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.

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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.

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
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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
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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Impact Accelerator program

  • Why should I apply for the Impact Accelerator cohort?

  • What does the Impact Accelerator provide?

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

  • How does the Accelerator work?

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

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

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

  • Does the OU Impact Accelerator provide grant money?

Applying to the OU Impact Accelerator

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

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

  • How many nonprofits are accepted to the cohort? 

  • What is the time commitment for nonprofits in the accelerator?

  • What will I/my nonprofit gain from the OU Impact Accelerator program?

  • Who is involved in selecting the Impact Accelerator cohort?

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

Application Specific Questions

  • Who should my references be on my application?

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

  • Remind me, how can I apply?