Accelerator Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I recently learned about the Accelerator Initiative; how can my organization get involved?

A: Unfortunately, the grant application period has ended and the 16 grantee organizations have already been selected. However, there are still several ways your organization can benefit from the Accelerator Initiative!

In June 2023, we will launch a 12-part, monthly Training Series that covers topics related to leadership, governance, and management. Most of these sessions will be held virtually, and will be recorded and made available to the public after they have occurred. We hope to offer a few of sessions in-person and open them up for other organizations to attend.
We will maintain a list of grant funding opportunities here for grassroots mental health providers.

Q: How does the Accelerator Initiative define “grassroots”?

A: We do not have a specific definition for “grassroots”. Grantee organizations were reviewed based on the following questions:

Who you serve (target population)?
What difference are you making (impact/contribution)?
What is your dream for your organization (capacity/scale)?

The Accelerator Initiative sought to fund groups that are authentically and meaningfully connected to the community they serve and are providing valued and responsive services in an accessible way to historically underserved and marginalized communities in Indiana, including:

people who have been historically and systemically oppressed
people who live in under-resourced geographic areas of the state

Q: How do you define historically and systemically oppressed?

A: The Accelerator Initiative aims to bolster organizations that provide services to the following groups:

Historically and systemically oppressed racial and ethnic groups (people of color)
People who identify as LGBTQ+
People impacted by the criminal legal system
People who live in rural areas of the state

Historically and systematically oppressed includes groups beyond this list. However, this funding opportunity is focused on organizations that serve these groups.

Q: What is the funder looking for?

A: We understand that grants can be daunting. The Accelerator Initiative was created to support grassroots providers in growing their capacity. The application questions were written with the intent to learn about each applicant and to gain wholistic understanding of who they are, who they desire to serve, and what they envision for the future.

Q: Is this opportunity for organizations still in the design phase/not yet formed?

A: While the Accelerator Initiative targets small and newly created organizations, organizations still in the design phase or those who have not started providing services are not well suited for this opportunity.

Q: Can you share more about the planning grant phase and the timeline.

A: Selected applicants will be invited to the Planning Grant phase, which is projected to begin in January 2023 through March 2023. You can find the timeline for the Accelerator Initiative HERE.

Q: I’m curious if I’m eligible. I got a yes, from the interest form. We are slightly over the $500,000 threshold.

A: More than likely our team reviewed your interest form and determined that you are eligible. The focus of the application questions is to gain information for further consideration. While we need guidelines around eligibility, we also do not want to arbitrarily exclude organizations without context.

Q: Is the 10k during planning restricted or unrestricted.

A: Unrestricted. The 10k provided during the planning phase is available to help offset costs associated with time spent working with a coach to answer three primary questions:

Where is the organization right now?
Where do you want the organization to be in 5 years?
What help do you need in the next 12-18 months to get you there?

In that, organizations will be asked to work with the Accelerator team in developing three associated deliverables – Organizational Self-Assessment, Strategic Growth Plan, and Technical Assistance Plan. This will form the basis of their Implementation Grant Application.

Q: Am I recalling correctly that the 10k planning grant can be to support the grantee requirements.

A: The 10k provided to grantees during the planning grant phase will go to support the development of the three Planning Grant deliverables.

Q: Is this for direct service providers or is it open to coalitions, intermediary organizations, or advocacy groups?

A: This initiative is intended for direct service providers rather than coalitions, intermediary organizations, or advocacy groups – in other words, organizations that are providing mental health and wellness services directly to individuals that fall into one or more of the following groups:

Historically and systemically oppressed racial and ethnic groups (people of color)
People who identify as LGBTQ+
People impacted by the criminal legal system
People who live in rural areas of the state

Q: Is there a restriction on how the dollars are used – our challenge has been on getting funding for operations?

A: Funds provided through the implementation grant could be used for operations. During the planning phase, organizations will be completing a self-assessment in service of developing a strategic growth plan and a technical assistance plan. The funding will align with those plans, which could include paying for operational needs.

Q: Are there any restrictions for faith-based organizations applying?

A: There are no restrictions on what type of organizations can apply - faith-based organizations are welcome to apply.

Q: I noticed the PDF version of the application – is this what we use to apply?

A: The PDF is for reference and to help applicants that want to prepare answers/information prior to completing the application. The Planning Grantee Application was created on SurveyMonkey.

Q: If we are a subcontractor receiving DMHA funds for a separate program we support, would that prohibit us receiving this grant?

A: Applicants that receive funding through another DMHA grant are eligible to apply.

Q: I filled out the interest survey, but I haven’t received a link to the application, what should I do?

A: Please email Accelerator@communitysolutionsinc.net.

Q: What if we’ve been around for a while but are looking to change directions? Is this opportunity appropriate for us?

A: The Accelerator Initiative is for organizations at all stages, as long as they meet the basic eligibility criteria, which includes:

Local, community-driven organization providing mental health and wellbeing supports to historically marginalized or under-resourced groups
Organization or program with a budget of less than $500,000/year
Interest in receiving coaching to help deepen your organization’s capacity
Desire to build skills to scale and sustain your efforts

Q: When is the application due?
A: The planning grant application will open on September 12th and is due on October 21st, 2022.

Q: How do I apply?
A: The application window has closed. All interested organizations first submitted an interest survey. After submission, the Accelerator team sent an email that includes a link to the application.

Q: How grassroots do you have to be?

A: We do not have a definition for “grassroots.” Applicants will be reviewed for the following questions:

Who you serve (target population)
The difference you make (impact/contribution)
Your dream for your organization (capacity/scale)

We are looking for groups that are authentically and meaningfully connected to the community they serve and are providing valued and responsive services in an accessible way to historically underserved and marginalized communities in Indiana, including:

people who have been historically and systemically oppressed
people who live in under-resourced geographic areas of the state

The Application is designed to support grantees in sharing narratives with regards to each of these above questions. We will consider the application as a whole.