Impact Partner Grant

The Impact Partner Grant is a local funding initiative established by the City of Raleigh to promote sustainable innovation that drives inclusive economic development. This competitive grant program targets pilot projects—new and untested initiatives—that align with environmental resilience, circular economy principles, clean energy use, and sustainable business practices. Its core objective is to fuel future-ready solutions that elevate Raleigh’s economic ecosystem while contributing to long-term environmental and community well-being. Administered by the Office of Strategy and Innovation, the program offers up to $20,000 in funding per awardee, along with non-financial support such as technical assistance, local visibility, and integration into Raleigh’s innovation network. The 2025 grant cycle prioritizes initiatives that address key sustainability themes such as reducing heat islands and flooding, expanding access to low-emission transportation, promoting e-waste reduction, utilizing sustainable materials, and fostering workforce and skills development in green sectors. Applicants must complete a two-step application process. First, they must pass a brief eligibility assessment. If eligible, applicants will receive an invitation to complete the full application. The submission window runs from September 16 through October 14, 2025, with all materials due by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date. A mandatory component of the application is a detailed program budget. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Eligible applicants include entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses that are registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Projects must primarily benefit residents or organizations located in Raleigh. Further, applicants must propose pilot projects—initiatives not previously implemented by the organization—that contribute clear environmental and economic value. Previous grant recipients are not eligible for consecutive-year funding. The grant selection process runs from October 17 through December 2025. Applications are reviewed by a team from the Office of Strategy and Innovation along with external evaluators from Raleigh’s sustainability and innovation community. Evaluation criteria include program clarity, alignment with environmental and economic goals, community partnerships, and organizational capacity. Awardees will be announced by the end of December 2025. For further support, applicants were encouraged to attend a virtual Q&A session on August 27, 2025, and participate in the “Big Ideas Raleigh” event on September 30, 2025. These sessions provided information about eligibility, proposal development, and sustainability strategies tailored to local business and nonprofit communities. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the City of Raleigh’s online portal.

Review recorded info session, develop a strong pilot concept, and focus on clear outcomes.