Nonprofit Accelerator Details

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applications from nonprofits that meet the following criteria:

Macomb County-Based: Organizations must operate within Macomb County or serve its residents.
Priority Consideration:
- BIPOC-led organizations.
- Organizations serving communities with high concentrations of poverty or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) populations.
- While priority is given to these groups, all qualified organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Organizational Type: Applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal sponsor.
Size: Annual operating budgets between $0-$250k. Feel free to apply, even if your operating budget is close to this range as we are open to making exceptions.
Commitment: Organizations must commit to having 1-2 representatives participating actively in the cohort.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials via our application form below.

Mission and Vision: A statement of your organization’s purpose and goals.
Community Impact: A brief description of the communities your organization serves, highlighting alignment with priority populations such as BIPOC and ALICE communities (if applicable).
Challenges: A summary of your organization’s capacity-building needs or challenges.
Commitment Statement: Please confirm the names, titles, and email addresses of the 1-2 organization representatives who will be participating in the cohort.

Questions? See our FAQ page for more information.

Core Curriculum Components

Here are the topics you can expect us to cover during the four-month Nonprofit Accelerator. As we review applications and gain an understanding of the needs of our cohort participants, we may elect to dive more deeply into some subjects and provide more of an overview of others.

Nonprofit Ecosystem in Southeast Michigan

The nonprofit sector in Southeast Michigan is full of potential. We’ll explore trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region, focusing on how we can build a stronger ecosystem in Macomb County together.

Building a Culture of Inclusion

Inclusion is essential for a thriving organization. We’ll discuss how to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Integrating Well-Being Practices into Your Work

Nonprofit work can be rewarding but exhausting. We’ll share strategies to promote wellness and resilience for you and your team.

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

Volunteers are the backbone of many nonprofits. We’ll guide you on how to recruit passionate individuals, keep them engaged, and build a community of committed supporters.

Leadership and Governance

Strong leadership builds trust and inspires action. We’ll explore how to lead effectively and ensure your governance structures are working for your mission.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Your mission should guide everything you do. We’ll help refine it, align it with your values, and ensure it inspires your team and community.

Public Policy and Advocacy

Advocacy helps amplify your mission. Learn how to navigate the policy landscape and speak up for the issues that matter most to your organization.

Philanthropy and Donor Cultivation

Building relationships with donors is about creating genuine connections. We’ll discuss how to foster these relationships for long-term support.

Fundraising and Grant Writing

Storytelling is at the heart of fundraising. We’ll teach you how to craft compelling proposals and build strong cases for support.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborations create bigger impacts. We’ll explore how to find the right partners and build meaningful, effective relationships.

Marketing and Public Relations

Your story needs to reach the right people. We’ll discuss strategies for sharing your mission, managing your brand, and connecting with your audience.

Data-Driven Planning

Data helps you understand your impact and improve your work. We’ll show you how to use it for strategic decision-making and planning.

Board Development and Engagement

A strong board strengthens your organization. We’ll cover recruiting, training, and keeping board members actively engaged.

Financial Oversight

Transparency in finances builds trust. We’ll help you manage budgets, reports, and ensure accountability.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll make sure you understand the basics so you can focus on your mission.

Together, we’ll help strengthen your nonprofit, empower your team, and help you make a lasting impact in Macomb County.

Our Nonprofit Accelerator Partners

Advancing Macomb has convened an outstanding coalition of partners to deliver this program:

Visit Website

How To Apply

Submit your application today!

For questions or additional information, please contact Meghan Rutigliano at meghan@advancingmacomb.com.

Timeline

Application Deadline: February 15, 2025.
Notification of Acceptance: March 1, 2025.
Program Kickoff: March 15, 2025.

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Eligibility Criteria

Application Requirements

Core Curriculum Components