Meet the 2017 Mission Accelerator Class

After an exciting Philanthropitch competition, the 2017 Mission Accelerator class was selected. This year’s class is working to solve some of Austin’s most complex community problems in areas such as modern slavery and trafficking, mental health, NICU parental support, college preparedness for underserved communities and more.

Allies Against Slavery

Builds Slave-Free Cities by empowering survivors, connecting partners and building tools that help professionals overcome human trafficking. One of the most significant challenges to solving the crisis of human trafficking is victim identification. Allies Against Slavery has set out to solve the problem of victim identification by developing a screening tool that helps frontline agencies rapidly and effectively identify sex trafficking victims, called the Tier 1 Screener. With the support of Philanthropitch and Mission Accelerator, they will be able to develop their business model for the Tier 1 Screener, refine an earned revenue element and identify opportunities for growth.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas

Is composed of people of faith serving anyone in need by strengthening families and promoting respect for human dignity and life. They are looking to grow and expand their Counseling Services to better address the mental health care provider shortage. Their program will provide high-quality, low-cost counseling services to areas not currently served, as well as provide education to the community on the importance of mental health. Through Philanthropitch and Mission Accelerator, they will develop a strategic plan for long-term success and sustainability.

Hand to Hold

Provides support, education and resources to parents in the neonatal intensive care unit and to those who have lost a baby because of preterm birth or a special healthcare need. They are looking to expand their Ambassador Program, which is a comprehensive, hospital based support program that utilizes trained and supervised NICU graduate parents to serve as “Ambassadors” in the NICU, offering support to parents and families. Through the support of Philanthropitch and Mission Accelerator, they will refine their earned revenue model.

IDEA Public Schools

Ensures that all students in Austin have access to a college preparatory education that empowers them to become the best version of themselves, to give back to their communities, and to change the world. They are developing a pilot program that would scale some of their most cutting-edge professional development practices to other traditional and public charter school districts throughout Central Texas, starting with supporting Del Valle ISD. With the help of Philanthropitch and Mission Accelerator, they will create and implement an earned revenue model and expand their business plan.

Over the next few months, these four nonprofits will engage in group classes and receive one-on-one guidance from nonprofit consultants as well as some of Austin’s most successful business leaders and social entrepreneurs. At the end of the program, they’ll have an investment-ready business plan in addition to the network and skills they need to pitch their plans and receive funding.