Pay It Forward Accelerator

A community-supported grant program funding GMS alumni and emerging leaders ready to move from idea to impact in underserved communities.

Apply for PIFA 2026-2027

Meet the PIFA 2025-2026 Changemakers

ABOUT PIFA

What is the Pay It Forward Accelerator?

PIFA identifies, supports, and celebrates changemakers who are committed to paying forward the opportunities they’ve received and creating pathways for others to thrive. Through funding, mentorship, and hands-on leadership experience, we invest in the whole person – not just the project. We believe that lasting change happens when we invest in leaders who understand that true success is measured not just by what we achieve, but by what we enable others to accomplish.

HOW IT WORKS

A two-phase evaluation model

After applications are submitted, a panel of independent reviewers selects the strongest projects as finalists. Then, the broader community votes with their dollars - every $1 donated equals one vote. The top projects are awarded.

How It Works — PIFAPhase 1
01
Apply
GMS alumni and endorsed individuals submit project proposals during the application window.
Phase 1
02
Structured review
Volunteer reviewers assess applications against established criteria. Top-scoring applications advance to a finalist cohort to participate in a community engagement and fundraising campaign.
Phase 2
03
Community votes
Supporters engage in a participatory funding round in which donations function as votes. All contributions are pooled into a collective fund, and voting results help determine the ranking of finalists for award distribution.
Phase 2
04
Top projects awarded
The top projects by vote total receive funding. The number of awarded projects depends on how much the community raises together.

Apply Now

Sign up to be a Reviewer

Learn More about the Process

2025-26 Projects Awarded

APPLY TO PIFA

Apply Now!

Apply to PIFA 2026-2027 from July 20 through August 21, 2026. GMS alumni and individuals with a GMS alum endorsement are eligible to apply.

Have questions? Watch a recording of our informational webinar hosted on August 4, 2026 at 8pm EDT / 5pm PDT. Summary here.

START HERE

Read the entire Application Overview before applying. Preview application questions here.

APPLY

Ready to apply? Fill out and submit your Application by August 21, 2026.

GMS ALUM ENDORSEMENT

All applicants who are not GMS alumni require a GMS alum to complete this form by August 21, 2026.

PIFA 2026-27 Timeline — Horizontal2026–27 cycle
PIFA Timeline
Phase 1Application Period
July 20 – Aug 21
Phase 1Phase 1 Evaluations
Aug 22 – Sept 17
Key dateFinalists Announced
Sept 18
Phase 2Voting and Fundraising
Oct 12 – Dec 4
Key dateWinners Announced
December 5

Want to get involved another way? Sign up to be a PIFA Reviewer! Reviewers play a key role in our selection process, evaluating applications and helping identify the next cohort of Changemakers. Learn more or sign up here.

Questions? Email noah@scholarsequity.org