Empowering Tech Nonprofits to Scale Impact Like Top Startups - Shannon Farley // Co-Founder & Executive Director of Fast Forward

----------------------------------------

Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.

We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.

To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

In Episode 168 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Shannon Farley, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Fast Forward, on empowering tech nonprofits to scale impact like top startups.

About Shannon - Shannon is an experienced social entrepreneur. She was the founding Executive Director of Spark, the world's largest network of Millennial philanthropists. Prior to joining Spark, Shannon co-founded The W. Haywood Burns Institute, a MacArthur Award-winning juvenile justice reform organization. Shannon holds a BA in American Studies from Georgetown University and an MS in Gender and Social Policy from the London School of Economics.

Fast Forward is nonprofit tech accelerator that provides a range of resources and support to tech nonprofits, enabling them to create positive impact on a large scale. They offer technical guidance and advice; access to mentors, funders, and other key influencers. Fast Forward seeks to strengthen the capacity of tech nonprofits by providing support in areas ranging from technology development and implementation to fundraising, marketing, operations management, financial planning, and strategic communications.

Through their initiatives, Fast Forward aims to create a more equitable world by amplifying the impact of tech nonprofits working on issues related to social justice, education, health care access and delivery, economic empowerment and opportunity, climate change adaptation and resilience building, civic engagement and advocacy.

What is a tech nonprofit?

A tech startup building software that has selected a nonprofit business model to scale impact, not profit.

Fast Forward helps scale nonprofit in three ways.

The Fast Forward Startup Accelerator - Take your tech-powered nonprofit organization to the next level with the Startup Accelerator. They provide hands-on guidance, financial support and powerful connections - all designed to enable you meet the unique obstacles facing modern entrepreneurs like yourself. Pursue your mission with confidence this accelerator is here for you.

The Fast Forward Growth Accelerator - Technology revolutionizing our world is now more accessible than ever. We've found eight of the boldest, brightest innovators harnessing tech to create real change and advancements, regardless of their own financial gain. The Fast Forward Growth Accelerator has stepped in to match these ambitious non-profits with philanthropists who want reenergize contribution towards sustainable growth - allowing for maximum impact at a faster rate than ever before!

The Tech Nonprofit Playbook - Fast Forward's Accelerator has been a standout success, enabling 79 tech nonprofits to reach their scaling goals. They've crafted the Tech Nonprofit Playbook for your benefit. Discover actionable takeaways and techniques from the leaders who have revolutionized social impact spaces, playing an integral role in our world today.

----------------------------------------

 Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
• Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
• Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
• Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
• IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
• Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
• Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.com