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, pairing unrestricted funding with coaching and capacity support to prepare leaders for sustainable growth and next-tier funding opportunities.
Many of the organizations we partner with are deeply rooted in their communities but earlier in their growth journey. Most operate with annual budgets between approximately $100,000 and $500,000 and are refining their strategy, systems, and fundraising approach.
Through a structured combination of workshops, one-on-one coaching, peer learning, and practical deliverables, participants strengthen their foundations across strategy, finance, fundraising, communications, and measurement.
Participants receive unrestricted grant funding alongside this structured support — reflecting our belief that flexible capital and practical capacity-building must go hand in hand.
Our aim is to help high-potential organizations clarify their model, strengthen their systems, and build readiness for sustainable growth and future funding opportunities.
How the Acceleration Program Works
Two tracks. One pathway toward growth-stage readiness.
Catalyst (Year 1)
Catalyst is a one-year program that strengthens the core building blocks of early-stage organizations. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, peer huddles, and practical deliverables, leaders gain clarity across strategy, financial management, fundraising, communications, and measurement.
Each Catalyst organization receives unrestricted grant funding alongside structured support to help translate learning into action.
Ascent (Years 2–3)
Organizations that complete Catalyst may be invited into Ascent, a two-year experience that builds on the foundations established in Year 1. Ascent provides extended coaching, deeper strategic refinement, and continued support as organizations advance toward growth-stage funding and scale.
Together, Catalyst and Ascent create a structured pathway from early-stage potential to sustained readiness for long-term growth and impact.
Who This Program Is Designed For
The Acceleration Program is built for locally-led African nonprofit organizations that are earlier in their growth journey and committed to strengthening their long-term impact and sustainability.
Organizations typically:
Have been operating for at least two years
Operate with annual budgets between approximately $100,000 and $500,000
Work in health, education, justice, or livelihoods
Demonstrate enterprising leadership and ambition to grow
Are prepared to invest meaningful time and energy throughout the program
Acceleration is best suited for leaders who are ready to engage deeply, apply learning in real time, and strengthen the internal systems required for sustainable growth.
The Acceleration Program is a high-engagement experience designed for leaders who are serious about growth.
Participants engage in a structured mix of workshops, one-on-one coaching, peer learning sessions, and practical assignments throughout the program year. Leaders are expected to actively participate, apply insights in real time, and invest meaningful time and energy into strengthening their organization.
This program is best suited for teams ready to build internal systems, refine strategy, and prepare for sustainable growth.
What to Expect
2022 COHORT: GRADUATE ORGANIZATIONS
2021 COHORT: GRADUATE ORGANIZATIONS
2026 Application Cycle
Applications for the 2026 Catalyst cohort will open in March 2026.
We will share full application details, eligibility requirements, and timeline information when the application window opens.
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
More detailed eligibility and selection information will be available when applications open.