The Points of Light Civic Accelerator

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator is a pioneering program dedicated to supporting early-stage social ventures in the United States. It focuses on both for-profit and nonprofit startups that aim to address critical social issues by leveraging human capital as part of their solutions. The accelerator provides a comprehensive 10-week, boot camp-style program that combines in-person and online sessions, equipping each startup to seek investments and scale their social innovations. Since its inception in 2012, the Civic Accelerator has partnered with organizations like Village Capital and received support from entities such as the PwC Charitable Foundation and the Starbucks Foundation. The program has invested over $950,000 in U.S.-based social entrepreneurs, pairing 135 startup teams with more than 150 mentors, partners, and strategic advisors. Graduated teams have generated more than $94 million in revenue to date and have reached over 18.7 million individuals, addressing some of the most pressing social challenges across the country. The Civic Accelerator's mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world, fostering a culture of volunteerism and civic engagement. It envisions a world where every individual discovers their power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through its various programs, including the Civic Accelerator, Points of Light engages millions of volunteers annually, contributing significantly to communities worldwide. The Civic Accelerator's impact is evident in the diverse range of sectors it supports, from technology and healthcare to education and financial services, all aimed at enhancing social well-being and economic mobility for underserved populations. By providing resources, mentorship, and funding, the program empowers social entrepreneurs to develop and scale solutions that address critical social problems, thereby contributing to the broader mission of creating positive change through voluntary service.