Pay It Forward Accelerator

Program Overview & Application

The Pay It Forward Accelerator (PIFA), is a program designed to help GMS alumni and emerging leaders who have the passion and insight needed to create lasting impact but may lack the resources to turn their vision into reality. SEN recognizes that the most powerful solutions often come from those who understand the barriers and resource scarcity within their communities firsthand.

PIFA is a mechanism for identifying, supporting, and celebrating changemakers who are committed to paying forward the opportunities they've received while creating pathways for others to thrive. 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.

Award Information:

Up to three individuals will receive awards.
Awards provide funding and support to turn your vision into reality.
Recipients will receive a Changemaker Profile and will become part of SEN's network of changemakers.

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025.

Awards Announced: December 5, 2025.

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Eligibility Requirements:

Who Can Apply: Individuals or small teams (one designated lead applicant).
Project Focus: Must serve an underserved community or demographic in need. Projects should represent new initiatives or ideas (or successful ideas tailored to another community in need), not expansions or supplements to existing programs or projects.
Mission Alignment: Projects must align with at least one of SEN's three pillars:

Economic empowerment
Civic engagement
Professional/personal development for underserved communities

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Evaluation Process:

Phase 1: Merit-Based Review. SEN will evaluate all proposals using the following criteria to create a shortlist of proposals:

Potential for Community Impact/Value Proposition;
Estimated People Served & Cost per Person;
External Contributions Available (funds raised or in-kind leverage);
Repeatability potential for other communities; and
Demonstrated Community Need

Phase 2: Community Selection Shortlisted proposals will be showcased for a transparent vote by participating donors. Voting results will determine final award decisions.

APPLICANT INFORMATION:

Name

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Phone

(###)

###

####

Are you a Gates Millennium Scholar Alumni

If you are GMS Alumni, what year were you awarded?

GMS Affiliation:

PROJECT OVERVIEW

1. Project Title:

2. Mission Statement Articulate the core mission of your proposed project/initiative and the change/benefits you seek to create.

3. Targeted Community/Location in Need Identify the demographic or location your project/initiative seeks to serve. Highlight how the community or demographic is in need.

4. Estimated Number of People to be Served Estimate with brief explanation the number of people you anticipate your project will directly serve. If applicable, outline broader community benefits and potential ripple effects.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Please limit each response to 300 words maximum

1. SEN Pillar Alignment and Pay It Forward Connection How does your project advance one or more of SEN's three pillars: economic empowerment, civic engagement, and professional/personal development? Connect your work to the broader PIFA mission of paying it forward.

2. Personal Motivation What motivates/inspires you to pursue this project?

APPLICANT COMMITMENTS

By submitting this application, I acknowledge and agree to the following if selected:

Check box(s) to acknowledge and agree.

Project Planning and Implementation: I will develop a detailed Changemaker Plan within 30 days of award notification, which must be approved before funding is released. This plan will expand on my application with specific implementation steps and resource allocation. I will update this Changemaker Plan throughout the project duration to document lessons learned, modifications made, and best practices discovered, creating a comprehensive template that other communities can use to replicate my project.

Reporting: I will provide monthly reflection updates (via video or written narrative) and a comprehensive final report (via video or written narrative) within 30 days of project completion, including video footage of my project in action.

Event Participation: If awarded, I will attend at least one SEN Engage & Elevate Event to present my project and outcomes.

Video Submission: If shortlisted, I will submit a video (5 minutes or less) presenting my project proposal. This video will be used for voting purposes and/or other promotional activities. I understand that I cannot mention my funding request amount in the video.

Fund Management: I will use awarded funds exclusively for project activities and manage any unused funds according to program guidelines.

Story Sharing: I allow SEN to share my project story and use my name, photograph, and likeness to promote the PIFA program and inspire other changemakers.

Plan Sharing: I allow SEN to share my Changemaker Plan to help other communities replicate my project.

Liability: I understand that I am solely responsible for my project implementation and that SEN's role is limited to providing funding and support, with no liability for project outcomes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional Context Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your project, your background, or your community that would help us understand your proposal?Text Area

Signature

Type your signature here

Date

YYYY

By checking this box, I agree that the information in this application is true and complete.

Confirmed

Important Notes:

SEN will not reimburse applicants for the cost of developing this application.
SEN reserves the right to request additional information, conduct discussions with applicants, and negotiate modifications to proposals
Applications will undergo a two-phase evaluation: merit-based review by SEN staff, followed by community voting among donors.
Selected applicants will be notified and asked to sign a formal Changemaker Commitment Agreement.

For questions about this application or the PIFA program, contact: Aaron Stallworth at admin@scholarsequity.org