The City of Knoxville’s Workforce Readiness Grant, part of the Empower Knox Initiative, supports non-profit and community-based organizations that prepare youth aged 12-24 for postsecondary opportunities and careers. Emphasizing both workforce preparation and social-emotional development, the grant seeks to fund programs that build resilience and essential skills through intentional, high-quality programming. Grant recipients will also participate in the Empower Knox Workforce Readiness Cohort, receiving technical support from VisionLED, LLC, a mandatory component of the grant.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 will fund programming that takes place between January 1 and September 15, 2025. Funding must specifically support youth stipends, employment, or other services directly related to workforce readiness activities. Proposals should demonstrate clear engagement of youth in meaningful work-related activities and skill-building initiatives.

Applications are competitive, with no guarantee of full or partial funding, even for past recipients. Applications must be submitted by December 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., with grant awards announced in late January 2025. Recipients are required to implement funded programming within the specified timeline and adhere to cohort participation requirements.

Organizations interested in applying should review the grant funding guidelines and ensure their proposals align with the initiative’s goals. For assistance or questions, applicants may contact Emily Norris or Tiffany Davidson via the provided phone numbers or emails. This grant offers an opportunity to support Knoxville’s youth in building skills and resilience essential for long-term career and personal success.