Acceleration Program
“All that the Father gives to me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
JOHN 6:37
The Dovetail Acceleration Program invests in early-stage, locally-led African organizations. We pair unrestricted funding with structured coaching and capacity support designed to strengthen the foundations required for long-term growth.
Our focus is on helping organizations build the clarity, systems, and leadership capacity that support funder readiness and healthy scale.
Since launching in 2021, we have disbursed approximately $6M in grants to more than 130 organizations across Africa.
Why This Program Exists
Many African-led organizations are addressing complex challenges with deep local insight and early evidence of impact. At the same time, institutional funders often prioritize growth-stage organizations that demonstrate:
Clear evidence of measurable results
A defined pathway to scale
Strong financial systems
Strategic leadership and governance
The Acceleration Program exists to help promising organizations strengthen these core building blocks so they are better positioned for long-term funding and growth opportunities.
Who This Is For
The Acceleration Program is designed for African organizations early in the nonprofit life cycle (typically with budgets under $500,000) that:
Have a clearly defined mission and early traction
Have big vision and ambition for the communities they serve
Are committed to strengthening their organizations for durable growth and impact
Are prepared to engage fully in coaching, deliverables, and peer learning
What We Build Together
The Program focuses on the core domains that support organizational maturity and funder readiness. Each domain is led by experienced consultants who work alongside Dovetail to provide workshops, coaching, and applied tools.
Brand Communications
Led by Mighty Ally
Participants refine theory of change, positioning, messaging, and pitch materials to communicate their work with clarity and confidence.
Fundraising & Financial Management
Led by Raise Up Advisory and Vanreusel Ventures
Organizations develop realistic multi-year fundraising plans, strengthen pipeline systems, and build financial practices that support data-informed decision-making.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Led by Carbon Phoenix
Participants clarify what impact looks like in their organization and identify measurable indicators that align with strategic goals.
Pathways to Scale
Led by Spring Impact
Leaders examine growth pathways and the operational requirements of scaling responsibly.
Throughout the program, the Dovetail Acceleration Support Team works closely with each organization to track progress and integrate learning across domains.
How The Program Works
Acceleration combines four integrated components:
Workshops
Live, interactive sessions introducing practical frameworks and tools within each capacity domain.
Coaching
One-on-one sessions with domain experts to refine strategy, apply feedback, and support implementation.
Deliverables
Applied assignments that translate learning into concrete organizational assets.
Peer Huddles
Small, consistent peer groups that foster accountability, shared learning, and community.
Progress is measured through consistent engagement, quality of deliverables, and demonstrated organizational growth over time.
Program Tracks
Catalyst
A one-year experience focused on foundational building blocks that support early-stage organizations in developing clarity, systems, and internal alignment.
Ascent
A two-year experience that builds on Catalyst, providing deeper implementation time and coaching for organizations accelerating toward growth-stage readiness.
What Organizations Leave With
Organizations that fully engage in the Program strengthen:
Strategic clarity and measurable impact focus
A credible and compelling case for support
Fundraising and financial systems that support sustainable growth
Leadership alignment and lifecycle awareness
A peer community of leaders building alongside them
The Program is an investment in organizational strength. Participation does not imply future Dovetail funding, but it is designed to help organizations build the capacities that position them for serious consideration by growth-focused funders.
2022 COHORT: GRADUATE ORGANIZATIONS
2021 COHORT: GRADUATE ORGANIZATIONS
2026 Application Cycle
Applications for the 2026 Catalyst cohort are now open. You can find the Application here.
The deadline for Applications is April 28, 2026.
Overview of the Process
Our application process includes:
An open call for eligible organizations
A first-round written application
A limited number of second-round applicants invited to submit additional materials
A brief interview with a member of our team
Final cohort selections and notification
Who Should Apply
We are looking for prospective partners who are:
Locally-led, African, not-for-profit organizations
In operation for at least 2 years
Officially registered in their country of operation
Operating with an annual budget under $500,000
Led by a team ready to invest meaningful time in capacity building