Triangle Community Foundation’s Sustainable Communities: Economic Resilience program is part of the Foundation’s larger Sustainable Communities Impact Area, which combines previous Environmental Conservation and Community Development programs into one integrated approach. The program aims to foster economically and environmentally resilient communities in the Triangle region of North Carolina, covering Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake counties. The focus for the 2025 funding cycle is to support nonprofit organizations that help adults seeking employment-focused education or skills-based training. The goal is to remove practical barriers that individuals face when accessing these opportunities, helping them secure stable, family-sustaining jobs.

The grant will fund nonprofit organizations that assist individuals seeking educational or job training opportunities while also addressing barriers such as housing, food insecurity, transportation, health care (including mental health care), child care, and the cost of necessary equipment like uniforms or tools. Organizations can apply for $40,000 in general operating support, which will be disbursed evenly over two years. At least one organization selected for funding must be based in and serve southern Wake County, due to some donor restrictions. Triangle Community Foundation expects to award approximately 12 grants during this cycle.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in and serving the Triangle region, including Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake counties. Religious organizations and those working with a fiscal sponsor are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes related to the program’s goals and comply with the Foundation’s non-discrimination policy. Only one application per organization will be considered. Evaluation criteria include demonstrated impact, alignment with program goals, staff and board representation, engagement with the priority populations, organizational financial health, and the potential impact of the funding.

The application period opens on February 12, 2025, and the deadline to apply is March 14, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to review the Spring 2025 Info Session Webinar recording for additional guidance. Grant decisions are expected by June 16, 2025, and the grant term will begin on July 1, 2025. Triangle Community Foundation anticipates continuing this program on a biennial basis, with future calls for proposals every two years.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Arlene Brown, Partnerships Program Officer, with any questions prior to the deadline. She can be reached at abrown@trianglecf.org or 919-474-8370, ext. 4005. The Triangle Community Foundation is located at 800 Park Offices Drive, Suite 201, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, and can be reached via its main phone line at (919) 474-8370.