The Fast Forward Accelerator 2027 supports early-stage tech and AI-powered nonprofits through funding, mentorship, training, and founder community. The programme runs for approximately three months, from late February to early June 2027. Selected organisations receive a $25,000 unrestricted grant, while applications for the 2027 cohort close on September 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Fast Forward Accelerator
Category: Accelerator Programme
Host: Fast Forward
Eligible Organisations: Early-stage tech and AI-powered nonprofits
Programme Duration: Late February to early June 2027
Funding: $25,000 unrestricted grant
Interviews: October–December 2026
Application Deadline: September 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT
About the Fast Forward Accelerator 2027
Fast Forward designed its Accelerator around the needs of early-stage technology nonprofits. The programme combines financial support with practical training, expert mentorship, and access to a community of founders.
Over three months, participating teams work on fundraising, team development, and strategies for increasing their impact. The programme also prepares participants for a final Demo Day.
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What Selected Organisations Receive
The Fast Forward Accelerator provides financial and programme support designed specifically for tech nonprofits.
✓ $25,000 unrestricted grant
✓ Expert mentorship from technology and social impact leaders
✓ Training covering technology development and nonprofit management
✓ Support with fundraising and pitch development
✓ Access to a cohort of other tech nonprofit founders
✓ Continued portfolio support after completing the Accelerator
Accelerator Curriculum
The programme addresses both nonprofit management and technology development.
Confirmed nonprofit-focused areas include:
✓ Board development
✓ Impact measurement
✓ Volunteer management
Technology-related areas include:
✓ Product development
✓ Go-to-market strategy
✓ Strategies for scaling
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Who Can Apply?
The Accelerator is designed for early-stage tech and AI-powered nonprofits.
Fast Forward identifies two core requirements:
• The organisation must pursue a nonprofit business model to fund its work.
• The organisation must already have at least a minimum viable product, or MVP, built.
Beyond these requirements, Fast Forward evaluates applicants holistically.
Selection Criteria
Fast Forward considers several factors when assessing an organisation’s fit for the programme.
• Leadership: Leaders who can operate across both technology and nonprofit environments.
• Tech Talent: Mission-driven technical talent in leadership positions or plans to bring technical guidance into the organisation.
• Impact Potential: The potential scale and depth of the organisation’s impact.
• Scalability: Software-based solutions with strong potential for growth.
• Lived Experience: Leadership informed by direct experience with the problem being addressed.
• Alignment: Organisations for which Fast Forward’s expertise can provide meaningful support.
Demo Day
The three-month Accelerator concludes with Demo Day.
Participants prepare a concise fundraising pitch and supporting materials throughout the programme. These include a refined pitch deck and a mini-documentary about their work.
At Demo Day, participating founders present their organisation’s plan and vision to an audience from the social impact technology ecosystem.
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Key Dates
The official programme page provides the following timeline:
• Application Period: August 17–September 7, 2026
• Application Deadline: September 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT
• Interviews: October–December 2026
• Final Notifications: By the end of 2026
• Programme Duration: Late February–early June 2027
• Demo Days: Late May–early June 2027, with in-person and virtual components
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
