Impact Partner Grant

Applications Open Until October 18

We are looking for innovation ecosystem partners – including startups, non-profits, social enterprises, and universities – with bold new initiatives to enhance the lives of others. The Impact Partner Grant is specifically for creating new, standalone programs or initiatives, not for general operational expenses.

The goals for the Impact Partner Grant are to:

• Support initiatives advancing innovative economic development strategies that align with the City of Raleigh’s Strategic Plan
• Promote collaboration among stakeholders serving the City of Raleigh
• Connect innovative organizations with additional resources and funding opportunities to support growth

Proposals must be submitted through the online application form by 11:59 ET on Friday, October 18, 2024.  See below for more information on what to include in the proposal.

What is an Impact Partner?

An Impact Partner is a community stakeholder that builds a successful, sustainable and vibrant business ecosystem. Put simply, an instrumental partner for economic development.

The program provides grants to Impact Partners to help strengthen, develop, implement, and scale programs and resources to assist entrepreneurs, small businesses, and the local workforce in Raleigh.

Who is Eligible for the Impact Partner Grant?

Eligible sectors targeted by the program include:

• Technology and Internet of Things (iOT)
• Consumer Packaged Goods and Products
• Design and Creative Industries
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
• Social Impact and Social Innovation
• Education
• Professional Services
• Workforce Development
• Manufacturing and Distribution
• Transportation and Logistics
• Retail and retail-related services
• Government
• Non-Profit Corporations

We are particularly interested in organizations supporting underrepresented business owners, including marginalized groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, income, and abilities.

Past Impact Partner Grant winners may not reapply for the same award within two years. However, the Impact Partner Grant and Microgrant are separate, allowing recipients of one to apply for the other.

How much funding will be awarded?

Each organization may request $15,000 to $20,000.

What are the Selection Criteria?

The Impact Partner Grant seeks to fund a program or initiative that demonstrates an innovative economic development strategy beyond current operations, such as a new strategy, partner, or program. Please note these are not general operating funds or operational small business support funds. 

Proposals must align with one of the following City of Raleigh Strategic Plan Objectives for Economic Development:

• Objective 1: Identify and enhance workforce development partnerships and efforts and actively serve as a conduit to residents, businesses, and resource partners to attract, retain, and engage a talented workforce of various ages, skill sets, and backgrounds to support a diverse, inclusive, and growing economy.
• Objective 2: Cultivate an innovative and entrepreneurial culture based on shared strategic goals.
• Objective 3: Develop strategies and tools that encourage and strengthen the development of businesses throughout the community.
• Objective 4: Maintain and develop amenities and infrastructure to support and encourage jobs and business development and expansion in all parts of the city that provides opportunity for all.

In addition, proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Gap or Need: What is the economic development need within the Raleigh ecosystem that this program will help fill?
• Program Plan: Are there clear goals, objectives, and workplans guiding the program implementation? Is this a new initiative that goes beyond your usual business operations?
• Equity Alignment: How does this program advance diversity, equity, and inclusion? 
• Partnerships: What new or existing partnerships will support the success of this program?
• Organizational Capacity: What resources and staff will support the successful implementation of this program?

These criteria guide the selection process, but the City reserves the right to award funding to proposals it deems best aligned with the policy objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan.

What do I need to submit with my proposal?

Use the submission form provided below to complete your written proposal. If you’d like to preview the questions as you prepare your submission, we have provided a proposal template file that includes all the questions you will need to address in your proposal.

• Application Form
• Application Template (not the official application)

A complete proposal must include:

1. Written responses to the application questions via the submission form.
2. A detailed program budget. Proposals that do not include the budget will not be reviewed.

Completed proposals are due by 11:59 pm ET on Friday, October 18, 2024.      

What is the timeline for funding proposals?

DISCLAIMER: We know innovation comes from organizations of various sizes/industries/stages. Are you not sure you fit 100% of the above criteria but are committed to helping the City of Raleigh foster bold new programs? Apply!

If you have questions or need any assistance completing the application, please send an email to alice.bosley@raleighnc.gov with the subject line “Impact Partner Grant.”