About the Program

Program Overview

Ward Infinity is a highly interactive and collaborative social innovation accelerator. We invest in Washington, D.C. based non-profits and social enterprises that have compelling ideas on how to improve health in Ward 7 and 8 communities. Teams that are accepted into the program engage with Ward 7 and 8 residents to co-create compelling health solutions. During the program, teams will participate in workshops, seminars, and receive expert coaching in public health, human-centered design, and business. These activities will prepare teams to launch sustainable and impactful solutions.

Program Benefits

Seed Funding

We offer initial seed funding for all teams. At the end of the program, teams will also compete for extra funding during the final Community Pitch Competition. There's no hidden agenda or equity we take in your venture.

Grounding Conversations

We will have conversations about structural racism and discuss what prevents your community from thriving. These grounding conversations will provide clarity and greater focus on your team's mission.

Community Engagement

We partner with teams to create community-driven health solutions. This means we’ll work with you to engage who you want to serve and find ways to make them part of your team's journey.

Access to Networks

As an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, we connect you with the global thought leaders in health, business, and innovation to ensure the viability and longevity of your solutions.

Access to Capital

Through a series of workshops, symposiums, and networking opportunities, we leverage our connections in the financial ecosystem to connect founders to funders and investors who can provide information, mentorship, and capital.

What to Expect

6 Month Intensive Program

Teams will spend time in class and outside of class working on their solutions, ranging between 3 to 10 hours a week.

12+ Workshops on Public Health, Design, and Business

These interactive workshops will give teams the tools and guidance to develop solutions.

Weekly Coaching Hours

Teams will have access to their coach on a weekly basis to help them through their project work.

Community Pitch Competition

Cumulative event for cohort teams to compete for a $10,000 investment in their community health solution.

Who Should Apply?

Health Focused

Ward 7 and 8 teams who want to address health disparities in their community.

Expertise and Experience

Teams who have personal experience or expertise related to the specific health issue they want to solve.

Early Stage Ideas

Teams who have ideas on what to do, yet do not have a well-formed solution, or those who are early in the implementation process. Teams must be open to designing with the community.

Qualities We Value in Our Teams

Passionate
Feel strongly about a health issue they wish to solve, have firsthand experience/ expertise, and ideas on what to do.

Collaborative
Welcome working through challenges constructively and where all members can contribute to the team's success.

Gritty
Relentless pursuit in the development of their venture and service it offers the community.

Open-Minded
Value learning and open to including new ideas, viewpoints, and ways of thinking and being.

Coachable
Open to pivoting based on feedback from residents, advisors, mentors, and coaches.

Eligibility Criteria

Incorporation

Must be incorporated as a non-profit 501c3 or social enterprise (a for-profit company with a social mission) or working towards becoming incorporated prior to the start of the fall cohort.

Teams

2-3 members that include executive leaders of an organization who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to solutions and relationship with the Wards 7 and 8 communities.

Commitment

Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to/ experience with serving Wards 7 and/or 8.

$0

There are no revenue requirements to be eligible for this program.

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