Social Impact Accelerator
Supporting Birmingham’s changemakers to grow, strengthen and thrive.
ACT is now entering its third year of National Lottery–funded support for grassroots leaders across Birmingham and the West Midlands. This year, we’re focusing on established CICs and community organisations who are ready to strengthen their work, grow sustainably and deepen their local impact.
This Accelerator is for the people already doing the work:
the mentors, youth workers, organisers, creatives, coaches, and neighbourhood leaders who show up for their communities every day — even when resources are tight and time is thinner.
Who the programme is for
We welcome small and medium-sized CICs and community organisations who are:
- Working directly with people in Birmingham
- Rooted in their local area, culture and lived experience
- 2+ years into their journey (or operating at that level)
- 2+ years into their journey (or operating at that level)
Your work might sit in youth engagement, arts and culture, family support, wellbeing, sports, community safety, skills and employment — or any other space where you’re creating change. If you serve your community with purpose, you’re in the right place.
We know some organisations have a clear mission. Others have a powerful idea buried under a mountain of responsibilities. Some are steady but overstretched. Some are growing fast and need structure to match their ambition.
Wherever you sit, the programme meets you there.
What we help with
Running a social enterprise is powerful work — but it can also feel heavy. Many leaders tell us they struggle with:
- Trying to be everywhere and everything
- Balancing delivery with admin, planning and funding
- Building systems that actually work
- Understanding what growth should look like
- Keeping the mission alive while keeping the lights on
- Knowing the right business frameworks to use
- Digital tools, data, automation and AI
- Turning impact into income, contracts or sustainable funding
- Getting time back
The Accelerator gives you space, tools and coaching to untangle the noise and move forward with clarity.
What you’ll gain
- Through tailored support, 1:1 mentoring, practical workshops and development tools, you will:
- Clarify your purpose, direction and long-term plan
- Strengthen leadership, systems and day-to-day operations
- Improve how you gather, understand and use data
- Build confidence around digital tools and AI
- Develop a stronger public presence and community offer
- Create foundations that support growth, stability and wellbeing
- Increase your impact without burning out
By the end of the programme, organisations typically see clearer governance, more confident leadership, stronger systems and a more intentional way of working.
Who we’re not for
- To keep the programme community-focused, we are not seeking:
- Organisations operating mainly outside Birmingham
- National charities or large umbrella groups
- Groups with little direct contact with their community
If you’re rooted here and directly serving people locally, this space is for you.
Spaces & selection
Around 20 Birmingham-based organisations will be selected.
At least 15 are expected to complete the full programme, equipped for stronger, more sustainable growth.
