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ACCELERATE

Leadership ✦ Data ✦ Storytelling

For frontline organisations and exceptional individuals who are working in social justice already driving change, we help you scale what you've built, sharpen your systems, and amplify your story.

How it works
Applications
Now Closed
Model
Cohort-Based
Grant
Up to $10,000 USD
About the Program

From Grassroots Action to Scalable Impact

ACCELERATE is iProbono’s flagship movement-building initiative, empowering grassroots organisations, emerging movements, and exceptional individuals who are working in social justice who have already demonstrated impact in their communities and are ready to grow, strengthen, and drive lasting change.

01
Leadership
Strengthen individual and organisational capacity to lead with confidence through complex environments.
02
Data
Build evidence-based systems that measure, demonstrate, and communicate your impact.
03
Storytelling
Craft narratives that cut through the noise, attract support, and put your mission on the map.
Program / Team

We don't back
programs. We back
people already
changing the world.

At its core, ACCELERATE invests in people and ideas already driving change, equipping them with the tools, networks, and strategic support to turn grassroots action into systemic impact.

Our work spans across South Asia — a region rich with grassroots leaders already building the systems and solutions their communities need. This year, that work takes shape through a cohort in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with our reach expanding further across the region in the years ahead.

Program Model

Built Around You,
Not the Other
Way Around

ACCELERATE selects a cohort of partner organisations for a defined support period. Each cohort receives structured, tailored engagement across five core areas, designed to meet you exactly where you are.

01
Tailored Technical Assistance and Organisational Strengthening
02
Seed funding
03
Access to Legal Expertise & Pro Bono Support
04
Peer Learning & Collaboration Opportunities
05
Storytelling and Visibility
Community / Field Work
Workshop / Cohort
Partner / Beneficiary
Eligibility

Who We Work With

We partner with early-stage and growing organisations and individuals already embedded in their communities and ready to take the next step. If you're advancing access to justice or social equity, we want to hear from you.

Justice-Focused Mission

Working on access to justice, human rights, or social equity, and not just as a tagline.

Demonstrated Community Trust

You've built real relationships and have a track record, even if you're still early stage.

Ready to Scale

Ready to strengthen your systems, increase your capacity, and grow sustainably.

Impact Stories

Stories from the Frontlines

Defending the Right to Belong

When the law changed, everything changed. Overnight, a marginalised community found itself living under constant threat of detention, separation, and the quiet erosion of basic rights.

Through ACCELERATE, a grassroots legal team led by an exceptional lawyer stepped in at the frontlines. With flexible funding, legal expertise, and strategic support, they didn’t just respond, they pushed back.

Together, they’ve secured releases from detention, prevented unlawful arrests, and challenged discriminatory laws head-on. But the real shift? Building local legal leadership that can keep fighting long after the headlines fade.

Because this goes beyond individual legal victories. It’s about enabling communities to recognise their rights and feel confident in using the law to protect their place and identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this grant? +

We welcome applications from across South Asia with a focus on Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We are looking to scale or sustain work already in progress. This includes early-stage, growing movements, organisations and individual activists.

● Who are working on access to justice, human rights or social equity

● Have demonstrated commitment and community trust.

● Are ready to strengthen their systems and scale their impact.

What are the financial requirements that applicants should be mindful of?+

Please complete the budget template we have provided and upload it with the concept note. We can provide a budget of up to $10,000 USD.

Admin costs cannot exceed 5% of total budget.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via our email.

In what language should I submit my application?+

To ensure a fair review process, our primary application form is in English. However, we recognise the linguistic diversity of South Asia. If you are unable to submit in English, and require any form of language support, please email us.

We can provide guidance or support to ensure your ideas are clearly communicated regardless of language barriers. Do notify us in advance so support can be arranged in a timely manner.

What kind of projects or causes do you fund?+

We are looking for grassroots organisations, emerging movements, and human rights defenders working to advance justice and social equity across South Asia.

We are particularly interested in initiatives working on issues such as gender justice, labour and migrant rights, anti-trafficking, digital rights, access to justice, and community empowerment.

We support organisations/individuals that are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to creating long-term, systemic change.

If I am an individual applicant, do I need a reference?+

References are not required at the initial application stage. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to provide referee details.

Can I apply for funding for a project that has already started?+

We fund both new projects and the expansion of existing projects. However, the grant funds cannot be used to cover past debts or costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed. The budget must be for future activities.

How will our application be verified?+

We focus on your track record of impact. We may ask for

● Links to social media pages or news articles showing your past work.

● One/ Two references from community members or partner organisations who can vouch for your movement’s impact and history.

● A brief history of the movement document.

What can the grant funds be used for?+

Since we support existing movements, funds can be used for:

● Core operational costs (staff stipends, rent, utilities).

● Scaling up current programs or campaigns.

● Community outreach and mobilisation.

Note - funds cannot be used for personal profit, political campaigning, or activities that occurred before the grant was awarded.

All application details and identities will be kept confidential due to sensitivities around the work done.

Get Involved

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Thank you for your interest in ACCELERATE. Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed.

What’s next?
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. The selection process is now underway, and successful applicants will be contacted directly.

If you want to connect, contact us at
accelerate@i-probono.com

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