Program Overview

The Praxis Accelerator is focused on four distinct areas: mentorship & customized expertise, action-oriented education & planning, peer community, and access to capital.

Our program has an intentional, progress-focused, iterative structure comprised of three main events explained in detail below. At these events, Fellows have intimate interaction with world-class mentors through small roundtable discussions and multiple, extensive one-on-ones. See the full list of What Fellows Get and see some pictures to get a feel for our gatherings.

In addition, Fellows will be supported before, during, and after these events as alumni.  Please note that each organization selected for the program may bring up to 2 Fellows.

Upon acceptance into the Accelerator, Fellows will work with the Praxis core team on an organizational assessment to ensure they are best prepared to get the most out of the program. Beyond the gatherings, Fellows will also have access to our Expert Network, a collection of specialists with deep experience in social innovation and other topics, all while receiving support and guidance from the four Praxis core mentors. Finally, through our extensively designed event books, Fellows are provided with Praxis-developed, action-oriented content created specifically to help maximize the impact of the program.

Gathering One: Refining the Fundamentals

HUDSON VALLEY, NY
October 14-18, 2012

Held at a private lodge just outside Manhattan, mentors are flown in to host interactive roundtables and one-on-ones to help Fellows move their organizations forward.  This first gathering works to refine the fundamentals, including the impact model, story, and board development and fundraising strategy. Fellows leave with a 3-month execution plan to put what they’ve learned into action. 

  • fundraising strategy
  • communication & story
  • theory of change & impact
  • board development
  • brand strategy
  • prototyping & iteration
  • organizational structure
  • spiritual foundations
  • faith & the organization

Gathering Two: Building the Organization

PLAYA DEL REY, CA
January 28-31, 2013

Held at a private acreage just off a nature preserve, Fellows and mentors will again convene to share progress and gain insights into organization building. Fellows will come back with insights from the field and take the conversation to the next level of depth.

  • hiring and firing
  • partnerships
  • replication and scale
  • board governance
  • measuring impact
  • creating awareness
  • designing experiences
  • effective presentations
  • the inner life of the leader

Gathering Three: Preparing for Growth

LOS ANGELES, CA
April 13-16, 2013

The program culminates at and around the Q Gathering, where Fellows pitch their organizations to church and cultural leaders in an evening event with a chance at a share of $100,000 in cash awards. A $50k, $30k, and $20k grant will be handed out to the top nonprofits in the program. Mentorship will again happen throughout, focusing on preparing for growth both personally and professionally, with pointed discussions around how to create a thriving, enduring, and effective organization.  Fellows leave with a management dashboard and a cohort of social entrepreneurs to support them in accomplishing their goals, via our alumni network.

  • leadership
  • prioritization and growth
  • public relations
  • pitch experience
  • management dashboard development

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP