Inaugural Delaware Nonprofit Accelerator Program now underway

Working with eight Delaware organizations that want to bolster their impact and increase their reach, the inaugural DANA Nonprofit Accelerator Program has launched.

The three-year program offers guidance and technical assistance to nonprofit groups that support traditionally underserved communities. It provides coaching, connecting and consulting to participating nonprofits, said Sheila Bravo, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement president and CEO.

“By strengthening leadership skills, enhancing organizational capacity and fostering shared learning, we create opportunities for collaboration, partnership and increased community impact,” Bravo said.

Organizations taking part in the first accelerator are Black Mothers in Power, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, Delaware Adolescent Program Inc., Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, Forward Journey Adult Day Services, Fostering Wishes Foundation, La Esperanza Inc. and Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Association.

Black Mothers in Power seeks to end racial health disparities in Delaware; La Esperanza helps Sussex County Latinos and immigrants; and DAPI provides education for pregnant and parenting teens with outreach and mentoring.

Shané Darby, founder of Black Mothers in Power, said she joined the accelerator because she wants her organization to make a long-term impact in Delaware.

“I never imagined running a nonprofit, and it has been difficult finding support,” said Darby, who said she hopes to have a solid foundation in understanding finances and fundraising when the accelerator ends.

Jennifer Fuqua, executive director of La Esperanza, said her organization began a co-leadership model in 2023. “The DANA Accelerator program is a unique opportunity to build on this as we create ladders to leadership in our organization for our young Latino and immigrant staff,” said Fuqua. “Our participation in the three-year cohort ensures that our leadership takes advantage of opportunities for growth, networking and technical assistance as La Esperanza moves to a higher level of impact in our communities.”

Doris L.P. Griffin, statewide executive of DAPI, said “[The accelerator] gives me the opportunity to continue growing as a leader so the organization I serve will also grow in capacity and delivery of services. I envision the Delaware Adolescent Program expanding its services, diversifying resources and creating more efficient services for more young families in our great state.”

Bravo said accelerator organizations received an in-depth assessment that will provide a program map. During the three years, DANA will work with the organizations on leadership, board support, governance, operating plans and financial management, she said, adding that the Nonprofit Accelerator Program will host workshops, peer-to-peer mentoring and other events.

The U.S. Small Business Administration gave DANA an $810,000 grant to begin the program.