Wilmington, DE – Jan. 24, 2024: The inaugural DANA Nonprofit Accelerator Program has launched, working with eight Delaware organizations that want to bolster their impact and increase their reach.
The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement’s three-year program offers guidance and technical assistance to nonprofit groups that support traditionally underserved communities. The program provides coaching, connecting and consulting to participating nonprofits, said Sheila Bravo, DANA president and CEO.
“By strengthening leadership skills, enhancing organizational capacity, and fostering shared learning, we create opportunities for collaboration, partnership and increased community impact,” Bravo said.
The organizations taking part in the first Accelerator are Black Mothers in Power, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, Delaware Adolescent Program Inc. (DAPI), Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, Forward Journey Adult Day Services, Fostering Wishes Foundation, La Esperanza Inc. and RodneyStreet Tennis & Tutoring Association
Accelerator Cohort One
Black Mothers in Power seeks to end racial health disparities in Delaware; La Esperanza helps Sussex County Latinos and immigrants; and DAPI provides education for pregnant and parenting teens with outreach and mentoring.
Shané Darby, founder of Black Mothers in Power, said she joined the Accelerator because she wants her organization to make a long-term impact in Delaware.
“I never imagined running a nonprofit and it has been difficult finding support,” she said, adding that she hopes to “have a solid foundation in understanding our finances and fundraising” when the Accelerator ends.
Jennifer Fuqua, executive director of La Esperanza, said her organization began a co-leadership model in 2023.
“The DANA Accelerator program is a unique opportunity to build on this as we create ladders to leadership in our organization for our young Latino and immigrant staff,” she explained. “Our participation in the three-year cohort ensures that our leadership takes advantage of opportunities for growth, networking and technical assistance as La Esperanza moves to a higher level of impact in our communities.”
Doris L. P. Griffin, statewide executive of DAPI, said the Accelerator gives her the opportunity “to continue growing as a leader so the organization I serve will also grow in capacity and delivery of services.”
“I envision the Delaware Adolescent Program expanding its services, diversifying resources, and creating more efficient services for more young families in our great state,” she added.
Bravo said Accelerator organizations received an in-depth assessment that will provide a program map. During the three years, DANA will work with the organizations on leadership, board support, governance, operating plans and financial management, she said, adding that the Nonprofit Accelerator Program will host workshops, peer-to-peer mentoring and other events.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration gave DANA an $810,000 grant to begin the program.
Funded in part through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Thanks to the grant from the SBA, eligible nonprofits will only pay 10% of the cost of the total program.
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.