The UpTide Nonprofit Accelerator by 92NY’s Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, in partnership with SEED SPOT, concluded on January 28th, 2026, with a live Showcase event in New York City. This event brought together the inaugural cohort of five visionary nonprofit leaders from across the U.S., all addressing the “Crisis of Community” in innovative and scalable ways. The nonprofit leaders spent five months sharpening their 3-year strategic plans, refining their missions, activating their Board, and building community as a cohort.
Onstage at the Showcase, each founder presented their organization’s work to a live audience of supporters, funders, and changemakers. The air buzzed with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose and possibility as these leaders shared how their organizations strengthen human connection, foster healing, and develop stronger leaders for tomorrow’s world. The Showcase was more than a conclusion to the Accelerator; it was the catalyst to future funding, partnerships, and increased impact.
The presenters took to the stage and shared their honed pitches. The stakes were high with a $25,000 prize for the winner. On the Showcase stage:
Emily Blum, of Disability Lead, shared how the organization amplified the leadership of people with disabilities to drive deeper inclusion. She used the podium to illustrate how accommodations make a difference for people with different abilities.
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s Tahlia Natachu designed a program to foster resilience, cultural connection, and youth empowerment within the Zuni community in New Mexico. She went on to describe how their work is data-informed.
Elana Rivel, of Jewish Learning Venture, a nonprofit focused on creating engaging Jewish learning experiences that foster deeper community connection and lifelong participation in Jewish life in Philadelphia, explained why their engagement model is innovative.
An organization dedicated to empowering Black girls in Chicago, Ladies of Virtue, represented by the commanding voice of Jamila Trimuel dressed to the nines in a purple suit. Jamila shared a compelling success story about a former participant in Ladies of Virtue.
Inheritance Theater Project uses theater to build civic relationships and spark dialogue across differences, strengthening community and empathy through the arts. Presenter Jon Adam Ross explained how these year-long relationships create practical tools to bridge division.
Each presenter received applause and recognition, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of hope. After the incredible pitches and as the judges deliberated, a panel discussion was held featuring leaders who shared the challenges of scaling impact today. The panel was moderated by SEED SPOT’s very own CEO, Shannon McGhee, and featured Sarah Halloway, faculty at Columbia International and Public Affairs and the founder of five nonprofits, and Margot Brandenburg, Senior Program Officer for the Ford Foundation’s Mission Investments team.
Relive this moment of celebration and inspiration right here in this video. Watch the complete video for a surprise ending.
Watch The ShowcaseTahlia Natachu of Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, winner of the UpTide Showcase competition.
Pictures: Copyright Michael Priest Photography
