the OU Impact Accelerator program?

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.
Who is involved in selecting the Impact Accelerator cohort?

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.
Should I still apply if I lead a new program in an existing organization?

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!

Application Specific Questions

Who should my references be on my application?

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.
If my nonprofit’s name is still not solidified, what should I submit?

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.
Remind me, how can I apply?

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

Accelerator Application

Applicant Information

What To Expect

Curriculum Topics Covered

Application Process

Criteria

Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Table of contents

About the Impact Accelerator program

Applying to the OU Impact Accelerator

Application Specific Questions