UpStart Accelerator

Purpose: Support early-stage, innovative Jewish organizations bringing something fresh and relevant to Jewish life.

Geographic Scope: National (US and beyond); regional hubs in Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, New York, and 13+ communities across the country.

Focus Areas:

• Jewish innovation and entrepreneurship
• Early-stage Jewish organizations and social ventures
• Organizations serving underserved Jewish communities
• Jewish education and engagement initiatives
• Jewish life and community building

What They Fund:

• Innovative programs and initiatives in Jewish life
• Early-stage Jewish nonprofit organizations
• Organizations with fresh approaches to Jewish engagement and education
• Community-based Jewish programs

Program Features:

• 3-year commitment providing training, network-building, and funding
• Access to professional trainers, coaches, and subject matter experts
• Webinars and advisory support
• Connection to UpStart's network of advisors, alumni, and funders
• Lifelong support network post-program
• Regional hub support and professional development

Eligibility:

• Early-stage Jewish organizations with innovative approaches
• Organizations demonstrating capacity and leadership
• Organizations with unique, sustainable models offering long-term positive impact
• Ability to implement initiatives and scale impact

Historical Context:

• Launched in 2006
• Part of 2017 merger consolidating UpStart, Joshua Venture Group, Bikkurim, and U.S. programs of PresenTense
• Has supported nearly 40 Jewish organizations since inception (as of 2016)
• Serves as national intermediary supporting Jewish innovation

Alumni Organizations Include: Moishe House, SVARA, At The Well, A Wider Bridge, Jewish Plays Project, BimBam, Edah, Fair Trade Judaica, Kevah, The Kitchen, JLens, Project Beyond, Remember us: The Holocaust Bnai Mitzvah Project, Rosh Pina, Urban Adamah, Wilderness Torah

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications open December 6 (Round 1 example: December 6 - January 18)
• Competitive selection process
• Multiple cohorts accepted annually (~9-10 organizations per cohort)

Requirements:

• Completed application through online portal
• Applications accepted from across U.S. and beyond
• Selected out of large applicant pools (example: 92 applicants competing for 3 LA slots)

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrate capacity and leadership to implement initiative
• Offer unique, sustainable model with long-term positive impact on local Jewish community
• Show potential for growth and scalability
• Serve underserved or hard-to-reach Jewish communities
• Demonstrate innovative approach to Jewish engagement

Post-Selection Support:

• Rigorous 3-year practice and coaching program
• Access to mentors and subject matter experts
• Workshops and training sessions
• One-on-one coaching and consulting
• Network building with other cohort members
• Connection to advisors, alumni, and funders

Note: Specific narrative questions and LOI requirements not detailed in provided materials.