Community Programs Accelerator

Nonprofit organizations play an important role in the health and vitality of local communities.

The Community Programs Accelerator, a program of the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, helps equip nonprofits that serve the South Side with tools and resources to fulfill their unique missions. Since it was established in 2014, the Accelerator has served more than 160 community-based organizations.

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Accelerator Program

The Accelerator provides customized support to address the critical needs of small-to mid-size nonprofits across the South Side. Support may include training, coaching, or technical assistance in the following areas:

Program design and evaluation
Data systems and data-informed decision making
Community partnership development
Financial management
Fundraising and grant writing
Human resource systems and staff development
Strategic and succession planning

To be considered for the Accelerator, organizations must be nonprofit corporations, preferably with 501c3 status, whose work benefits residents in at least one of the following nine South Side neighborhoods in the University of Chicago’s focus area: Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park, and Woodlawn.

Applying to the Accelerator

Learn more about eligibilty and the next application cycle here.

Through the Accelerator, nonprofit organizations can:

• BUILD CONNECTIONS with UChicago faculty, staff, and students, as well as civic leaders in the Accelerator’s network, whose work and interests align with the organization’s mission.

• EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE with other area nonprofits and social impact leaders to build organizational and individual capacity.

• ACCESS RESOURCES such as in-kind project support from UChicago students, staff, and consultants, and grant support.

• SCALE IMPACT by developing the tools, leadership skills, and network to become an even stronger organization.

Service Levels

Core

Organizations receive grant funding and, over the course of two to three years, are provided with support from the Accelerator in multiple growth areas based on an organizational needs assessment.

Associates

Organizations receive support from the Accelerator on a tailored, one-year project plan designed to address one to two growth areas.

Special Projects

Organizations receive support from the Accelerator over a three- to six-month period on one distinct project in marketing, program development and evaluation, data and technology, or fund development.

Partnerships

The Accelerator establishes partnerships across campus to support local nonprofits. Key partners include:

Profiles

Yvonne Welbon
Sisters in Cinema

UChicago’s Community Programs Accelerator has helped Weldon grow Sisters in Cinema by providing leadership development, workshops, assistance with grant applications, and more, all at no cost to the organization.

Michelle Rashad
Certificate in Nonprofit Management

After completing the first year of the two-year UChicago Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, Rashad reports that she has used what she’s learned to better define her role as executive director; evaluate and restructure programming to focus Imagine Englewood if's mission; and continue work with the board as it helps with strategic planning.