Best Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

The Ally Charitable Foundation focuses on advancing economic mobility and reducing inequities through targeted grants. Their key areas include affordable housing, financial education, and workforce development, aiming to support nonprofit organizations that provide essential resources to underserved communities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the U.S., demonstrating compliance with various guidelines and attesting to a non-discrimination policy. This strategic approach fosters impactful collaborations to inspire social change.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The Ordean Foundation's Catalyst Grant Program offers one-time grants up to $20,000 to support community-driven projects that address emerging needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities serving Duluth and surrounding areas. The program prioritizes initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission to alleviate poverty, focusing on basic needs and strategies to break generational cycles of poverty. Applications require a Proposal Summary and a full Proposal for those invited.

The Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants program provides funding for customized occupational training aimed at unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers across all industry sectors. Grants range from $5,000 to $400,000, with a requirement for a 50% cash or in-kind match. This initiative supports businesses in enhancing workforce skills, leading to full-time and higher wage employment opportunities. Open to all sizes of companies, it aims to bolster the state's workforce and economic growth.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation offers sponsorships for events in the Kansas City area, with a focus on connecting people and supporting vital programs. Funding amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on event size and benefits. Organizations not currently funded by the Foundation are eligible to apply, with one request considered per year. Note that current grantees are ineligible, and sponsorships are not retroactive or recurring.

The Need to Know Grant by the Albuquerque Community Foundation offers nonprofits the chance to submit rolling grant requests throughout the year. This initiative allows organizations to keep the Foundation informed about their programs and ongoing funding needs. With suggestions to apply for amounts between $5,000 and $10,000, the grant aims to support projects that enhance community well-being in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties.

The Indigo Oak Fund's Education Grant Program supports educational initiatives in Colorado and the Bay Area, focusing on both traditional schools and alternative learning experiences. This program aims to empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. By funding resources for teachers and career advancement for adults, the Fund seeks to create equal opportunities, enhance community engagement, and contribute to a more equitable society.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Kyndryl Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through investments in education, technology, and workforce development. With a focus on cybersecurity and AI skills for underrepresented learners, the foundation fosters balanced partnerships and innovation. It prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring grants support long-term impact. This initiative aligns with Kyndryl's mission to create a sustainable future by enhancing access to opportunities and resources for all, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in economic growth.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The William & Elizabeth Charitable Fund for the Trades, established by Bridge Builders Community Foundations, supports programs in Venango County that promote trades, applied technology, apprenticeships, and nursing careers. This initiative aims to foster community growth and enhance workforce development by empowering individuals through practical education and training opportunities. By focusing on these essential fields, the fund not only honors donor intent but also addresses the evolving needs of the local economy.

The Denver Foundation's Capacity Building Fund Grant supports qualified nonprofits aiming to enhance their effectiveness through learning opportunities. Grants range from $500 to $6,000, with an average of $2,500 to $3,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, have received a prior grant within three years, and serve the Metro Denver area. Funding is not available for passive learning or certain activities, ensuring that grants foster active engagement and skill development among staff and board members.

The Southeast Asian Economic Disparities Relief Competitive Grant aims to alleviate economic disparities within Southeast Asian communities by funding workforce recruitment, development, job creation, and capacity-building initiatives. Targeting individuals of Southeast Asian descent aged 18 and older, including Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese, and other groups, the grant seeks qualified proposals that enhance outreach and support smaller organizations in their efforts to serve these communities effectively.

The AmeriCorps State and National Rhode Island Grants, offered by ServeRI, empower organizations to tackle community needs by recruiting and training AmeriCorps members. These grants aim to enhance civic engagement and support pathways for participants to advance their careers or education. Successful proposals must demonstrate how AmeriCorps service positions address specific community challenges while providing meaningful benefits to the members. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to improve lives and strengthen communities across Rhode Island.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tennessee (TMMTN) Grants aims to foster community improvement by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Committed to enhancing the quality of life, Toyota supports initiatives in community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce readiness. The program prioritizes long-term impact and inclusivity, ensuring diverse populations benefit from funding. Toyota encourages collaborative efforts to tackle pressing societal challenges while engaging employees as volunteers. Note that applications from certain organizations, including those outside the U.S., will not be considered.

About Serve Colorado

Serve Colorado works under the leadership of the Governor’s Commission on Community Service to distribute and administer Colorado AmeriCorps State funding from AmeriCorps, the federal agency. The mission of AmeriCorps is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering.

Planning Grants

This Notice is for organizations interested in applying for a 2026-2027 Serve Colorado AmeriCorps State planning grant. An AmeriCorps planning grant provides organizations with resources to assess the feasibility, readiness, and design of a potential AmeriCorps program or to explore opportunities to deepen the reach, scale, impact, or effectiveness of existing service models. The goal is to develop a strong, sustainable program model that is responsive to community priorities and positioned to pursue future AmeriCorps operational funding. 

Serve Colorado is seeking planning grant applications in the following areas: 

• State Service Plan Alignment and Program Strengthening
• AmeriCorps Program Expansion into Colorado

Funding

Serve Colorado awards planning grants up to $150,000. The project period will be co-determined by the applicant and Serve Colorado based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the applicants’ familiarity with AmeriCorps organizational capacity, and proposed timeline. Per statute, the planning grant award may not last more than 365 days and cannot be extended for any reason.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Pathways Program aims to provide training and career opportunities for individuals with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Grants of up to $400,000 support projects that include partnerships between businesses and accredited Minnesota educational institutions. Funds can cover training-related costs but not wage subsidies or tuition reimbursement. This program is essential for fostering workforce development and enhancing the skills of low-income individuals, ultimately aiding their transition into sustainable employment.

The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) offers a Partnership Grant Program aimed at enhancing workforce training and development in high-demand sectors. Grants of up to $400,000 are available for accredited educational institutions partnering with businesses to create tailored training programs. These funds can cover essential training costs, ensuring that Minnesota's workforce remains competitive and skilled. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between businesses and educational entities, addressing the state's evolving workforce needs effectively.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council's Outreach Project Grant provides funding for initiatives that enhance public information and outreach regarding career education and workforce training opportunities. This grant aims to support new projects and expand existing programs, with funding offered on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include state agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and employers. Applications are reviewed monthly, with a focus on increasing economic mobility for Idahoans through effective workforce training.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council offers an Employer Grant to support local businesses in expanding their workforce or retraining existing employees for economic growth. Grants can provide up to $500,000 per project, aimed at enhancing skills for better job opportunities. The program emphasizes innovation, best practices in talent development, and improving economic mobility. Eligible employers must meet wage standards and provide health benefits, while temporary positions are not eligible for funding.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council offers Industry Sector Grants to support employers in developing training solutions that address workforce issues and skills gaps in Idaho. These grants are provided on a non-competitive, first come, first-served basis, encouraging collaborative efforts among industry partners. The program aims to enhance economic mobility, job creation, and innovation in talent development while ensuring a return on investment for participants through increased wages and credential attainment.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council's Innovation Grant supports projects that enhance the workforce pipeline in Idaho. By utilizing diverse funding sources, the grant aims to improve economic mobility through targeted training initiatives. Eligible applicants must be community-based teams in Idaho, focused on addressing local skill gaps and fostering job creation. This strategic investment promotes innovation and best practices in talent development, ultimately contributing to the state's economic growth and workforce retention.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Missouri, Inc. (TMMMO) Grants aim to enhance community quality of life through strategic partnerships with nonprofits. By focusing on STEM education and workforce readiness, Toyota seeks to create inclusive opportunities that empower individuals and foster sustainable growth. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, engaging volunteers and leveraging Toyota's expertise to maximize social impact in Missouri. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and municipal entities, while maintaining a commitment to non-discrimination.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Colorado AmeriCorp Operational Grant, administered by Serve Colorado, aims to enhance community service through AmeriCorps funding. It supports programs targeting workforce development, health care, and green infrastructure, focusing on underserved communities. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to priority areas, ensuring high-quality program designs to improve lives and foster civic participation. This grant empowers organizations to engage AmeriCorps members in impactful service, promoting economic mobility and advancing racial equity, while addressing local community needs.