ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
We partner with progressive organizations and leaders to build power to make lasting change.
NLA runs an in-depth, capacity-building Accelerator program for progressive organizations interested in building 501(c)(4) and multi-entity structures to maximize impact and power. Our programs run one cohort with 6-8 organizations every two years. Each cohort receives coaching, strategic planning, organizational development, financial, and legal compliance assistance from a diverse pool of consultants and mentors—all of whom are experienced in working with multiple legal entities.
Our Accelerator Provides:
Up to 20 months of partnership tailored to the needs of each organization
An organizational assessment tool designed specifically for hybrid organizations
$50,000-$75,000 worth of expertise, resources, and training
Dedicated leadership coach to support and advise the executive director
Access to tools, templates, training, and resources designed specifically for hybrid organizations
Co-created capacity-building plan to address key challenges and opportunities
Access to a team of vetted, diverse consultants, attorneys, and experts—all experienced in working with hybrid organizations
Learn about our 2020-2021 New American Majority Cohort and 2017-2018 Progressive Infrastructure cohorts here.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Need help scaling your work? NLA can help!
Should we set up a 501(c)(4)? Where can I get solid legal advice on a small budget? Can we endorse candidates? How do we track and report political activity? What is the best way to manage finances across multiple organizations? Can my 501(c)(3) rent or buy my 501(c)(4)’s email list? Must I report partisan activity on Twitter?
NLA and The Capacity Shop work with bold leaders and philanthropic partners to provide Technical Assistance (TA) to answer these questions, and many more.
To date, NLA has provided TA to more than 120+ progressive organizations interested in creating or managing multiple legal entities. Some of the groups we’ve supported include:
We Provide The Following Services:
Technical Assistance & Coaching Packages for Leaders and Organizations: We partner with leaders to create and scale the full range of legal entities they need to build power, maximize impact, and win.
Funder Partnerships To Provide Technical Assistance: We work collaboratively with (c)(3) and (c)(4) funders to design capacity-building programs that meet the unique needs of hybrid organizations.
Free Technical Assistance for Emerging Organizations: We provide free, rapid, one-on-one TA support and referrals to vetted experts and consultants in 30-60 minute one-on-one appointments. Sign up for an appointment here.
EMPOWER & PROTECT STATE PILOT
State campaign finance, taxation, and employment laws vary from state to state. So do the strategies, tactics, and legal entities best suited to build durable power in each state.
In 2020, NLA and The Capacity Shop worked to launch pilot projects to provide state-specific solutions, resources, and infrastructure to meet the unique needs of hybrid organizations in three key states: Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
Our Program:
Empowered progressive organizations to form the legal entities they need to run bold programs for maximum impact.
Protected leaders from potential attacks and fines by helping them build infrastructure, expertise, and a culture of compliance in an election year.
Some of the organizations we supported include:
Arizona: Arizona Wins, Instituto, LUCHA, Mi Familia Vota, Case Action Fund, RAZE, Poder
Georgia: Asian American Advocacy Fund, Black Male Voter Project, Represent Georgia
Wisconsin: America Votes Wisconsin, Freedom Action, Law Forward, Race Class Narrative Project (WI), Wisdom Action Fund, Voces de la Frontera Action Fund
Mapping Capacity-Building Resources
In partnership with the Democracy Alliance and RoadMap Consulting, we spent 2019 doing laser-focused research and conducting more than 70 interviews to compile an in-depth map of all the resources, trainings, and technical assistance providers available to help progressive organizations and leaders maximize their impact in 2020 and beyond.
Check out the website or download the map and directory as a PDF.
Sharing Learnings From the Field
NLA has learned a lot working with organizations that use multiple legal entities to build power. We wrote a whitepaper called Lessons from the Field of Progressive Power Building: What early-stage, progressive organizations need to build a diverse, unstoppable movement, which included ten tips for intermediaries helping early-stage organizations build capacity, to share what we’ve learned with the progressive movement in hopes of helping to build field knowledge. Download the whitepaper here (PDF).
Resources To Help Organizations Adapt To COVID-19
The COVOD-19 pandemic has required our movement and our leaders to pivot, adapt, and adjust to changed circumstances. We’ve compiled a list of training, resources, and conversations that may be helpful to progressive leaders and organizations. The list is periodically updated. View the resources.
TESTIMONIALS
