What is the Advancing Macomb Nonprofit Accelerator?
The Nonprofit Accelerator is a three-month program that equips nonprofit leaders with essential
skills and resources to enhance their impact. The program is designed to support small to mid-
size nonprofits in Macomb County through hands-on curriculum, mentorship, peer networking
and access to resources.
Who is eligible to apply?
Nonprofits must be based in Macomb County or serve its residents, be registered as 501(c)(3)
organizations (or have a fiscal sponsor) and have annual operating budgets between $0-$250k.
As an organization, one of Advancing Macomb’s core values is equity. We believe that
disparities in our communities can be resolved by prioritizing support for organizations that face
barriers to success, empowering diverse community leaders and creating an inclusive
environment. Priority will be given to BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous, and people of color-led)
organizations and those serving high-poverty or ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained,
Employed) populations. However, all qualified organizations are encouraged to apply.
What is the application deadline and program timeline?
Applications must be submitted by September 13, 2026. Accepted participants will be notified by September 30, 2026, and the program will kick off on October 6, 2026.
What does the program include?
The Accelerator offers a cohort-based learning experience, featuring 4 to 6 meetings per month (both in-person and virtual) from October to December 2026. Participants will engage with regional experts and receive ongoing coaching and resources.
What is the schedule for the Fall 2026 cohort?
Fall 2026 Accelerator Session Schedule
The majority of sessions will be hosted virtually via Zoom on Tuesday nights, with Saturday sessions held in-person at the Velocity Innovation Center in Sterling Heights. The program closing toast on December 11th will be hosted at The Colaborative in Mount Clemens.
In-Person Sessions
- Sat, October 10 — 10:00am-3:00pm
- Sat, October 24 — 10:00am–3:00pm
- Sat, November 14 — 10:00am–3:00pm
- Fri, December 11 — 5:30–7:30pm
Virtual Sessions
- Tue, October 6 — 5:30–7:30pm
- Tue, October 13 — 5:30–7:30pm
- Tue, October 27 — 5:30–7:30pm
- Tue, November 3 — 5:30–7:30pm*
*Subject to change due to Election Day
- Tue, November 10 — 5:30–7:30pm
- Tue, November 17 — 5:30–7:30pm
- Tue, December 1 — 5:30–7:30pm
- Tue, December 8 — 5:30–7:30pm
Schedule is subject to minor modifications prior to program launch.
What topics are covered in the program curriculum?
The program covers a wide range of topics, including nonprofit leadership, governance,
inclusion, fundraising, public policy, data-driven planning, financial oversight and more.
Curriculum adjustments may be made based on participant needs.
How many nonprofits will be accepted into the program?
Up to 10 Macomb-based nonprofits will be selected to participate in the Accelerator’s second
cohort.
How will organizations be selected?
To ensure a strong fit, organizations must meet the eligibility and application criteria outlined in
our guidelines. Additionally, we will consider the mix of services provided and the communities
served to create a well-rounded, diverse cohort. For example, if all selected groups focused
solely on animal care and safety, it could limit the program's overall diversity and impact.
What is required to apply?
Applicants must provide their organization’s mission and vision, a description of their community
impact, details on their capacity-building challenges and a commitment statement identifying the
1-2 representatives who will actively participate in the cohort. You may also preview the
questions at the form link below.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
No. The Fall 2026 Nonprofit Accelerator is free for all organizations selected to join the cohort. Additionally, Advancing Macomb will award funding to participating organizations upon the successful completion of the program.
How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online via the application link by Sunday, September 13, 2026.
What happens once I’m accepted?
All organizations invited to participate in the Nonprofit Accelerator MUST return a signed Memorandum of Understanding and the attached Participation Agreement (one for each organizational representative) to Advancing Macomb before orientation and onboarding on Tuesday, October 6. These contracts are executed via Docusign. To ensure each participating organization is prepared to fully engage, failure to submit the required materials and/or attend the onboarding webinar may result in the organization’s spot being offered to a waitlisted applicant.
What if I don’t have a nonprofit yet but I want to start one?
The Nonprofit Accelerator is designed for organizations that are already incorporated as
nonprofits. If you haven’t taken that step yet, this program may not be the right fit – much of the
content is geared toward more advanced organizational development.
“This was an amazing opportunity, and I look forward to sharing more in upcoming months and
the upcoming year about things that we've implemented, as a result of the program. The wealth
of knowledge, resources, and support we received is invaluable and I am truly grateful and
appreciative of the opportunity to serve as a cohort participant.”
— Kimberly Elms (President and CEO, Elms Family and Community Services)
Advancing Macomb’s offers other programs that may be of interest:
To receive announcements about Advancing Macomb’s programs, sign up for our mailing list: https://advancingmacomb.com/events/
