Spring Impact has launched applications for Scale Accelerator, a highly-subsidised programme supporting non-profit organisations to reach more people sustainably and develop the leadership capabilities needed to effect positive change at scale.

As the social sector faces increased demand and shrinking resources, non-profit organisations need to identify the most sustainable ways to get their vital solutions to those who urgently need them.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity of the UK, Scale Accelerator offers UK-based charities and social enterprises access to vital strategic support and training at highly-subsidised rates.

This next programme will begin in June 2021, supporting organisations and leaders who have a proven solution to a social problem, and are ambitious about positively transforming the lives of even more people.

Due to significant demand in the previous Scale Accelerator cohort, Spring Impact has adapted the programme to support more organisations and enable social leaders to be in the driving seat of their organisations’ scaling journeys. The new cohort will offer two new routes:

• Intensive Consultancy: a 6-month programme offering bespoke consultancy, strategic support, and peer to peer learning opportunities with a network of forward-thinking social leaders.
• Leaders of Scale: a 4-month intensive training programme supporting leaders of mission-driven organisations to build the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to lead change within their organisation.

The programme will prioritise applications from UK-based charities and social enterprises from the following types of organisations:

• Organisations addressing an issue worsened by Covid-19
• Organisations based across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Organisations led by leaders with lived-experience
• Organisations supporting BAME groups and/or with BAME leadership

Mohamed Osman, UK Director at Spring Impact said:

“In light of the increased need for great social innovations, we have seen a significant boost in demand for the support offered through the Scale Accelerator programme. Now more than ever, organisations and leaders need to build the capacity and skills needed to reach more people.

This is why we have adapted the programme to help even more ambitious charities and social enterprises receive crucial strategic support and training. Whether organisations have just started thinking about scaling or are already consolidating their plans, the Scale Accelerator programme will ensure they have the tools, guidance, and capabilities needed to move forward sustainably.”

Both Scale Accelerator routes will see organisations and leaders form a selective group of participants with huge potential who are a similar journey. They will receive practical help to upskill and develop a robust strategy and action plan, focused on ensuring resources go further and plans are financially sustainable.

Cassie Robinson, Senior Head of UK funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

“As charities and voluntary sector organisations grapple with the impact of Covid-19, it is important that they receive support to address society’s most pressing challenges at scale. Thanks to National Lottery players, more mission-driven organisations across the UK will be able to scale up sustainably and help more people and communities to respond, recover and thrive.”

Since 2015, 35 ambitious UK charities and social entrepreneurs at the frontline of addressing key societal issues have participated in the Scale Accelerator. As a result, many have increased their reach and impact, and gained funding for their next phase of growth.

Applications for Scale Accelerator need to be received by 12 April 2021. For more information, click here.