Call for
Fast Forward Accelerator
About Organisation
Fast Forward is the first and only organization dedicated exclusively to scaling tech nonprofits. Launched in 2014, it emerged from a simple belief: technology can tackle the world’s toughest problems. At the time, “tech nonprofit” wasn’t even a recognized category—Fast Forward coined the term and built the infrastructure to back the founders pursuing tech for social good. By convening the tech, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, Fast Forward equips mission-driven builders with the resources, capital, and community required to turn bold ideas into outsized impact. The model is working: its portfolio now includes 100+ tech nonprofits that have collectively touched over 262 million lives and raised more than $1B in follow-on funding. Beyond initial acceleration, Fast Forward sustains momentum through long-term support, continually championing its portfolio to funders and partners so capital never becomes a barrier to scale. In short, Fast Forward proves what happens when the right idea meets the right support structure: it changes everything.
About the Grant
Fast Forward’s Accelerator is a three‑month fellowship purpose-built for tech nonprofit founders. It delivers what these founders uniquely need: catalytic capital, deep technical and nonprofit operating guidance, and a peer community that understands their path. Participants receive $25K+ in unrestricted seed funding, expert mentorship from leaders across tech and social impact, and a curriculum that spans the nonprofit and product playbooks—board development, impact measurement, and volunteer management on one side; product strategy, go-to-market, and scaling tactics on the other. The program culminates in Demo Day: a three-minute, high-stakes pitch to a packed room of funders, operators, and advocates, supported by a polished deck and a mini‑documentary. Crucially, the relationship doesn’t end there. After the Accelerator, founders enter Fast Forward’s Growth Platform—ongoing tailored programming, peer circles, one-on-one advising, and active amplification to funders—ensuring continued access to capital, counsel, and community as they scale. The result: a clearer fundraising strategy, a stronger team, a sharper product roadmap, and a network committed to helping you maximize impact.
Who can Apply?
Fast Forward’s only hard requirement: you must be an early-stage tech nonprofit with at least a built minimum viable product (MVP). Beyond that, selection is holistic and centers on:
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Leadership: Visionary founders capable of navigating both tech and nonprofit realities.
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Tech Talent: Mission-driven technical leadership already on the team, or clear plans to bring it in.
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Impact Potential: The depth and scale of the social problem you’re solving, and your potential to reach many people meaningfully.
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Scalability: Software-first solutions with high growth potential (not services constrained by linear headcount growth).
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Lived Experience: Founders who have personally experienced the problem—or are deeply proximate to it—are strongly valued.
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Alignment & Additional Leverage: Clear areas where Fast Forward’s capital, community, and curriculum can materially accelerate your trajectory.
If you’re building a tech or AI solution to a major social challenge, can already demonstrate your MVP, and are ready to refine your fundraising, team, and growth strategy, you’re likely a strong fit.
How to Apply?
Application Deadline
Applications close September 8, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT. Late submissions aren’t reviewed—apply early to avoid last-minute technical or time zone issues.
Last Date To Apply
September 8, 2025 (11:59 pm PT) is the final cutoff. Mark your calendar and submit well in advance to ensure full consideration.
Grant Amount
Each selected organization receives $25,000+ in unrestricted seed funding, plus sustained mentorship, fundraising support, and access to Fast Forward’s post-Accelerator Growth Platform.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
