The City of Raleigh Impact Partner Grant is designed to provide financial support to organizations that assist underrepresented innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses within Raleigh. This grant aims to foster economic development strategies that align with the City of Raleigh’s Strategic Plan. The funding is intended to promote collaboration among various stakeholders and connect innovative organizations with additional resources and funding opportunities to facilitate their growth.

The primary purpose of the Impact Partner Grant is to support initiatives that advance economic development in Raleigh. Proposals must align with one of the City of Raleigh's Strategic Plan Objectives for Economic Development. These objectives include enhancing workforce development partnerships, cultivating an innovative entrepreneurial culture, developing strategies to strengthen local businesses, and maintaining infrastructure that supports job creation and business expansion.

Organizations applying for the grant can request funding between $15,000 and $20,000. The grant does not require a matching contribution, making it accessible for various organizations. The funding can be utilized for a range of purposes that align with the grant's objectives, including but not limited to workforce development, innovative projects, and community engagement initiatives.

Eligible applicants for the Impact Partner Grant include small businesses, non-profit organizations, and local government entities. The program specifically targets sectors such as technology, consumer packaged goods, design, biotechnology, social impact, education, professional services, manufacturing, transportation, and retail. This broad eligibility ensures that a diverse range of organizations can apply for funding.

Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed proposal that outlines how the initiative aligns with the City of Raleigh’s Strategic Plan and its objectives. Applicants will need to provide information on their organization, the specific project for which they are seeking funding, and how the project will benefit the community and support underrepresented groups.

The evaluation criteria for the grant will focus on the alignment of the proposal with the strategic objectives, the potential impact of the project, and the capacity of the organization to execute the proposed initiative. The City of Raleigh aims to support projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and a clear benefit to the local economy.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Impact Partner Grant is October 18, 2024. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare their proposals in advance to ensure they meet the submission requirements and deadlines. For further information, applicants can contact Alice Bosley at the City of Raleigh via email or phone.