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Impact Partner Grant

Powering economic prosperity through sustainable innovation


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Topics of Interest How to Apply for the Impact Partner Grant Timeline for Current Application Cycle

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

We are looking to support entrepreneurs, non-profits, and small businesses who have big ideas that improve Raleigh’s business ecosystem 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  
  • Your 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. 

Topics of Interest

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While we’re open to a wide range of new, innovative, sustainable ideas that boost business, we’re particularly interested in the following topics:

  • Reducing heat islands and protecting people from heat  
  • Reducing flooding and protecting people from flooding  
  • Utilization and access to low-emission transportation (bus, bikes, scooters, walking, EVs)  
  • Energy savings, renewables, and battery storage  
  • Reduction of E-waste  
  • Circular Economy – reuse, repair, and refurbishment of materials and items  
  • Building sustainable businesses, jobs, and skillsets  
  • Advancing sustainable practices within the business community  
  • Incorporating sustainability into health and wellness 
  • Utilization of sustainable materials 

How to Apply for the Impact Partner Grant

Applications will open on September 16. Visit the Impact Partner Grant Application page for eligibility information. 

Timeline for Current Application Cycle

Date Milestone 
August 27, 2025Virtual Q&A Session
Registration link to come
September 16, 2025Impact Partner Grant application opens 
Note: Applicants must first complete a brief eligibility assessment. If they meet the criteria, they will be invited to submit the full application. Please allow 2-3 business days for this review.
September 30, 2025Big Ideas Raleigh Meetup - Impact Partner Grant
Registration link to come
October 14, 2025Impact Partner Grant application closes
The application will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 14, 2025
October 17 to December 2025Proposal review and evaluation
Proposals will be reviewed by the Office of Strategy and Innovation and a panel of experts within the Raleigh innovation ecosystem. Applicants may be contacted with follow up questions or an interview. Please note that applications will NOT be reviewed on a rolling basis.
December 2025Impact Partner Grant awardees selected

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