Economic Development, Workforce Grants
Economic development and workforce grants support local units of government, Tribal governments and economic development nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. We have strong interest in early-stage or pilot projects, or new strategies that encourage economic development including workforce development and initiatives that attract and retain workers in the region.
We fund projects that …
- create new partnerships to support sector-specific apprenticeships, internships or mentoring programs
- encourage building affordable housing
- incentivize business growth that provides family sustaining wages to employees
- encourage entrepreneurial activity
- complete feasibility analysis or other preliminary design or business model assessment.
We don’t fund community marketing, billboard campaigns or general marketing programs. We also don’t fund single-company or organization-focused projects such as marketing and recruitment campaigns, human resources costs such as onboarding or training, or other expenses that are routine costs of operation.
- May 9, 2025
- Nov. 14, 2025
Grant Questions
Staff support typically is available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
Initiative Foundation staff members respect that there are varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourage open communication with applicants needing additional assistance. Send an email to grants@ifound.org with questions.
