Tech Accelerator Fund
how it works
How are participants and nonprofits selected?
Participating companies nominate senior leaders to join as Tech Accelerator Members. Members 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 get the most out of the program. 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 the most effective ways to advise and facilitate work with the nonprofit they are paired with.
During the second orientation session, FCF helps Members prepare for Pitch Night by reviewing the diligence collected on each of the five finalist nonprofits.
Nonprofit Orientation (2 sessions)
Nonprofits participate in two executive storytelling workshops that hone their narrative and prepare their presentation for Pitch Night.
Phase 2: Pitch Night
During the evening, five nonprofits pitch their product to Members, who ask probing and thoughtful questions. The result of the evening is a vote to select three nonprofit winners, who are announced the following week.
All participating nonprofits leave with $3,000 to compensate them for their time/efforts regardless of outcome.
The winning nonprofits each receive over $20,000. Winning nonprofits will also be paired with Members who serve as advisors throughout the Working Sessions.
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 course of six months, Members and nonprofits will hold four curated working sessions:
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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: Project groups share progress and launch the 3rd sprint
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Session 4: "Demo Day" - project groups close out work and present completed work
During this process, Members may rotate to different projects to best leverage their skill sets.
Additional Benefits for participants
Tech Accelerator Members also have all of the benefits of the Full Circle Fund Community programming, including:
Capacity Building Workshops - facilitated strategic consulting opportunities where you can partner with other Full Circle Fund Grant Partners
Community Convenings - curated talks from thought-leaders across the social-sector, annual Member retreat and networking events
Access to supplemental training
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Board Fundamentals - series of trainings designed to build your social impact acumen
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Mentorship and facilitation opportunities to support impact
contact us to Start your
tech accelerator
Dan Steif, Head of Business Development
dan(AT)fullcirclefund.org / P: 203.901.7733
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.
