Alpha USA
Alpha USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces and distributes the free Alpha Course—a 9- to 11-week video-based faith exploration curriculum—along with youth, Catholic, prison, university, and language-specific variants, serving U.S. churches, ministries, and communities through a donor-funded model with a national Alpha Specialists network and self-serve MyAlpha platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersCarol Stream, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Alpha USA does
Alpha USA is the U.S. national office of the global Alpha movement, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 36-4290085) established in 2015 and headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois. The organization produces and distributes the Alpha Course—a 9- to 11-week series of video talks and small-group discussions exploring the Christian faith—plus a family of related curricula (Alpha Youth, Alpha for Catholics, Alpha in Chinese, Alpha en Español, Alpha for Prisons, Universities, and Workplaces, The Marriage Course, the Prayer Course, Life Revealed with BibleProject, and Life on Purpose). Core technology is a digital content platform consisting of professionally produced video series delivered in 5+ languages, the MyAlpha self-serve web portal for course registration, training, and resource management, and the Alpha App on iOS and Android for course participants; content is supplemented by optional downloadable Alpha Scripts in 19 languages for live presentation.
Alpha USA's business model is entirely donor-funded: individuals, churches, and foundations finance operations, allowing all core curriculum to be provided at no cost to participants. Ancillary revenue comes from the annual Alpha Conference ticket sales ($50–$179), optional printed Alpha Guides and merchandise through partner bookstore Church Source, and the Alpha Youth merchandise store. The go-to-market is a community-led, product-led, and event-driven hybrid: a nationwide network of Alpha Specialists provides high-touch field support, the MyAlpha platform enables self-serve adoption, and 64+ annual events (online trainings, regional Training Tours, Gatherings, the Alpha Conference) drive awareness and leader equipping. Alpha USA operates as a subsidiary of Alpha International and reaches 661,000+ U.S. participants in 2025 (up 28% year-over-year) across tens of thousands of churches, with the global Alpha movement present in 112+ languages and 100+ countries.
Alpha USA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Alpha USA
- Legal name
- Alpha USA
- Website
- https://alphausa.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Alpha USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces and distributes the free Alpha Course—a 9- to 11-week video-based faith exploration curriculum—along with youth, Catholic, prison, university, and language-specific variants, serving U.S. churches, ministries, and communities through a donor-funded model with a national Alpha Specialists network and self-serve MyAlpha platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Alpha USA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carol Stream
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Alpha USA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Alpha USA operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through donations from individuals, churches, and foundations. Donations enable the organization to provide all Alpha resources at no cost to participants. The organization accepts one-time donations, monthly recurring gifts, stock transfers, bequests, annuities, and legacy planned gifts.
- Conference Revenue: The Alpha Conference generates revenue through ticket sales. Pricing tiers include $179 individual, $159 group rate (6+), $79 student tickets (ages 18-24), and $50 volunteer tickets. Revenue supports the annual gathering for worship, teaching, and networking.
- Printed Resources and Merchandise: Optional paid products including printed Alpha Guides, merchandise, and promotional materials through the online bookstore and merch store. Digital resources remain free.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Alpha Course Participation |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha Conference 2027 - Individual Ticket |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha Conference 2027 - Group Rate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha Conference 2027 - Student Ticket |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha Conference 2027 - Volunteer Ticket |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha Guides (Printed) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Promotional Materials and Merchandise |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels10 records
Alpha USA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Alpha USA provides the Alpha Course, a series of interactive sessions exploring Christian faith foundations through video talks, group discussion, and shared meals, typically running 9-11 weeks. The organization produces professionally filmed video content, discussion guides, and training materials that churches, ministries, prisons, universities, and workplaces use to host Alpha at no cost to participants, supported by a digital platform (MyAlpha) and a nationwide network of Alpha specialists.
Product overview
Alpha USA offers the Alpha Course as its flagship product—a series of interactive sessions exploring Christian faith foundations through video talks, group discussion, and shared meals, typically running 9-11 weeks. The core Alpha Film Series (16 sessions, 11 weeks) provides modern video content filmed globally with contemporary presenters Toby Flint and Gemma Hunt alongside pioneer Nicky Gumbel, available in 5 languages. Supporting products include Alpha Youth Series (10 sessions for ages 13-18), context-specific versions for Catholics, universities, workplaces, prisons, and language-specific versions in Chinese and Spanish. Additional offerings include Life Revealed Bible study curriculum, Life on Purpose leadership program, The Marriage Course, Prayer Course, and the Alpha App companion mobile application. All Alpha courses and most resources are provided free of charge through donor generosity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Alpha Youth: A video series designed for students aged 13-18 to explore life, faith, and meaning through engaging videos and real conversations.
- Alpha for Catholics
- Alpha in Chinese (華語啟發)
- Alpha en Español
- Alpha for Prisons
- Alpha for Universities
- Alpha in Workplaces
- Alpha Online
- Alpha Cities
- Alpha Music
Products and services
- Alpha Course (Flagship) The core Alpha Course is a series of interactive sessions exploring foundations of the Christian faith through video talks, group discussion, and food. Typically runs 9-11 weeks with each session including connection time, a short talk, and open conversation. Designed for churches, small groups, and individuals exploring faith.
- Alpha Film Series Modern video series filmed globally with world-famous leaders and inspiring stories, featuring presenters Toby Flint and Gemma Hunt alongside Nicky Gumbel. Includes 16 sessions across 11 weeks, available in 5 languages.
- Alpha Youth Series
- Alpha for Catholics Parish evangelization tool adapted for Catholic contexts, empowering the faithful to become missionary disciples. Used for RCIA preparation, Confirmation prep, and parish renewal.
- Chinese Alpha Film Series (CAFS) Alpha Film Series adapted for Mandarin and Cantonese speakers with culturally relevant Eastern lens, local testimonies, and expert insights. Includes 15 sessions with leader guides and promotional materials available in Chinese.
- Alpha Scripts Downloadable scripts providing templates to deliver Alpha talks live in person rather than using videos. Available in 19 languages, offering flexibility for hosts without video equipment.
- Alpha App Mobile companion app for Alpha course guests allowing them to re-watch episodes, access extra content, and stay engaged throughout the course. Available on iOS and Android with subtitles in multiple languages.
- Alpha Youth Elements Comprehensive resource featuring 13 customizable talk scripts and extensive small videos including couch conversations, vox pops, and animations. Designed to allow personalization for students. Includes 13 sessions over 1 week, available in 9 languages.
- Life Revealed Youth Bible study curriculum journeying through Luke and Acts, created in partnership with The BibleProject. Includes 9 episodes over 9 weeks, helping young people read and understand the Bible.
- Life on Purpose 4-episode youth leadership and evangelism program helping students make the connection between faith and sharing with friends. Ideal for student-leader settings or equipping student ministry for mission. Runs 4 weeks.
- The Marriage Course Course created by Nicky and Sila Lee for strengthening marriages. Has been run in over 117 countries for over 1.5 million couples since 1996. Some guests take this after attending Alpha.
- Prayer Course 8-week journey through the Lord's Prayer created by 24/7 Prayer. Used by groups wanting to deepen prayer life after Alpha.
- The Alpha Conference Annual ecumenical conference for church leaders, Alpha hosts, and evangelism enthusiasts. Features mainstage speakers, interactive workshops, worship, and practical training. Tiered ticket pricing available from $50 (volunteer) to $179 (individual).
- Alpha Training Events Variety of training events including Online Training sessions, Training Tour regional gatherings, and Gatherings for prayer-centered community connection. Over 64 events listed with 34 online trainings, 11 training tours, and 19 gatherings.
- MyAlpha Platform Internal web platform for Alpha hosts providing course registration, training videos, resources, and Alpha management tools. Access to Alpha Best Practices module with 10 training videos and team training materials.
- Alpha Online Online version of Alpha course enabling hosting via digital platforms. Includes Alpha Online: Getting Started module with 5 videos and 5 articles. Designed to remove barriers of distance, timing, and social anxiety.
- Alpha for Prisons Alpha program for inmates led by trained volunteers in non-confrontational environment. Program can be adjusted based on participant needs. Includes video series and small group discussions. 50% of inmates who try Alpha report making a commitment to Christ.
- Alpha Music - Where Freedom Lives Debut album from Alpha USA Music curated with GRAMMY-winning Matt Redman. Soundtrack for the Alpha journey exploring questions of identity, belonging, and faith. Features artists from Alpha-rooted churches across the nation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 661,000+ participants in 2025 alone with 28% YoY growth
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Alpha USA
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Alpha USA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Alpha USA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Signal FlarecoreAward-winning creative production house producing content for HBO originals, Netflix, Discovery (Warner Media), and more. Signal Flare served as the production partner for the new Alpha Youth Series, bringing innovative and impactful storytelling to youth faith content.
- YDisciplecorePartnered with Alpha Youth to create the Confirmation Toolkit, offering a fresh approach to Confirmation preparation with no textbooks or checklists, just space for honest questions and authentic faith experiences.
- The BibleProjectcoreCollaboration between Alpha and The BibleProject to create Life Revealed, a Bible study resource for youth that walks through Luke and Acts, making scripture accessible and engaging for young people.
- 24/7 PrayercoreCreators of The Prayer Course, an 8-week journey through the Lord's Prayer. Also created Unanswered Prayer Course for deeper conversations about prayer. Alpha offers these as partner resources.
- Matt RedmancoreGRAMMY Award-winning worship leader and songwriter who curated the debut Alpha USA Music album 'Where Freedom Lives.' Collaborated with artists from Alpha-rooted churches nationwide.
- Fuller Youth InstituteminorPartnered with Alpha Youth to create 'Meet Gen Alpha' study, providing practical insights from a national study with nearly 3,000 teens to help youth leaders understand the next generation.
- TryPrayingminorSeven-day guide for those who are not religious and don't go to church. Helps people get started on a journey of faith with stories of answered prayer and a guide to honest prayers. Offered as a partner resource.
- Friends Church Yorba LindaminorHost venue for The Alpha Conference 2027 at their campus in Yorba Linda, California (5091 Mountain View Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886).
- Church Source (Outreach)minorAuthorized online bookstore for printed Alpha Guides and resources. Many guests prefer physical copies of Alpha materials. Church Source offers bulk discounts (40%+ savings) for churches ordering in volume.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Alpha USA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- YDisciple: YDisciple provides video-driven small-group discipleship curriculum for Catholic and Protestant youth ministries, delivered through parish and school networks. Directly comparable to Alpha Youth Series in target audience (ages 13-18), delivery model (video + discussion guides), and church-relationship motion—YDisciple is already an Alpha partner on the Confirmation Toolkit.
- RightNow Media: RightNow Media is the largest video streaming library for churches, offering thousands of Bible studies, kids' content, and leadership training on a subscription basis. Comparable to Alpha as a video-based content distributor serving U.S. churches, though it competes more broadly and uses paid subscription rather than Alpha's freemium/donation model.
- FORMED: FORMED is a digital content platform from the Augustine Institute providing Catholic video studies, audio, and e-books to parishes and individuals. Directly comparable to Alpha for Catholics in content type, target audience, and parish-led distribution model—though FORMED is Catholic-exclusive and uses a parish subscription rather than Alpha's free/donation model.
- Dynamic Catholic: Dynamic Catholic creates parish-based programs and content for Catholic spiritual growth, best known for the Best Lent Ever and Best Advent Ever campaigns. Comparable to Alpha for Catholics in mission, audience, and parish-driven GTM; both compete for the same Catholic parish decision-maker budget and attention.
- BibleProject: BibleProject produces animated, free video content walking through the narrative arc of the Bible, distributed virally online and through church partnerships. Comparable to Alpha in producing high-quality, free, ecumenical video content for church and personal use—BibleProject is also an explicit Alpha partner on the Life Revealed youth curriculum.
- The Chosen: The Chosen is a multi-season streaming series depicting the life of Jesus, distributed free via a peer-to-peer funding model and church-based watch parties. Comparable to Alpha Film Series in production quality, theological framing, free-distribution model, and reliance on church networks to drive viewership and discussion.
- Orange (reThink): Orange (formerly reThink) provides church curriculum, resources, and an annual leadership conference focused on family ministry and the next generation. Comparable to Alpha in selling packaged curriculum to U.S. churches, hosting a major annual conference, and serving youth/family ministry as a primary segment.
Broad incumbents
- Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ): Cru is one of the largest U.S. evangelical campus ministries, operating movements at universities nationwide with paid staff and student-led small groups. Comparable to Alpha's university segment in target audience (college students) and missional intent, though Cru is much larger, more established, and uses a staff-heavy rather than volunteer-host model.
- Young Life: Young Life is a major U.S. youth ministry nonprofit introducing adolescents to Christianity through volunteer-led clubs, camps, and one-on-one mentoring. Comparable to Alpha Youth Series in target audience (teenagers), volunteer-driven delivery model, and outcomes-oriented evangelism mission, though Young Life is far larger and more established in the youth segment.
Emerging players
- Hallow: Hallow is a leading Catholic prayer and meditation app offering guided audio content including the rosary, daily devotionals, and Bible readings. Comparable to Alpha in serving Catholic audiences with mobile-first spiritual content, though Hallow is consumer subscription-based and focused on individual practice rather than small-group facilitated courses.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Alpha USA social profiles
Digital presenceAlpha USA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Alpha USA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Alpha USA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Alpha USA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Alpha USA
What does Alpha USA do?
Alpha USA provides the Alpha Course, a series of interactive sessions exploring Christian faith foundations through video talks, group discussion, and shared meals, typically running 9-11 weeks. The organization produces professionally filmed video content, discussion guides, and training materials that churches, ministries, prisons, universities, and workplaces use to host Alpha at no cost to participants, supported by a digital platform (MyAlpha) and a nationwide network of Alpha specialists.
Is Alpha USA a public or private company?
Alpha USA is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Alpha USA founded?
Alpha USA was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Alpha USA based?
Alpha USA is headquartered in Carol Stream, United States, in the North America region.
How does Alpha USA make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are conference Revenue and printed Resources and Merchandise.
Who are Alpha USA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are YDisciple, RightNow Media, FORMED, Dynamic Catholic, BibleProject, The Chosen and Orange (reThink). Broad incumbents are Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Young Life. Hallow is listed as an emerging player.
Does Alpha USA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Alpha USA.