BinaxBangkit – A Social Change Accelerator Cohort 1 (Malaysia)

Anyone with a passion is capable of initiating a change, but it takes the right means of support and knowledge to become a dynamic force and create transformational impact. This is where they come in; they help you unravel the past, plan in the present and reinvent the future for a more just and inclusive Malaysia.

Youth initiatives, projects, groups and organisations face structural issues to establish themselves and scale sustainably. Without a transparent system of information, access to existing networks and a support system for solidarity, youth efforts in Malaysia face a short lifespan and struggle with continuity.

BinaxBangkit is the aspiring backbone of the youth non-profit advocacy ecosystem, bridging diverse communities to master the art of intersectionality. With them is where the world of ideas and the road of action collide — together, they accelerate social change at the systemic level.

The Accelerator

• 3-5 eligible organisations will receive:
  • RM10,000 in seed funding
    • Organisations receive unrestricted seed funding of RM10,000 to support stabilisation and growth in its early stages.
  • Away Weekends as a cohort
    • Two retreats for organisations’ lead members in February and November 2024 for professional development on organisational skills such as management, incorporation, grant writing and succession planning.
  • Institutional support to grow
    • Organisations receive structured support and mentoring, free use of AOD office space, introductions to funders and optional fiscal sponsorship.
• As a member of the accelerator, the organisation should:
  • Attend and participate fully in both Away Weekends (Onboarding and Closing)
  • Attend and participate fully in all scheduled check-ins
  • Try to their utmost ability to carry out agreed-upon goals
  • Provide timely updates on organisation’s progress
  • Be open and transparent about challenges faced so that they can be addressed
  • Progress towards organisational sustainability, such as incorporation if not yet incorporated, opening a bank account or implementing a succession plan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Initiatives that fulfil the following requirements are eligible for BxB:
  • Has at least two lead members physically in Malaysia driving the initiative; typically, they are not involved on a full-time basis (i.e. the organisation is volunteer-driven).
  • Is youth-led, with the majority of the team being below the age of 30 years old.
  • Works in the realm of at least one of the following:
    • Policymaking: Strategic advocacy for inclusive policies, including engagements with policymakers and campaigns to garner public support
    • Capacity-building: Developing and strengthening skills and processes of individuals or institutions in the interest of increasing inclusion
    • Representation and Participation: Working to ensure that a seat at the table for underrepresented communities, as well as ensuring participatory decision-making
    • Voice: Allowing for and actively encouraging the expression and reflection of young people in Malaysia for inclusivity
  • Initiatives could be focused on local affinity groups (e.g. Orang Asli, Indian, women) AND/OR focused in a specific domain (e.g. labour, housing, education).
  • Is centred on promoting an inclusive society and building inclusive institutions, along the lines of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs):
    • SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
    • SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
    • SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
    • SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
    • SDG 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
  • Has been in operation for less than five (5) years.
  • Uphold Non-Discrimination Code of Conduct for the duration of AOD support.
• Initiatives related to the below mentioned are not eligible for BxB:
  • Primarily humanitarian and direct aid initiatives e.g. literacy, vaccination drives, soup kitchens, delivering medical aid etc.
  • Initiatives that involve construction e.g. building houses or renovating buildings.
  • Initiatives that take place overseas.
  • Initiatives that are already established organisations in operation for more than five (5) years.
• Note: exceptions may apply to dormant organisations

For more information, visit Architects of Diversity.