Accelerator

Accelerator Program

The HIGGS Accelerator is a training and advisory program, especially designed for non-profits in Greece with the aim to provide them with support on issues related to their strategy that reflects the overall operation of the organization which they represent and the development of their proposals.

The program is directed to small or medium-sized non-profits:

  • with at least 2 years of operation and a maximum number of 40 permanent and full-time employees.

Program characteristics and benefits

Cost: There is no cost, the program is offered free of charge
Duration: 6 months
Commencement: twice a year, November and May
Bootcamp: compulsory intensive 4 weeks (from 10:00 to 16:00) training in 16 different areas of expertise
Workshops: training seminars especially adapted to the needs of Greek non-profits
Weekly meetings: support on the development of a business plan and of  fundraising proposals directed to domestic and international donors.
Advisory: one to one meetings with the HIGGS Internal & External Team of Experts, regarding every aspect of their operations. Thematic areas: Legal, Accounting, Marketing & Communications, Facebook/Website, Volunteer Recrutiment/Management, Corporate Social Responsibility
Networking: with major Greek & international non-profits, funders & media as well with the organizations participating in the Incubator Program for the submission of joint fundraising proposals.
Free use of the HIGGS premises (co-working space, meeting & events rooms): to develop their activities.

The Accelerator program will be held mainly online.

To meet our Team and get additional information, please send an email to [email protected]. We are looking forward to welcoming you at HIGGS!

Important Dates

The Application Period for the 18th Cycle of Accelerator Program: September 2023

19th Cycle Commencement: November 2023

Bootcamp

The training program (Bootcamp) has been especially designed for non-profit organizations (NPOs) operating in Greece. The Bootcamp lasts for 4 weeks, totally 80 hours, covering 16 thematic areas. Its aim is to provide the appropriate skills and necessary knowledge that will add value to the NPOs’ operation in general, and more specifically, to the development of successful funding proposals.

All participants in the Accelerator program have to attend the Bootcamp which takes place in the beginning and in the middle of the program in HIGGS premises.

The Courses

The thematic areas of the training courses include:

  • Funding Sources
  • Funding from International Donors–European Funds
  • Project Life Cycle
  • Designing a Project
  • Project Team Management
  • Volunteer Management
  • Networking
  • Logical Framework
  • Timeplan & WPs Sequencing
  • Budgeting
  • Proposal Writing
  • Project Implementation
  • Project Monitoring Techniques
  • Project Evaluation
  • Μarketing Techniques
  • Legal Issues
  • Business Plan
  • Strategic Plan
  • Fundraising Plan
  • Sustainability Plan

Course Hours

Courses are held during morning hours from 10:00 to 16:00.

Examinations

Upon completion of the 1st phase of the program (first 2 weeks), participants have to take an examination which aims to evaluate whether they have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of what they have been taught.

Following your successful result in the exam, you receive a certificate of attendance which can be included in your personal resume as well as in your organization’s credentials.

Submission Instructions

The organizations participating in the Accelerator program are selected based on the fundraising proposal that they submit. We focus only on small or medium-sized Nonprofit Organizations with at least 2 years of operation and a maximum number of 40 permanent and full-time employees.

Selection Criteria

Concept Quality: convincing vision and implementation plan

20%

Experience and Skills of the Implementation Team

10%

Creation of New Job Opportunities

15%

Social impact

10%

Implementation Methodology

20%

Proposal Maturity

10%

Implementation Partnership

15%

Application Form

The application period has concluded.