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Accelerated Visions
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FAQ

Answers about Accelerated Visions, a Sterling, Virginia 501(c)(3) private operating foundation that connects university students and industry advisors with nonprofits.

For Nonprofits

What is Accelerated Visions?

Accelerated Visions is a Virginia 501(c)(3) private operating foundation, based in Sterling, VA, that connects university students and industry advisors with emerging nonprofits to build strategy, CRM, AI, and technology solutions. Our university program launched in 2023. We have supported 35+ projects since 2023 for 20+ nonprofit partners, with 13,000+ student hours and $480K+ in estimated value of contributed student time. These are estimates of donated time, not cost savings.

What does it cost my nonprofit?

There's no charge for the team's work. We help you find technology that fits your needs and budget. University student teams, guided by industry advisors, compare options and can help set up or integrate the tool you choose, depending on the project. If you choose a paid tool, your nonprofit covers the software costs.

What kinds of projects do you take on?

We take on strategy, CRM, AI, and technology projects for emerging nonprofits. Past work includes CRMs, secure messaging, websites, digital roadmaps, growth plans, and marketing strategies.

How does the process work?

Every project follows four steps: Discovery, Matching, Build, and Handoff. In Discovery we learn your needs. In Matching we pair you with a student team and an advisor through one of our educational partners. In Build the team creates your solution. In Handoff we deliver it with what you need to keep it running.

How long does a project take?

Most projects run one university semester, about 15 weeks, built into the students' coursework. Larger projects can continue across two semesters in phases.

Who is eligible, and how do we get started?

Emerging nonprofits that need help with strategy or technology are a great fit, and we work virtually with organizations nationwide. To get started, contact Accelerated Visions and tell us about your organization and the challenge you want to solve. Learn about the Accelerator Program or email us.

For Students and Universities

Which universities and schools do you work with?

Our university and college partners include Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business, including 180 Degrees Consulting at Virginia Tech, West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics, George Mason University, VCU School of Business, the University of Virginia in partnership with Riipen, and Brightpoint Community College. Students work on real nonprofit challenges through capstones, courses, and experiential learning. This semester (Fall 2026): 18 active projects across 5 universities.

What do students get out of it?

Students get real-world leadership and consulting experience solving problems for real nonprofits. They work in teams with an industry advisor and present their final solution to the nonprofit. Since 2023, 135+ students have taken part.

For Advisors, Donors, and Sponsors

How do I become an advisor?

Industry professionals can become advisors by contacting Accelerated Visions. Advisors share targeted expertise as needed, with a time commitment agreed in advance. Industry Advisor page

Can my company sponsor a project?

Yes. Companies can sponsor an Accelerated Visions project through corporate sponsorship, which funds a student team's work for a nonprofit. Donate page or email kerrie@acceleratedvisions.org.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Accelerated Visions Inc. is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation (EIN 46-4764608), with an IRS ruling year of 2015, so donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You can start a gift on our Donate page.

What impact has Accelerated Visions had?

Our university program launched in 2023. Since then: 35+ projects, 13,000+ student hours, $480K+ in estimated value of student time, 25+ industry and faculty advisors, 20+ nonprofit partners, and 135+ students. This semester (Fall 2026): 18 active projects across 5 universities.

How we measure our impact

How we count student hours: Each project team's hours are estimated from the project's length and team size. A standard 15-week semester project is about 525 to 550 hours per team (we use 538). A summer capstone is about 620 hours per team. Smaller teams are scaled down; for example, a two-student project counts as about 215 hours, or roughly 105 hours per student. Projects that ran for two semesters count both semesters. We count completed projects only. Current Fall 2026 projects will be added when they finish, and our own internal Accelerated Visions project is not counted. These hour counts are Accelerated Visions estimates.

How we value those hours: We multiply student hours by the Independent Sector Virginia value of volunteer time for 2025, published 2026, $36.99/hr. 13,000+ hours x $36.99 = $480K+. This is a conservative figure. It doesn't add extra value for complex technical projects or for the time our industry and faculty advisors volunteer.

Plus $40K+ in pro bono time from our industry advisors, valued at CECP's $195/hr skilled-volunteer rate (223 hours x $195/hr, CECP/Taproot). CECP Giving in Numbers valuation guide.

Industry advisor hours are Accelerated Visions estimates, based on their work with student teams (from about an hour to nearly 100 hours each). Faculty advisors are not counted because advising is part of their paid roles.

Independent Sector Virginia value of volunteer time for 2025, published 2026, $36.99/hr