About Us

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.

The Accelerator provides customized support that addresses the critical needs of each organization, and may include training, coaching, or technical support in the following areas:

• Board development
• 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 planning and succession planning

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Community Programs Accelerator: AeroStar Avion Institute's Tammera L. Holmes

Community Programs Accelerator: 100 Black Men of Chicago

Community Programs Accelerator: West Point School of Music

Community Programs Accelerator: Chicago Hyde Park Village

Kemati J. Porter, eta Creative Arts Foundation

"Being part of the Accelerator taught us the value of reaching out and finding people who can answer questions, open doors, and provide a resource."

Susan Alitto, Chicago Hyde Park Village

“Without the Accelerator, we would not be anywhere near where we are now. They not only gave us resources and help, they gave us the courage to try things.”

Sheldon Smith, The Dovetail Project

“The Accelerator did the vetting and strengthening that we needed in order to present ourselves to foundations and funders, who want to feel comfortable and know that you’re solid before they invest in you.”