Over the past year, a group of young professionals in New York has taken their support for Acumen Fund to a whole new level. The group was merely an idea when co-founders Erica Dhawan and Farhat Umar approached us wanting to do more. It has since grown to over 800 individuals with an expanded leadership team and committed volunteers that step up time and again to organize events and help spread the word about Acumen Fund. Most recently, the group’s efforts culminated in a stylish photo auction and party, co-organized with the Nuru Project, that brought over 250 supporters together and raised almost $25,000 for Acumen Fund.

We have heard interest in starting an Acumen Chapter in the San Francisco Bay Area, but first we need to find leaders! The leadership of several key volunteers in New York has been critical to the group’s success, and we believe that it will be no different on the West Coast.

What is a Chapter?
A Chapter is essentially what we’re calling an Acumen Fund volunteer group – a group of like-minded individuals who share a passion and interest in Acumen Fund’s work and our sector. The objectives of each Chapter are to educate their communities on patient capital and raise funds in support of Acumen Fund.

What if I’m not a young professional – is a Chapter for me?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome! The NY group started out as a young professional’s organization but has continued to grow and attract an increasingly diverse membership. The leadership team continues to refine its strategic direction and plan activities that cater to different needs, so watch this space!

As a Chapter volunteer will I go overseas or work on projects for Acumen Fund’s investments?
We get inundated with requests from individuals who want to travel to and work with our investees, and at this stage it is simply not possible. Many of our investees are fully focused with running their businesses, and are unable to cope with volunteers. That said as opportunities arise, we will definitely make them known to all Chapter volunteers. Interested parties should also apply to be an Acumen Fellow.

What’s in it for the Chapter leaders and volunteers?
Yes, we recognize that these are volunteer positions and it takes extraordinary people to step up and give their time so generously. Rather than tell you what we think is in it for them, hear what some of our NY volunteers have to say:

“Being the founder and leader of the NY young professionals was a big time commitment, but an extremely worthwhile one. I got to work with like-minded talented young professionals, who share a similar vision to use our skills to create social change, build my own leadership and organizational skills with support from Acumen Fund staff, and develop lifelong relationships with a community of people who seek to build a movement for social enterprise and patient capital.” – Erica Dhawan

“I volunteered with the NY young professionals to help organize the Dignity event.  I met an incredible group of motivated, passionate, and inspiring people.  On a personal level, I feel that the New York young professionals are that rare networking group that actually makes an impact, creates a movement, and enables everyone involved to learn and grow from our experiences working together. I can’t wait to get going on our next endeavor!” – Nina Sharma West

Ok, how do I flag my interest to get involved?
Read more about Chapters and our application process here. Or dive straight in:
•    If you are in the SF Bay Area and would like to be a Chapter leader – apply here.
•    If you are in the SF Bay Area and would like to be a volunteer – fill out your info here.
•    If you’re not in the SF Bay Area and think we should start a Chapter there – tell us why!

Thank you for all your support. We look forward to getting an amazing Chapter going on the West Coast, and we are definitely planning to start Chapters elsewhere. So watch this space!