State Policy Network
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Organization Accelerator

When State Policy Network launched more than 30 years ago, few could have imagined the Network we celebrate today. State think tanks and our Network partners are reshaping the policy landscape in every state and every community by advancing policy solutions, building coalitions, passing legislation, and changing lives.

But there is more work to be done.

To secure durable change that can withstand the winds of partisanship and elections, we must build to meet the future. We have to employ new methods, add new capabilities, identify new talent, and assemble the teams to meet the challenges not just facing our states today, but in the next decade.

Applications close December 6, 2024.

What is the Organization Accelerator?

The Organization Accelerator is a two-year partnership between State Policy Network and an affiliate think tank designed to help the organization achieve growth and significant policy wins. This competitive program provides affiliate think tanks with targeted assistance in strategy, fundraising, communications, government affairs, capacity building, and more. Apply for the Organization Accelerator and transform your think tank into a powerhouse of influence and impact.

Note: The Organization Accelerator is not a grant program

Other FAQs:

Who is a good candidate for the Organization Accelerator?

  • SPN affiliates that have identified a major strategic opportunity in their state
  • SPN affiliates with a desire to grow their organization’s impact and capacity to achieve change
  • SPN affiliates with a track record of strategic acumen and policy wins
  • SPN affiliates with staff capacity in communications, development, and government affairs.

What is required of organizations accepted to the Organization Accelerator program?

If accepted into the Organization Accelerator program, affiliates will be required to meet the following expectations:

    • Participate in an SPN-facilitated strategy session
      • Complete and finalize strategic framework within 8 weeks
      • Identify significant policy goals to achieve or make progress towards in 2 years
      • Identify organization growth goals to make progress towards in 2 years.

    • Willing to participate in SPN services and coaching

    • Willing to have their progress measured

What services does the Organization Accelerator program provide?

Participants in the Organization Accelerator program will be challenged to articulate clear strategic objectives and goals for growth. SPN pledges to come alongside with exclusive access to services and resources designed to help the affiliate meet those goals, grow their team, and enhance their capabilities. These services include:

Strategy:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Durable Freedom Infrastructure Planning and Strategy

Policy Change:

  • Policy Working Groups
  • Issue Campaign Planning
  • Communications Strategy
  • Market Research

Development:

  • Development Planning and Strategy
  • Fundraising Assessment

Communications:

  • Audience and Communications Strategy
  • Branding and Organization Identity
  • Polling and Focus Groups

Board Development:

  • Board Audit
  • Board Training and Consulting

Culture and Professional Development:

  • Organization Culture Assessment and Coaching
  • Leadership Development Coaching (mostly for executives, but could include high-potential talent)
  • Management and Professional Development Coaching/Consulting

Operations:

  • Tools and Technology
  • Win Tracking
  • Internal Process Improvements

Ready to accelerate?

For more information or to discuss your application for the Organization Accelerator, contact SPN Director of Strategy Development, Collin Roth, at croth@spn.org.