SVP Cincinnati’s Innovative Approach to Nonprofit Support

At the heart of SVP Cincinnati’s mission is an innovative program reshaping how nonprofits grow and thrive: Project XLR8^™. This nonprofit-focused accelerator program is tailored to help organizations refine socially innovative ideas and turn them into impactful solutions.

Lauren Merten, Executive Director of SVP Cincinnati, shares how this program emerged as a response to challenges nonprofits faced during the pandemic and how it continues to empower organizations today.

A More Meaningful Approach

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofits faced unprecedented challenges, with reports suggesting that up to 40% might not survive. Recognizing this, SVP Cincinnati pivoted from its traditional SVP investee and Fast Pitch model to develop Project XLR8. “We asked ourselves how we could support more nonprofits in a more meaningful way using SVP’s unique combination of grant funding and business expertise,” Lauren explains.

Unlike typical business accelerators, Project XLR8 focuses solely on nonprofits, addressing their unique challenges and opportunities.

How Project XLR8 Works

The program is designed to support nonprofit ideas at various stages of development, focusing on fostering innovation and equity. It unfolds in three distinct phases. 

The Explore Phase spans 8-10 weeks. Nonprofits submit a streamlined application, and 4-6 are selected to participate. Each organization receives $1,000 in unrestricted funding and coaching from SVP Cincinnati partners. During this phase, participants explore the viability and sustainability of their socially innovative ideas, develop a value proposition, and present their concepts to SVP partners. Partners select 2-4 nonprofits to continue to the next phase of the program.

The Lift Phase is next and includes a 12-16-week period during which nonprofits advancing from the Explore Phase receive an additional $2,500 and personalized support. This phase focuses on capacity building, with training in areas such as business planning, marketing, financial projections, and fundraising, to name a few. Nonprofits refine their plans and prepare a final presentation to showcase their progress and potential for long-term partnership.

At the end of the Lift Phase, one organization is selected as the Investee for a deeper, two to three-year partnership with SVP Cincinnati. However, support for those not selected often continues. As Lauren emphasizes, “Even if they’re not selected, the relationships and work continue whether finishing a project through Project XLR8 or beyond.”

Project XLR8’s Impact

Project XLR8 has supported a range of socially innovative ideas. Among these is Transform, a closet concept for transgender youth that provides clothing swaps, stylist consultations, and community services. Another example is Stitched, an industrial sewing program that helps participants access living-wage jobs with minimal training, addressing both workforce development and economic mobility.

Since its launch four years ago, Project XLR8 has supported 39 nonprofits, enabling SVP Cincinnati to engage more deeply and substantively with the local nonprofit community than ever before. By streamlining application processes and broadening eligibility criteria, the program ensures it reaches organizations that most need support.

The three organizations and projects that have been selected as Project XLR8 Investees so far are:

• Refugee Connect to support their Health Navigator program
• Cornerstone Renter Equity to help build their Equity Club
• Appointed Civic Leadership Academy to train more women to serve on civic commissions and boards

The success of Project XLR8 is powered by SVP Cincinnati’s dedicated partners, who contribute far more than financial support—they offer invaluable hands-on expertise in areas such as volunteer management, marketing, and financial planning, amongst others. Beyond benefiting nonprofits, the program also creates a dynamic and flexible platform for partners to engage meaningfully. “Project XLR8 provides ways for our partners to engage in short-term projects with participants but also to build longer-term relationships with nonprofits along the way,” Lauren explains. “They can lead one of the coaching relationships if they want to, or they can jump in and out because we have multiple partners working with each of these groups.”

Looking Ahead

Project XLR8 exemplifies how SVP Cincinnati is leading the charge in nonprofit innovation, creating a model that is impactful, collaborative, and sustainable. As Lauren puts it, “This program allows us to work with more nonprofits in a deeper, more meaningful way while better identifying the organizations that are the right fit for long-term partnership.”