Orthodox Union Picks Eight Nonprofits for Accelerator
The seventh OU Impact Accelerator cohort was chosen from 77 applicants, including two local organizations.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Judaism
The Orthodox Union has selected eight nonprofits from across the United States for the seventh cohort of its OU Impact Accelerator. Two of the selected organizations, Master Your Life and Pillars, are based in the local area.
Why it matters
The accelerator provides nonprofits with a structured path to build management capacity and sustainable operations. Its selection process, drawn from a pool of 77 applicants, reflects a competitive effort to support emerging community-focused ventures within Jewish life.
Cohort members were chosen through an online application, interviews, and a final pitch night before a committee of OU lay and professional leadership. The seven-month program includes a nonprofit management curriculum.
The players
Orthodox Union
The Orthodox Union is a major American Modern Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization that runs communal, educational, and advocacy programs.
The details
Master Your Life, led by Caleb Breda of Teaneck and launched in 2024, works to strengthen character through the study of Shmiras HaLashon and positive mindset development. Pillars, led by Shoshana Rube and Sarah Leah Friedman of Spring Valley, N.Y., and launched in 2010, supports girls who have lost a parent through mentorship and programming.
Timeline
2010: Pillars launched.
2018: The OU Impact Accelerator was founded.
2024: Master Your Life launched.
Over the last seven years, the department allocated $430,000 to 33 new ventures.
The seven-month cohort program includes a nonprofit management curriculum.
Roadmap
The OU Impact Accelerator, founded in 2018, has grown into a multi-cohort program that channels Orthodox Union resources into community-focused nonprofits. The seventh cohort continues a pattern of investing in emerging organizations across Jewish life in the United States.
Residents of Teaneck and Spring Valley, N.Y., may see the work of Master Your Life and Pillars expand as their leaders complete the accelerator. Families served by these nonprofits could benefit from strengthened programming and management.
The takeaway
Investment in nonprofit management can help community organizations grow beyond their founders' initial efforts. Supporters interested in similar work can look for accelerator programs that pair funding with structured training.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Judaism section for context on Jewish communal life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Timesofisrael.
