Fast Forward accelerator 2025 backs tech nonprofits with $25,000 and hands-on support
Fast Forward Accelerator 2025, a three-month programme for early-stage tech nonprofit founders, is currently accepting applications. This application provides funding, specialised training, professional mentoring, and access to a peer and alumni support network.
Since its launch in 2014, more than 100 tech nonprofits have benefited from the programme’s funding, coaching, and vibrant community, which have allowed them to scale their impact.
Fast Forward’s Accelerator is designed designed to meet the unique requirements of tech nonprofits such as:
- Capital: guidance on navigating the tech nonprofit fundraising landscape to secure growth funding
- Content: the programme offers a thorough curriculum that covers subjects like scaling techniques, go-to-market strategies, and product development. It also covers the foundations of nonprofits, like volunteer management, impact evaluation, and board formation.
- Cohort: it creates connections amongst entrepreneurs who are encountering similar obstacles by creating a strong network of like-minded individuals inside each cohort and throughout the Accelerator’s broader portfolio.
A past participant, Rob Morris, co-founder of Koko shared: “Being a tech nonprofit is hard work. It can be emotional and draining. Fast Forward was the guiding light we so desperately needed.”
Benefits
For selected applicants, the Fast Forward Accelerator 2025 programme offers the following benefits:
- Receive an unrestricted seed funding of $25,000 to invest in your tech nonprofit
- Mentorship from leaders in both social impact and tech
- Peer groups, customised programming, and ongoing guidance through the Growth Platform well beyond the accelerator
Who can apply
To be eligible for the Fast Forward Accelerator 2025 programme applicants must be early-stage tech nonprofits with at least a minimum viable product (MVP) in place. “Also” the team considers important factors:
- Leadership: Founders who can successfully navigate the nonprofit and IT sectors and have a clear vision
- Tech talent: A clear plan to hire qualified technical leaders
- Impact potential: The extent to which the organisation can bring about change
- Scalability: The ability of software-based solutions to grow significantly
- Lived experience: Leaders who have dealt with the issue they are trying to resolve firsthand
- Alignment: Businesses where the Accelerator’s assistance can have a tangible impact
ALSO READ: START Fellowship 2025: equity-free funding and international recognition for young entrepreneurs
Key dates to remember
- Application period: Wednesday, July 30 to Monday, September 8, 2025
- Application Workshop: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
- Interviews: October to December
- Final Notifications: By the end of the year
- Program Duration: February to May 2026
- Demo Days (both in-person and virtual): Late May to early June
How to apply
Eligible applicants can apply via the Fast Forward website for the Fast Forward Accelerator 2025 programme before Monday, September 8, 2025.
Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities or solves bold problems? Then you`ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with the subject “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to [email protected]
