Impact Partner Grant

The Impact Partner Grant is a City of Raleigh initiative designed to fuel economic opportunity through sustainable innovation. The Impact Partner Grant prioritizes new, innovative pilot projects that promote environmental resilience and community-based solutions that help shape a future-ready Raleigh.

This year, we are focused on supporting non-profits who have big ideas that leverage:

• Climate resilience and environmental protection;
• Repair and reuse or zero-waste models;
• Clean energy and sustainable infrastructure;
• Sustainable business and community well-being; or,
• Other ideas for a more sustainable Raleigh!

Awardees receive $20,000 in grant funding and access to technical support, citywide visibility, and connections to local networks that accelerate impact.

Together, we aim to build an economy that expands opportunity, encourages collaboration, and enhances environmental resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn how to apply for the 2026 Impact Partner Grant.

When do applications open?

Applications will open on July 15, 2026. While the application is not yet available, you can preview a Word version of the application here and begin working on your answers.

Who is eligible?

The eligibility requirements for the grant are:

• New Requirement for 2026: Applicant organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofit entities;
• Projects must support economic development by increasing employment, expanding business opportunities, and/or improving property conditions;
• Projects must demonstrate an impact on environmental resilience;
• The organization must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State;
• The majority of project beneficiaries – the individuals or organizations the project is intended to support – must be based in Raleigh;
• Projects must be pilot initiatives, meaning they test new strategies the organization has not previously implemented or locations the organization has not previously served (these funds are not intended for general operations); and,
• Impact Partner Grant winners may not win a grant two years in a row.

How much funding will be awarded?

Each organization may request as much as $20,000.

What are the selection criteria?

The ideal project proposal for the Impact Partner Grant demonstrates the following:

1. Fills a Gap or Need
   The program addresses a clear and pressing economic development and environmental need within Raleigh. It fills a critical void in the local sustainability ecosystem.
2. Outlines a Clear Program Plan
   The proposal describes a new initiative that goes beyond day-to-day operations, designed specifically to test and implement innovative strategies. It is guided by clear goals, measurable objectives, and a well-defined workplan that outlines key activities, timelines, and milestones to ensure effective implementation.
3. Leverages Partnerships
   The success of the proposed program is supported by a strong network of partners, including both new and existing collaborations. These partners bring complementary skills, shared resources, and aligned missions that enhance the reach, impact, and sustainability of the program.
4. Organizational Capacity
   The organization has the necessary capacity to carry out this program successfully, with dedicated staff, relevant expertise, and access to essential resources. The team is well-positioned to manage the program’s implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

What are some examples of potential projects?

Below are a few projects from the 2026 Impact Partner Grant Cohort.

Raleigh-Durham Startup Week inspires, connects, and celebrates regional founders and their teams by fostering an inclusive, collaborative ecosystem where individuals and organizations lead, partner, and support entrepreneurial growth. With the Impact Partner Grant, Raleigh-Durham Startup Week (RDSW) and the Carolina Climate will jointly pilot a two-part program to make Raleigh a leading hub of climate entrepreneurship. They will host “Climate Tech Day” during RDSW in April and piloting a new “Climate Tech Week” in the fall. Co-led by Carolina Climate and RDSW, the events will bring together founders, investors, researchers, and civic leaders to showcase emerging climate technologies, share best practices, and strengthen Raleigh’s position as the epicenter of sustainable innovation in the Southeast. Raleigh-Durham Startup Co. is using the Impact Partner Grant to launch a series of climate-tech events, geared towards making Raleigh a national hub of climate tech innovation. The series includes adding a Climate Tech Day during the annual Raleigh-Durham Startup Week and hosting a week-long Climate Tech Week in partnership with Carolina Climate.

Kramden Institute is a 501-c-3 non-profit based in Durham whose mission is advancing access to devices, connectivity, and technology education. Kramden programs concentrate on serving low-income students and adults, most of whom do not own a computer and, in many cases, have never learned how to use one. Established in 2003, Kramden has refurbished and awarded more than 67,000 computers to disadvantaged students and families across North Carolina, and kept more than 3 million pounds of e- waste out of landfills. With the Impact Partner Grant, Kramden will organize quarterly drive-through and drop off e- waste events within the City of Raleigh expanding their capacity to distribute devices to K-12 students, low-income adults, and other vulnerable populations in Raleigh.

WakeUP Wake County promotes sustainable, healthy communities through education, civic engagement, and advocacy. With the Impact Partner Grant, WakeUp Wake County will create the Raleigh ADU Accelerator, a pilot initiative that advances environmental resilience and economic opportunity through sustainable Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development. The project will test new tools and outreach strategies that help residents, small builders, and designers participate in Raleigh’s growing ADU market while highlighting ADUs as a critical component of a more sustainable housing future.

Applications Opening Soon

We want to hear your bold, original ideas. What’s your big idea for impact?