Working in a small nonprofit is challenging enough, but when you add a landscape that is constantly changing, getting grants might feel out of reach. Gatekeepers refuse to share information and resources, making it challenging to know where to begin. Nonprofit leaders who are just starting out - and are looking for a long term fundraising stream rather than just a “quick fix” - can benefit from a little extra support.

At Spark Point, we understand how fundamental grants are for nonprofit sustainability. And we acknowledge that there is a lack of equity in fundraising that deeply affects organizations led by and that serve people of color. Systemic racism pervades philanthropy - from who is making funding decisions to how information is shared with potential grantees to who receives funding. As a result, BIPOC-led organizations are often excluded from foundation funding, limiting their ability to achieve sustainability. You need creativity, innovation, and knowledge. We’re here to help.

ACCELERATE! is an affordable and effective solution that prepares small nonprofit teams to begin building their grants portfolio.

With a focus on getting grant funding, this program combines facilitated workshops, cohort-style learning, and one-on-one coaching with our team of expert grants strategists. As a participant, we will work with you to ensure that your organization has everything needed to successfully pursue, secure, and manage grant-driven funding.

As an ACCELERATE! client you will:

• Participate in biweekly two-hour cohort style sessions with five other organizations with different missions, 
• Engage in a monthly one-on-one coaching session with a dedicated grants expert,
• Develop a well-defined mission and vision statement and high-level answers to common grant questions, about the population served, statement of need, and activities services provided by your organization, and
• Develop a robust prospect list and receive tools and training for how to engage potential funders.

At the end of this program, you and your team will have the internal knowledge and skills that will set you up for success when building your foundation fundraising portfolio. Spark Point will also be ready to assist your team in future fundraising projects. This program will last six months and the cost is $2,000 per month.

We will take care to craft cohorts to be non-competitive and to be safe spaces for learning.