Our intensive, experiential program provides essential tools for diagnosing key social issues. Academy participants design micro-NGO’s that systemically address community issues, are financially sustainable, and have measurable impact. Our curriculum guides participants in constructing a mission, vision, theory of change, operational plan, organizational design, start-up and operating budgets, financial sustainability strategy, goals and evaluation metrics, strategic partnerships, code of conduct, baseline issue studies, and communications strategies.

Phase One also incorporates mindfulness-based leadership training and personal growth work to build confidence and self-awareness, unlock ideas, and develop leadership capacity. Our approach provides contemplative skills for understanding human behavior, defusing conflict, engaging stakeholders, overcoming fear, and building a sense of ownership by collaboratively diagnosing issues and developing local solutions.

We further utilize mind-body trauma-healing techniques with a scientifically demonstrated impact for alleviating post-traumatic stress, to ensure our participants who are survivors of war and gender-based violence are well enough to pursue their new endeavors.

Phase Two provides direct facilitation as participants complete a business plan for a viable community-based, non-profit organization. Hands-on coaching ensures that the new micro-NGO is designed to be self-sufficient, has measurable goals, has a sustainable financial structure, and will work at the root level to create systemic change for women.

In Phase Three, ventures meeting our criteria receive a seed grant for 100% of their start-up costs. Funding is disbursed over several tranches to teach basic bookkeeping, financial analysis and reporting, and to protect against cost-overruns.

Once a venture is launched, we provide high-engagement coaching and mentorship with the goal of supporting participants to reach self-sufficiency as soon as possible.