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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With help from UChicago’s Community Programs Accelerator, The Provident Foundation is poised to support additional South Side youth of color pursuing medical careers
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At inaugural South Side Strong Summit, UChicago’s Community Programs Accelerator helps nonprofits forge connections, sharpen skills, and deepen impact
Accelerator Program
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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:
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:
- Alumni Relations and Development
- Campus Catalyst
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
- Harris School of Public Policy
- Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
- Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation
- UChicago Career Advancement
- UChicago GRAD
- UChicago Law School
- UChicago Medicine
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.
The Simple Good
The Community Programs Accelerator connected founder Priya Shah with a team of Harris School of Public Policy graduate students who are members of Harris Community Action (HCA). These worked closely with Shah to explore what it would take to expand operations.
Jessica Davenport-Williams
Certificate in Nonprofit Management
In March 2021, Davenport-Williams was among the first 14 nonprofit professionals to complete the free, two-year Certificate in Nonprofit Management program designed to equip nonprofit professionals like her to create, grow, and operate effective community-based organizations.
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.
Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub
Jackson says a recent nonprofit bridge grant from the University of Chicago will help her adapt the ways she and her three part-time colleagues support the young people currently in the Woodlawn Restorative Justice Hub program to better meet them where they are in this crisis.
Polished Pebbles
The nonprofit has been able to further bolster its quick transition to digital platforms and otherwise sustain itself in the weeks since with help from a bridge grant from the University of Chicago.
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