Tech Accelerator Fund
how it works
How are participants and nonprofits selected?
For Company Engagements, companies nominate senior leaders to join as Accelerator Members. For the Tech Accelerator Fund, Members apply, are vetted for their experience and are onboarded by the Full Circle Fund (FCF) team through a series of orientations.
Nonprofits are selected by leveraging FCF's deep network of cross-sector experts that conduct due diligence to select high-impact, scaleable nonprofit organizations. All nonprofit organizations must meet a set of criteria in order to be eligible to participate.
Nonprofits are asked to articulate several scopes of work that are aligned with the specific skill-set of the Member cohort. This ensures maximum impact for both nonprofits and Members.
View our previous nonprofit Tech Accelerator cohort.
Program Structure
Phase 1: Orientation
Both Members and nonprofits participate in an in-depth orientation process so they can maximize impact on both sides. The orientation process is designed to provide learning opportunities for both Members and nonprofits that strengthen the outcomes of their participation.
Member Orientation (2 sessions)
In addition to learning about the Tech Accelerator structure and timeline, Members will receive training on Power and Privilege led by George Aye of Greater Good Studios as well a workshop on How to Effectively Transfer Skills From the Private to Nonprofit Sectors to Partner Effectively and Maximize Impact led by FCF Staff
During the second orientation session, FCF helps Members prepare for voting by reviewing the diligence collected on each of the five finalist nonprofits.
Nonprofit Orientation (1 session)
FCF holds 1 orientation for Grant Partners to prepare for this unique engagement (note: we keep this to a single in-person engagement to be mindful of their limited time and resources).
Phase 2: Meet the Grant Partners & Vote
Members hear from grant partners in a casual “Fireside chat” setting led by FCF followed by 10-minutes for Members to ask questions for each Grant Partner. At the conclusion of the event, Members and Grant Partners are invited to a social networking event to connect further.
Post-event, Members will vote via online portal and 3 winners will receive the time, dollars ($20,000k/each) and mentorship of the team (note: non-winners will receive $3,500 to compensate them for their time and be automatically invited to participate in a future Accelerator)
Phase 3: Working Sessions (where the magic happens!)
FCF and nonprofits work together to formulate a scope of work that will take full advantage of the Member's skill set. Members and nonprofits are then paired together to maximize impact.
Over the next 4-5 months, Members and Grant Partners will meet for three curated in-person working sessions as well as hold bi-weekly calls to move work forward:
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Session 1: Kick-off project, complete discovery and solidify project plan
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Session 2: Project groups share progress and launch the 2nd sprint
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Session 3: "Demo Day" - project groups close out work and present completed work
Companies
contact us to Start your tech accelerator
Dan Steif, Head of Business Development
dan(AT)fullcirclefund.org / P: 203.901.7733
Individuals
APPLY TO JOIN THE NEXT tech accelerator
Expand your knowledge and grOW as a leader
Learn about trends and solutions in social issues by partnering with Bay Area based nonprofits. Participate in tailored educational programs and thoughtleadership sessions.
Leverage your strengths and resources
Utilize your expertise, skills and network to accelerate the success of inspiring leaders, organizations and social causes. Share your lessons. Mentor rising leaders.
Amplify your impact
See your financial contribution go further with curated set of best local organizations through our giving circle model. Experience the 'beyond the dollars' approach of creating lasting strategic impact.
Make meaningful friendships and connections
Gain access to thought leaders and social changemakers across private, nonprofit and public sectors. Meet like-minded people and garner content you cannot get on your own.
