The Program
23 projects
Support of diverse issues from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy to racial justice, renters rights, LGBTI inclusion, economic equality, climate, refugee rights, democracy, digital rights, drug policy and more.
$3M+ raised
Projects have raised more than $3M to support development of strategic plans, launch initial projects and invest in digital infrastructure and design.
1000+ hours
Founders have had thousands of contact hours with guest speakers, finance and governance specialists, legal experts, nonprofit mentors and peers.
“The Progress Labs strategy intensive has armed us with best practice across all areas of building a start-up for social change. This would have taken us so much longer to work out on our own.”
— Jason Ball, Pride Cup
Why do it?
Progress Labs gives early stage founders and organisations the opportunity to refine their story and strategy, raise the funding they need to support their projects, and achieve their vision for change - fast.
What’s on offer?
Hands-on mentorship, connections and strategic advice,
A cohort of founders at a similar stage in their journey to work and learn alongside,
Pitch and fundraising support,
Admin, governance, legal and accounting assistance,
Design, technology, and creative partnerships, and
Office space..
Who you are
You're ready to work full time (or very close to) on your project for the duration of the program (the next cohort will run in 2023).
You're an energetic social leader or team with a vision to create a movement to engage and mobilise Australians around a cause or identity.
You can be any age, but you've almost certainly some previous experience running or working on a social cause.
You're ready to jump into any task, resilient to setbacks, and low on ego.
We encourage applications from individuals and teams with diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences.
does it cost / do i need existing seed funding?
The cost of participating in Progress Labs itself ($40K) is covered by philanthropic partners.
In the first month of the program, we'll help you hone your pitch and expose you to funders and potential supporters. We believe it is easier to raise funds than to identify amazing, driven leaders. Therefore, even if you have no funds we encourage you to apply. If you're selected, it's because we hope and believe seed funds to support you to do your work can be found, somewhere.
Of course, if you have loads of funding already, that's also great and you can benefit from all the other aspects of the program.
Have another question?
We'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch.
We acknowledge that we are living and working on Aboriginal land.
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and pay respect to Aboriginal Elders past and present.
© Australian Progress & ACOSS 2020