UpTide: $5,000 grant + a chance for $25,000

92NY’s Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact is proud to launch applications for the 2027 cohort of UpTide – an initiative that gives community-building nonprofits the tools they need to reach the next level of impact. At a time when disconnection is growing, UpTide invests in the people and organizations doing the opposite: building belonging, deepening connection, and renewing civic life. UpTide will support five executive directors, CEOs, or presidents of community-building nonprofits. Selected leaders will receive:

• A $5,000 grant, and a chance to receive an additional $25,000
• Three-year strategic plan
• Specialized workshops and executive coaching

Requirements

UpTide participants must be 18 years of age or older and be in a full-time role as the executive director / president / CEO of a 501©(3) nonprofit organization based in the US.

Selection criteria for organizations

Nonprofit status: Must be a US-based nonprofit organization with 501©(3) tax-exempt status in good standing.
Mission and Program: UpTide is dedicated to combating the “Crisis of Community"— the growing disconnection and disaffiliation at the root of many societal challenges. Your organization should address the Crisis of Community through your mission and programming.
Program Impact: Your organization directly serves at least 500 people or a meaningful proportion of your community. You must have implemented at least one proven intervention with at least one year of positive impact data that demonstrates that you are achieving the desired outcome.
Scalability: You have a replicable model that is making a meaningful impact on the community it serves and is ready to scale.

Time commitment

Applicants must be confident that they can attend all sessions. To receive the $5,000 unrestricted grant, you must attend all virtual sessions, NYC Week, and Showcase Day. All flights, hotels, and most meals during NYC week will be paid for by UpTide.

Application Instructions

https://www.92ny.org/belfer-center-for-innovation-social-impact/uptide-accelerator/how-to-apply

Step 1: Submit your application by August 31, 2026
Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.

Step 2: Interview (by invitation)
If you’re selected to move on to Round 2, you’ll be invited to a virtual interview by September 16, 2026. Interviews will take place September 21–30, 2026.

Step 3: Notification
All Round 2 applicants will be notified by October 30, 2026 if they’ve been selected for the UpTide cohort.