Accelerator Programs

We provide comprehensive, capacity-building support to governments and organizations through our accelerator programs. In each accelerator, we work with a cohort of innovators to prepare action plans for launching or improving participatory programs, with a focus on equity and inclusion.

Each accelerator begins with a call for applications from governments and organizations that want help planning a participatory and deliberative democracy program. Selected participants then receive several months of hands-on support while developing a successful program. We match each participant with an expert mentor, deliver action-oriented training and resources, and coordinate peer-learning opportunities. Participants work with their mentors to develop an action plan for their programs, using the Participation Playbook, an interactive online tool developed by People Powered to guide users when designing participatory programs. Participants are also eligible to receive funding and additional support to turn their plans into reality.

See the Impact

Applications are open until July 1, 2025 for the following Accelerators:

Democratic Innovations Accelerator

To help governments and civil society organization bring youth participation to policymaking and governance.

Inclusive Democracy Accelerator

To help governments and civil society organizations that want to improve participatory programs to engage youth, women, and displaced people.

Watch the May 27 info session

Learn more about current and past Accelerator graduates!

Applications for the following Accelerator programs are closed:

Climate Democracy Accelerator

To help governments engage community members in deciding how to respond to the climate crisis.

Mainstreaming Participation Accelerator

To help government reformers mainstream or embed fit-for-purpose, high-quality and inclusive public participation practices across key government sectors, processes, and institutions.

Accelerator Programs