Issue No. 1

Hello and welcome, 

The Idealist Action Incubator began in 2022 with a mission to guide community action-takers through the steps of bringing their good idea to life. Since then, we’ve worked with over 300 participants worldwide, each sharing impactful ideas to support their communities. Our program continues to grow with the inclusion of Sessions, virtual one-on-one meetings provided by our team of dedicated, expert volunteer coaches: Terry, Tatiana, Leslie, and Christina. Each coach brings a high level of expertise, encouragement, and support. 

Now, I’m excited to introduce this new quarterly newsletter! Through this publication, we aim to continue offering solid tips, such as how to use an Impact/Effort Matrix to brainstorm ideas and select a solid one that addresses an issue in your community. Our newsletter will also provide updated resources and announce upcoming opportunities—such as the application deadline for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grant (see more below)—to support you as you continue to move forward toward your end goal. We also want to keep you informed with vital information, such as how to seek alternative funding sources in light of cuts to federal funding that impact community services. 

Lastly, we want to ensure we all stay connected and celebrate our many ideas, progress, and accomplishments! We invite all past alums to continue sharing their stories with us and keep in touch with one another where possible. Building strong community partnerships doesn’t just have to be a local effort; it can expand beyond borders in this impactful and innovative global community, inspiring new changemakers to turn their good intentions into far-reaching actions. 

So look around, check out some of the resources we’ve gathered for you, and stay in touch! We’re so happy to continue building this community with you ❤️

LET’S GIVE IT UP FOR…🙌

…our 2025 Spring Cohort winners, Latresa Baker, Sergio Monterroso, and Ben Averbuch!

They, along with four other finalists, participated in our first in-person joint program, Take Action Against Food Insecurity in NYC, with Communitas America. Our five-week program guided participants through planning their initiative, developing a theory of change, gaining real-life insight for best practices, and providing participants the opportunity to connect and network in person. Our three winners were the happy recipients of a $5,000 grant to help continue their efforts in NYC.  Click here to learn more about our winners and their groundbreaking ventures.

COACHES CORNER 🦸

In 2023, we expanded our support and expertise by recruiting top-notch expert volunteer coaches who demonstrated a strong commitment to ‘paying it forward.’ One such volunteer coach, Terry, has been a continued source of helpful support not only to our participants and fellow team members but also to the global community she has served in her work over many years. Here’s her story.

PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENTS 🗣️

Sign up for a Session Now 

We’re resuming our one-on-one coaching sessions on September 30. Our sessions are designed to provide participants with the support and guidance they need to take the first step with their community initiative. If you are in the early stages of moving forward with a community project or nonprofit launch, or just need help brainstorming ways to address an issue in your area, sign up now to meet with one of our expert coaches and begin moving your good intention into action. ⚡

Idealists of the World, Unite!

Looking for a way to do good in your area and connect with like-hearted idealists? Idealist Days are monthly days of action (10/10, 11/11, 12/12, etc) that provide a way for you to connect with others, locally and globally, and to use one day each month to take whatever action you’d like towards making a positive difference in the world. Click here to learn more about Idealist Days and how you can plan for the next one.

Recipes for Action

Looking for an idea on how to make a positive difference in your community or the world at large? Recipes for Action is a crowdsourced collection of innovative ideas designed to inspire and spark community action. Visit our site to learn more and be inspired to use one of the listed recipes in your area. Have you already taken action in your community and have your very own recipe? Click here to share and inspire others!

RESOURCES 🛠️

Communitas of New York Podcast - Our partner, Communitas America, invites listeners to their new podcast featuring Communitas Ventures alums. Listen to innovative stories from founders sharing how they navigate the challenges of accessing the right resources at the right time, staying true to their vision, and managing their potential. Streaming on Apple, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. 

fundsforNGOs regularly features and lists available global funding opportunities, helping community projects, NGOs, and nonprofits. 

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Funding 

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants - Awards grants to local organizations addressing community needs. Applications are accepted quarterly; the next application deadline is October 15.

The Lawrence Foundation - Awards grants twice a year to charitable organizations addressing environmental issues, human services, and disaster relief. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. The next cycle of applications is due by October 31.  

Accelerator Programs

Santa Clara Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship - This 6-month program focuses on social enterprises addressing women’s economic power and climate resilience. Features weekly calls with mentors, resources, and networking. The application deadline is November 1 for the January 2026 cohort.

EFG Accelerator - 20-week Fellows Incubator program in the New York area supporting select early or mid-stage nonprofits addressing educational equity. The program includes personalized coaching, management consulting, and networking. Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend and a $5,550 grant for their organization. 

Imminent: Language Technology Innovators Funding Program - Allocations of $20,000 to five select original research projects/language tech startups. The application deadline is October 15. 

I hope you enjoyed the first edition of the Idealist Action Incubator newsletter! If you’d like to share your story and progress with your idea, drop me a line (or more) at cjones.walton@idealist.org. Until the next time - I’ll see you again in December! 🎉 

All the best,

Carol

P.S. Did someone forward this to you because you're a rocking change-maker in your community?  Subscribe here to get your very own Actions Newsletter in your inbox each month.