The Competition has two tracks:

• Early-Stage Growth - organizations that have a strategy for scaling their social impact but are in the early stage of growth.
• Mezzanine-Stage Growth – organizations that have (a) a significant level of successful product/service adoption and demand from the target population, (b) demonstrated positive outcomes, and (c) defined strategies for scaling their social impact.

During an 8-month evaluation process, entrants develop and submit business plans to scale their operations and improve the lives of people in need. Competition entrants have access to a website of resources on growth, take part in group training and one-on-one consulting, and receive customized written feedback on their plans. Judging is conducted by qualified volunteers from multiple sectors.

The Scaling Social Impact Competition is open to all U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with a focus in education, youth development, health, poverty alleviation or community economic development. (Additional categories to be added in future years.)