Focus Is to Empower Small Nonprofits to Expand Their Impact

Wilmington, DE – DANA, The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, announces the launch of the DANA Nonprofit Accelerator Program, an initiative to support small nonprofits that focus on serving historically excluded communities in Delaware. The program addresses these organizations’ challenges, who are often lacking the size and resources to wield their impact fully. 

The three-year DANA Nonprofit Accelerator Program provides continual technical assistance, coaching, connections, and consulting to organizations. Its goal is to strengthen leadership and capability, foster long-term success, and expand community impact. 

“We know how much Delaware relies on nonprofits, particularly since 2020,” says DANA President & CEO Sheila Bravo. “Smaller organizations are challenged in meeting service demands and having in place all the systems and processes to sustain their operations. Launching this program will be another way DANA helps Delaware nonprofits enhance their leadership capacity, strengthen their organizational resiliency, and advance their missions in their communities.” 

Critical components of Accelerator include organizational assessments, workshops, an executive peer-to-peer cohort, consulting and coaching assistance, and administrative support. A DANA team member will be the Accelerator navigator to help nonprofits access their needed resources. DANA’s staff and consultant partners will offer their experience to support nonprofits’ boards of directors, executive leaders, and staff. Participants will also benefit from shared experiences with other nonprofit leaders. 

Participating nonprofits will join as a cohort, creating opportunities for shared learning and potential partnerships. Ideal program organizations serve communities in need, operating for at least three years with a full-time executive director and a budget below $3 million.  

The program has limited seating. With input from nonprofit leaders and an advisory council, DANA has set up a selection process to confirm a nonprofit’s readiness to participate. The application phase runs through October 1st.   

“We believe that the DANA Nonprofit Accelerator Program has the potential to revolutionize the way small nonprofits in Delaware grow and expand their impact,” says Accelerator Navigator Jen Cooper. “By providing comprehensive support, fostering partnerships, and offering an inclusive selection process, we are committed to empowering nonprofits for lasting change.” 

Visit https://delawarenonprofit.org/accelerator/ to learn more.

Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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DANA is committed to strengthening, enhancing, and advancing the nonprofit sector by providing low-cost professional development, consulting, and advocacy support for nonprofit leaders and boards of directors. For more information, visit DANA’s website at www.DelawareNonprofit.org.