Alpha USA

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.

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

Headquarters

HQ city

Carol Stream

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core 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

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Signal FlarecoreTechnology or IntegrationAward-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.
• YDisciplecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered 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 BibleProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration 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 PrayercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreators 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 RedmancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGRAMMY 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 InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered 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.
• TryPrayingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeven-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 LindaminorOthersHost venue for The Alpha Conference 2027 at their campus in Yorba Linda, California (5091 Mountain View Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886).
• Church Source (Outreach)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized 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

Direct 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

• Facebookfacebook.com/alphausa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alpha-usa
• Instagraminstagram.com/alphausa/?hl=en
• Xx.com/AlphaUSA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alpha USA