The AbbVie Foundation, in collaboration with MATTER, has initiated the Health Equity Accelerator, a program designed to empower nonprofit organizations to create innovative, community-led solutions aimed at addressing health disparities. This initiative seeks to provide mentorship and access to resources that will help scale the impact of these programs and drive meaningful change in communities with limited access to healthcare services. The accelerator invites applications for scalable solutions that rethink the delivery, space, and place of care, particularly for underserved populations.

The primary purpose of the Health Equity Accelerator is to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations to develop and implement effective strategies that improve healthcare accessibility. The program will run for eight weeks and will include a dynamic curriculum delivered by subject matter experts. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their solutions, models, and strategies, ultimately empowering them to make a significant impact in the realm of health equity.

Funding for the program includes a stipend of $10,000 for each selected participant, acknowledging their commitment to the accelerator. Additionally, one standout solution will receive a $50,000 unrestricted grant to support its implementation and development. Participants will also benefit from expert guidance and mentorship, networking opportunities with peers and stakeholders, and increased visibility for their solutions, which may lead to further funding and support.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and represent a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. The program specifically seeks community-based organizations that are innovatively addressing healthcare delivery challenges for populations with limited access to services. Organizations that are developing or implementing solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility for underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria. Organizations must demonstrate nonprofit status, operational capacity, and financial health. They should also articulate a clear problem statement, show that their solution is in the execution stage, and demonstrate potential for scalability and significant community impact. Additionally, applicants must be prepared to engage with mentors and utilize the resources provided by the accelerator.

The application process requires participants to dedicate three to five hours per week to accelerator activities, including workshops, mentoring sessions, and progress check-ins. By the end of the program, participants will be expected to have actionable next steps to advance their solutions over the following six months, along with a complimentary six-month membership to MATTER.

The deadline for applications is October 27, 2024. Interested organizations should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and prepare their submissions accordingly. For more information, potential applicants can visit the MATTER website.