UpTide Accelerator 2026: Receive a $5,000 Grant, Up to $25,000 in Additional Funding, and Expert Support to Scale Your U.S. Nonprofit

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. However, many organizations with proven community-based solutions often struggle to secure the funding, strategic support, and professional networks needed to expand their impact. The UpTide Accelerator has been designed to bridge that gap by equipping high-potential nonprofit leaders with the funding, mentorship, strategic planning, and visibility required to scale their organizations.

Applications are now open for the UpTide Accelerator, an intensive leadership and organizational growth program that supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities and combat what the organizers describe as the “Crisis of Community.”

The accelerator is delivered through a collaboration between 92NY, the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, and SEED SPOT, bringing together decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, social innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Successful participants will receive an unrestricted grant, personalized coaching, networking opportunities, a customized growth strategy, and the opportunity to compete for additional funding while presenting their organization to leading philanthropists and supporters.

About the UpTide Accelerator

The UpTide Accelerator is designed specifically for nonprofit organizations that have already demonstrated measurable impact and are ready to expand their work.

Rather than supporting organizations that are still testing ideas, the accelerator focuses on nonprofits that have already developed scalable and replicable models capable of strengthening communities and increasing social connection.

The program recognizes that many of today’s societal challenges stem from increasing isolation and declining community engagement. Through funding, mentorship, and organizational development, UpTide helps nonprofit leaders strengthen their organizations so they can reach even more people.

The accelerator combines strategic planning, leadership development, coaching, networking, and funding into one comprehensive experience.

Program Benefits

Selected organizations gain access to a wide range of financial and professional development opportunities designed to support sustainable organizational growth.

Participants will receive:

• A $5,000 unrestricted grant upon successfully completing every component of the accelerator.
• A fully funded New York City residency week, including flights, hotel accommodation, and most meals.
• The opportunity to compete for up to $25,000 in additional grant funding by presenting their organization during Showcase Day.
• Professional guidance in developing a compelling pitch deck and presentation.
• A customized three-year strategic growth plan tailored to the organization’s goals.
• Specialized workshops addressing the unique needs of community-building nonprofit organizations.
• Individual mentorship from experienced nonprofit leaders and industry experts.
• Personalized coaching throughout the accelerator.
• Access to an extensive national network of nonprofit leaders, mentors, coaches, and partners.
• Continued membership in the UpTide alumni community with ongoing learning opportunities and resources.

Showcase Day Opportunity

One of the highlights of the accelerator is Showcase Day.

During this event, nonprofit leaders present their organizations before an audience of supporters, partners, and funders on 92NY’s internationally recognized stage.

Participants receive professional coaching beforehand to strengthen both their presentation and fundraising skills.

Outstanding organizations may receive up to $25,000 in additional grant funding based on their presentations.

New York City Leadership Week

Participants will travel to New York City for an immersive week of programming focused on nonprofit leadership and organizational growth.

The experience includes:

• Leadership workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Meetings with partners
• Collaborative learning sessions
• Pitch preparation
• Showcase Day participation

To reduce financial barriers, UpTide covers:

• Flights
• Hotel accommodation
• Most meals

Strategic Planning Support

Every participating organization receives support in developing a customized three-year strategic plan.

This roadmap helps nonprofit leaders:

• Scale their programs sustainably.
• Strengthen operational capacity.
• Expand partnerships.
• Increase long-term impact.
• Position their organizations for future funding opportunities.

Mentorship and Coaching

Participants receive one-on-one coaching from experienced professionals who have extensive backgrounds in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, communications, entrepreneurship, and organizational development.

Mentors help participants navigate challenges related to:

• Organizational growth
• Leadership
• Strategic planning
• Partnerships
• Fundraising
• Program expansion

Tailored Workshops

Throughout the accelerator, nonprofit leaders participate in workshops specifically designed for organizations focused on strengthening communities.

Workshop topics may include:

• Organizational growth strategies
• Leadership development
• Community engagement
• Storytelling
• Pitch development
• Fundraising
• Strategic partnerships
• Scaling social impact

Networking Opportunities

Participants become part of an extensive network supported by 92NY and SEED SPOT.

The network includes:

• Fellow nonprofit leaders
• Coaches
• Mentors
• Industry experts
• Community leaders
• Philanthropic partners

Graduates also receive ongoing access to alumni resources after completing the accelerator.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet both leadership and organizational eligibility requirements.

Leadership Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Serve in a full-time position as:
  • Executive Director
  • President
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Lead a qualifying nonprofit organization.

APPLY HERE

Organizational Eligibility

Organizations must:

• Be legally registered as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing.
• Focus on addressing community disconnection and strengthening community relationships.
• Operate programs that directly contribute to building stronger communities.

Program Impact Requirements

Organizations should demonstrate measurable impact by:

• Directly serving at least 500 people, or
• Serving a significant proportion of their target community.

Applicants must also have:

• At least one proven intervention.
• A minimum of one year of positive impact data demonstrating successful outcomes.

Scalability Requirements

The accelerator seeks nonprofits that have already demonstrated success and are prepared for expansion.

Organizations should have:

• A proven and replicable model.
• Evidence of meaningful community impact.
• Strong potential for scaling to serve additional communities.

Time Commitment

Participants are expected to fully engage in every component of the accelerator.

To qualify for the unrestricted grant, organizations must attend:

• All virtual sessions.
• New York City Week.
• Showcase Day.

Failure to complete all required activities may affect eligibility for the grant.

Organizations Behind UpTide

92NY

92NY is one of the world’s leading cultural and community institutions with more than 150 years of experience creating programs that strengthen communities through education, arts, culture, entertainment, and public engagement.

The organization welcomes individuals from all backgrounds while promoting values centered on learning, community service, family, and personal growth.

Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact

Founded in 2012, the Belfer Center has launched more than 20 initiatives that have collectively reached over 100 million people worldwide.

The Center is recognized for creating major global initiatives including:

• GivingTuesday
• Social Good Summit
• Share Our America

The Center also brings significant experience in managing leadership fellowship programs.

SEED SPOT

SEED SPOT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build businesses that create positive social impact.

Over the past decade, SEED SPOT has:

• Supported more than 4,000 entrepreneurs.
• Helped create nearly 10,000 jobs.
• Focused on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs across multiple sectors.

Its expertise in accelerator programming strengthens the UpTide experience for nonprofit leaders.

Why You Should Apply

The UpTide Accelerator offers much more than grant funding.

Participants receive practical tools, expert mentorship, strategic guidance, national exposure, and access to an influential network that can help transform a successful nonprofit into a larger, more sustainable organization.

For nonprofit leaders committed to strengthening communities and expanding their impact, UpTide provides an outstanding opportunity to access funding, leadership development, and long-term organizational support.

Visit HERE to learn more about the UpTide Accelerator 2026

Application Deadline

The application deadline was not provided in the information available above. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible after reviewing the official program details.

Conclusion

The UpTide Accelerator represents a valuable opportunity for nonprofit leaders who have already demonstrated measurable impact and are ready to scale their organizations. Through unrestricted funding, personalized mentorship, strategic planning, networking opportunities, and access to additional grant funding, the program equips nonprofit executives with the resources needed to expand community impact across the United States.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.