Systems Change Accelerator

A nine-month fellowship program designed for LA-based systems change initiatives focused on any social justice issue and led by those with lived experience of the issues they're tackling.

Geographic Scope: Los Angeles-based organizations

Focus Areas: Systems change initiatives addressing any social justice issue

Eligibility:

• LA-based systems change initiatives
• Must be led by those with lived experience of the issues being addressed
• Organizations applying through workshop process should have budgets under $10M (as mentioned in proximate grantmaking approach)

Program Components:

• Nine-month journey for leaders
• Building deep connections with peers
• Strengthening justice-centered leadership
• Network expansion through SJPLA community
• Strategy workshop model (as of recent approach)

Application Process Evolution: Originally used traditional written applications (44 questions, 2,100 words). As of 2019, transitioned to strategy workshop model instead of extensive written applications, centered on proximity, equity, and wisdom of those closest to the issues.

Related Work: Part of SJPLA's broader systems change work advancing racial and social justice in Los Angeles

Application Process

Workshop-Based Application (Current Model):

1. Eligibility Questionnaire: Complete brief questionnaire with 16 questions (approximately 20 minutes to complete)
2. Workshop Invitation: All eligible applicants invited to full-day workshop
3. Strategy Session: Participate in facilitated strategy workshop where applicants:
   • Work through problem statements
   • Receive feedback from coaches
   • Map out strategy as a team
   • Explore initiative depth alongside other nonprofits
4. Selection: Coaches select participants following workshop

Coaches Support: Executive coaches, nonprofit alums of programs, and entrepreneurial leaders provide support throughout strategy process

Selection Outcome: Notifications provided with "not now" rather than "not ever" for non-selected applicants

Note: Previous traditional application model included written applications with multiple narrative questions, but has been replaced with workshop model to center equity and accessibility