Systems Change Fellowship
The SJPLA Systems Change Fellowship bolsters the growth and impact of initiatives tackling the root causes of Los Angeles’ most pressing social problems.
Over nine months, the cohort model supports nonprofit leaders with lived experience as they hone their systems change strategy, explore liberatory team culture practices, amplify messaging, and expand their relationships and resources. SJPLA has found that supporting these foundational elements accelerates an organization’s ability to create systemic community impact.
How it Works
The Systems Change Fellowship runs from October to June, and supports LA-based nonprofit initiatives led by those with lived experience of the issues they’re tackling.
The cohort meets monthly, working collaboratively with each other and the SJPLA community. Our cohort members tackle a wide range of interconnected systemic issues through policy advocacy, narrative and culture shift, and building power.
We offer each cohort participant:
A $10,000 unrestricted grant, plus more raised through the SJPLA network.
Pro-bono coaching, counsel, and peer support.
SJPLA's signature Fast Pitch training with a professionally filmed pitch video and a pitch at our annual Fast Pitch event.
Expanded network of supporters, including funders, donors, and nonprofit leaders.
Increased exposure through SJPLA's network and platforms, including the annual Fast Pitch Event attracting hundreds of attendees.
Being an important part of the SJPLA community well after their program is over. We continue to be a touchstone and support for alumni from years past.
What is systems change?
We define systems change as work that addresses the root causes of injustice in order to permanently improve the lives of the people most impacted by the issue, in turn benefitting all. As distinct from direct service work, systems change initiatives recognize the problem’s complex history and seek to transform the system often by policy change, community organizing, and campaigns to shift how we think about the issue.
Meet the 2024-25 Cohort
“This was a completely transformative experience, on a personal and organizational level.”
— Sonya Passi, Founder & CEO, FreeFrom
Alumni Impact
To date, 48 leaders have gone through our fellowship and 239 through Fast Pitch.
We are so grateful for our Systems Change Accelerator sponsors for funding this program.
Sonya Young Aadam (she/her)