Call for The Dovetail Acceleration Program 2026 is open now!!
The Dovetail Acceleration Program is a capacity-building initiative designed to support early-stage, locally led organizations across Africa. Since its launch in 2021, the program has distributed approximately $6 million in grants to over 130 organizations, empowering them to scale their impact within their communities.
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The Acceleration Program exists to help promising organizations strengthen these core building blocks so they are better positioned for long-term funding and growth opportunities. The Program focuses on the core domains that support organizational maturity and funder readiness. Each domain is led by experienced consultants who work alongside Dovetail to provide workshops, coaching, and applied tools.
Acceleration combines four integrated components:
- Workshops: Live, interactive sessions introducing practical frameworks and tools within each capacity domain.
- Coaching: One-on-one sessions with domain experts to refine strategy, apply feedback, and support implementation.
- Deliverables: Applied assignments that translate learning into concrete organizational assets.
- Peer Huddles: Small, consistent peer groups that foster accountability, shared learning, and community.
Progress is measured through consistent engagement, quality of deliverables, and demonstrated organizational growth over time.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Dovetail offers two program tracks:
- Catalyst – a one-year track focused on building foundational systems and clarity
- Ascent – a two-year track supporting deeper implementation and growth readiness
The program recognizes that while many African-led organizations show strong local insight and early impact, accessing institutional funding often requires greater organizational readiness. To bridge this gap, it supports participants in building measurable results, clear pathways to scale, strong financial systems, and effective leadership. Through a structured learning journey, organizations develop key capacities in brand communications, fundraising and financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and pathways to scale helping them strengthen their foundations for sustainable growth.
Location:
AfricaBenefits
Organizations that fully engage in the Program strengthen:
- Strategic clarity and measurable impact focus
- A credible and compelling case for support
- Fundraising and financial systems that support sustainable growth
- Leadership alignment and lifecycle awareness
- A peer community of leaders building alongside them
Eligibilities
To be eligible for the Acceleration Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- The organization must be a locally registered not-for-profit based in Africa
- It must have an official website (a social media page alone is not sufficient)
- The organization must be at least two years old
- It should have an annual operating budget between $100,000 and $500,000 USD
- The organization must have an established board of directors
- The founder must participate as the primary representative in the program
- The founder and senior leadership team must be based in Africa
- All participating senior team members must have business-level proficiency in English
Application Process
Apply online through the Apply Now link
Application Deadline: April 28, 2026 (19 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
