Applications open for Fast Forward Accelerator Program

Deadline: 07-Sep-2026

The Fast Forward Accelerator 2027 is a three-month, cohort-based programme designed to help technology-driven nonprofit organisations scale their social impact. Selected founders receive $25,000 or more in unrestricted funding, expert mentorship, peer support, and access to a network of technology and social-impact leaders, with the programme running from mid-February to early June 2027. What Is the Fast Forward Accelerator? The Fast Forward Accelerator is a growth programme specifically designed for tech nonprofit founders and leaders. Since launching in 2014, the Accelerator has supported more than 100 tech nonprofits, helping them develop and scale technology-driven solutions addressing social challenges. The programme combines financial support with practical guidance, founder education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The key consideration is that technology should play a meaningful role in the organisation’s approach to creating social impact. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Founders and leaders of tech nonprofits from any country can apply.

Applicants must be able to:

Participate in English

Commit to the full three-month programme. Attend virtual sessions twice a week. Attend required in-person sessions in San Francisco. Meet the programme’s time commitments. Represent a nonprofit organisation using technology to create social impact. International applicants are eligible, but they must be able to meet all participation and travel requirements. How Much Funding Is Available? Selected participants receive $25,000 or more in unrestricted funding. Because the funding is unrestricted, it is intended to give participating organisations flexibility to address their strategic priorities.

Funding can support areas such as:

Organisational growth. Technology development. Staffing. Product improvements. Operational needs. Scaling activities. Strategic priorities. Applicants should explain how flexible funding would help their organisation move toward its next stage of growth. What Mentorship and Support Are Provided?

Participants receive expert mentorship from leaders in technology and social impact

Mentorship can help founders address challenges involving: Organisational strategy. Technology. Leadership. Growth. Fundraising.

Partnerships

Impact. Scaling. Participants also gain access to a network of peers and supporters who understand the challenges involved in building and growing technology-driven nonprofits. What Is the Peer Community? The Accelerator operates as a cohort-based programme, allowing founders to learn alongside other technology nonprofit leaders. The peer community can provide opportunities to: Share experiences. Discuss scaling challenges. Exchange practical ideas. Build professional relationships. Learn from other nonprofit founders. Develop long-term partnerships. This community-based approach is an important part of the Accelerator experience. When Does the 2027 Accelerator Take Place? The Fast Forward Accelerator 2027 runs from mid-February to early June 2027.

The programme includes:

Virtual sessions twice per week. Required in-person participation in San Francisco. In-person activities at specific dates at the beginning and end of the programme. Applicants should ensure that they can commit the necessary time before applying. Is In-Person Attendance Required? Yes. Although much of the programme is delivered virtually, participants must attend designated in-person sessions in San Francisco. These required sessions take place at specific dates near the beginning and end of the Accelerator. Applicants from outside the United States should consider travel planning and availability before applying. How Does the Fast Forward Accelerator Work? The Accelerator provides structured support throughout the three-month programme.

Step 1: Apply as a Tech Nonprofit Founder

Applicants should explain their organisation’s: Mission. Social problem. Technology solution. Target beneficiaries. Current stage. Impact. Growth opportunity.

Step 2: Demonstrate Technology and Social Impact

Clearly explain how technology contributes to solving the problem.

The application should answer:

What problem are you addressing? Who experiences this problem? What technology-enabled solution have you developed? How does the solution create social impact? What evidence demonstrates demand or impact?

Step 3: Explain Your Growth Potential

Founders should demonstrate why their organisation is ready for scaling.

Relevant evidence can include:

Number of users or beneficiaries. Existing partnerships. Revenue or funding. Programme results. Technology adoption. Geographic reach. Replication potential.

Step 4: Participate in the Accelerator

Selected founders participate in twice-weekly virtual sessions and required in-person activities. During the programme, they gain access to: Mentors. Peer founders. Funding. Social-impact experts. Technology leaders. Broader networks.

Step 5: Strengthen the Organisation

Founders use the Accelerator’s resources to address important growth challenges.

This can include improving:

Strategy. Technology. Operations. Leadership. Fundraising.

Partnerships

Impact measurement.

Step 6: Present at Demo Day

The programme culminates in Demo Day, where founders pitch their organisations to social-impact leaders and funders. The Fast Forward Accelerator 2027 is a three-month growth programme for technology-driven nonprofit founders and leaders. It provides unrestricted funding, mentorship, peer support, and access to a network of technology and social-impact experts. How much funding do selected participants receive? Selected participants receive $25,000 or more in unrestricted funding, giving organisations flexibility to use the support for strategic growth and scaling needs. Can international tech nonprofit founders apply? Yes. The programme is open to founders and leaders of tech nonprofits from any country, provided they can participate in English and meet all pr