Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Program

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Program is an intensive, cohort-based initiative designed to equip early-stage nonprofit founders with the knowledge, tools, and support systems needed to build sustainable, impactful organizations. Administered by Mockingbird Incubator, this program provides comprehensive training in nonprofit management, fundraising, compliance, marketing, and equity-centered operations. The Spring 2026 cohort is scheduled to begin on March 6, 2026, and run for eight consecutive weeks, concluding on April 24, 2026. Applications will open on January 19, 2026. Founded on a mission to support social justice and equity-driven nonprofit work, Mockingbird Incubator partners with Givebutter to provide a scholarship-funded educational experience. Selected participants are granted full tuition coverage for the $600 program fee and may qualify for additional post-program grant funding. Participants gain exclusive access to eight weekly virtual workshops, expert-led discussions, and practical assignments to solidify their nonprofit leadership and strategic capabilities. The program's curriculum includes workshops on strategic planning, board development, goal setting, fundraising, donor engagement, and integrating equity into operations. In addition to core instruction, participants benefit from supplementary programming such as optional fundraising challenges hosted in partnership with Givebutter, which includes individual campaign reviews by Givebutter staff. Participants who opt into the fundraising challenge may also become eligible for matching funds from Mockingbird Incubator. A select participant from each cohort is awarded a $3,000 seed grant upon program completion, with recipients chosen by the Mockingbird Board of Directors based on innovation, sustainability, and community impact potential. The program is exclusively available to nonprofit organizations incorporated in the United States. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or those under fiscal sponsorship. Priority is given to activist founders, grassroots organizers, and social innovators aligned with the program’s social justice values. Mockingbird does not accept organizations with missions contrary to these principles, including those that engage in proselytizing, discriminatory practices, or promote anti-science or anti-LGBTQ+ views. Workshops are conducted entirely online every Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM PST / 1 PM to 3 PM EST. Participants are expected to attend each session and engage fully in the live instruction. Additional office hours and optional discussion groups are offered to enhance peer learning and community building. The estimated time commitment is two hours per week for workshops, with optional assignments and fundraising activities potentially requiring an additional hour weekly. Interested applicants must apply through Mockingbird’s official platform once applications open. Admission is competitive, and participants must demonstrate a readiness to commit to the program’s requirements. The program does not accept walk-ins or incomplete applications. All eligible organizations will be notified of their acceptance and scholarship status prior to the program start. The program’s structured timeline, rigorous content, and equity-driven approach make it a valuable opportunity for emerging nonprofit leaders looking to scale their mission-driven work.

Engaged participation and alignment with equity and justice values are critical for selection.