The Greater Sum Virtual Incubator is a free, 6-week online program for early-stage U.S. nonprofit founders.
If you’re running an organization and ready to strengthen your strategy, operations, and funding model, this program is for you.
What to expect
Put together the puzzle pieces of mission, strategy, and finance with help from Greater Sum skills-based volunteers. The free 6-week program is comprised of:
Work-at-your-own-pace video curriculum
Weekly discussions with non-profit peers
Individual coaching sessions available on the topics you request
Application opens 9/9/26
2027 Incubator Schedule
January
Tuesdays @ 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT), Program Dates: Jan 26 – Mar 2, application deadline Dec 15th, 2026
(6 - Week Series)
March
Thursdays @ 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT), Program Dates: Mar 11 - Apr 15, application deadline Jan 28, 2027
(6 - Week Series)
May
Tuesdays @ 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT), Program Dates: May 4 - Jun 8, application deadline Mar 25,2027
(6 - Week Series)
Summer Intensive
Mon–Fri @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT). Program Dates: Jul 12-16, application deadline Jun 3, 2027
(1- Week Sprint)
August
Thursdays @ 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT), Program Dates: Aug 19 – Sep 23, application deadline Jul 8, 2027
(6 - Week Series)
October
Tuesdays @ 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM PT), Program Dates: Oct 26- Nov 30, appliction deadline Sep 14, 2027
(6 - Week Series)
Get access to
Subject Matter Expertise
Connect with experts across a variety of industries to support your vision and team
Cohort Learning
Dive deep when the time is right, into topics like evaluation, social media, and human resources
Peer Community
Build a network of collaborative and innovative nonprofit leaders
Funding Eligibility
Incubator alumni are eligible for Greater Sum’s annual Pitch Competition
What’s the schedule?
The time commitment is approximately two hours per week, for six weeks. We hold weekly discussion sessions and participants are expected to be up-to-date on a self-paced virtual curriculum before each peer chat session. View our event calendar here.
Participants must complete all six modules and attend at least four peer chat sessions in order to complete the incubator and be eligible for the Pitch Competition.
Am I eligible for the Virtual Incubator?
U.S. based: You must have US 501(c)(3) status, have submitted paperwork for the 501(c)(3), or operate under fiscal sponsorship. We are not able to support organizations based overseas at this time.
Early-stage: A nonprofit that is early enough that you would benefit from nonprofit management training, mentorship and a small amount of funding. This is typically within the first 5 years after founding date.
Innovative: A nonprofit that approaches an existing problem with a new and impactful idea that will be meaningfully positive. For example, an existing solution applied to a population previously without access, a new service offering, or a new technology.
Scalable: A service delivery model that becomes more cost-effective as you expand your service area. Nonprofits accomplish this in a variety of ways, including branching, franchising, strategic partnerships, and distributing best practices. SMART goals are good inspiration for the types of growth plan we’re looking for (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).