Seven Denver Nonprofits Join Our Impact Investment Accelerator

We’re excited to announce the 2026 Impact Investment Accelerator cohort, a select group of Denver-area nonprofit leaders ready to use the power of impact investment to build steady revenue for their growing organizations.

Unlocking New Paths to Funding

Through years of running capacity-building programs for small to mid-size nonprofits, we know that when nonprofit leaders set out to design their fundraising plans, grants, recurring donations, major gifts, and galas usually top the list and consequently make up the current majority of nonprofit revenue. But as the world of grants becomes increasingly unsteady and organizations compete with massive marketing campaigns for attention, it’s never been more important for nonprofits to explore new revenue streams.

Impact investment offers a powerful complement to traditional philanthropy. It provides flexible capital to fund growth and strengthen operations. By receiving and paying back impact investments, organizations also play a crucial part in the flywheel that supports their broader communities, as funders like SVP Denver’s Colorado Impact Investment Network (COIIN) recycle returns into future investments that generate ongoing impact.

Large funders in Denver have been pioneering impact investing in recent years - including tools like concessionary loans, equity investments, and bridge loans. Yet most nonprofit leaders have had limited access to the information, relationships, and practical tools needed to explore and raise impact investment confidently. On the donor side, few individuals have the capacity to fully fund an impact investment on their own, but few resources exist to pool those funds together.

What the Impact Investment Accelerator Will Achieve

SVP Denver is opening new doors by designing this first-of-its- kind curriculum to equip our local nonprofits with the knowledge they need to intentionally leverage impact investment and explore, validate, and scale their earned income.

Over seven intensive weeks, the 2026 Impact Investment Accelerator cohort will build the knowledge and readiness to decide whether impact investment is right for their organizations; clarify the amount and type of capital they need; strengthen financial and diligence materials; refine their pitches; and connect directly with local funders. Supported by SVP Denver Partners and local funders as advisors, participants will leave with greater confidence, stronger relationships, and a focused plan for raising and receiving impact investment.

This program offers a direct path to funding - at least one participating organization will receive a low-interest six-figure impact investment from SVP Denver COIIN. Together, the accelerator and COIIN are designed to build a more accessible impact investment ecosystem for Denver, starting with this exciting group of seven cohort organizations. 

We look forward to watching these impactful organizations grow and thrive with the support of our Denver community!

Denver Food Rescue
Recovers surplus fresh food by bike and redistributes it through community-led grocery programs across Denver.

Denver Tool Library
Lends thousands of tools and runs a community workshop so neighbors can build, repair, and learn together.

Mama Bird Doula Services
Provides free doula care, lactation support, and mental health resources to BIPOC birthing families in the Denver area.

Mile High Workshop
Offers paid job training and contract production work for people rebuilding their lives after addiction, homelessness, or incarceration.

Mini Money
Teaches financial literacy to students through hands-on workshops and digital tools that build real-world money skills.

The Savings Collaborative
Helps families left out of mainstream banking build savings habits through a multilingual app, coaching, and low-cost emergency loans.

Transformative Leadership for Change
Runs a fellowship and support network for BIPOC leaders driving social justice work across Colorado.