The Impact Partner Grant is a City of Raleigh initiative designed to fuel economic opportunity through sustainable innovation.
Donor Name: City of Raleigh
State: North Carolina
City: Raleigh
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/14/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
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.
They 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!
Topics of Interest
- 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.
Funding Information
Awardees receive $20,000 in grant funding and access to technical support, citywide visibility, and connections to local networks that accelerate impact.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for the grant are:
- Projects must support economic development by increasing employment, expanding business opportunities, and/or improving property conditions.
- 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. Please note: these funds are not intended for general operations or routine small business support.
- Impact Partner Grant winners may not win a grant two years in a row.
- Projects must create value for people or groups outside the recipient organization.
- New Requirement for 2025: Projects must demonstrate an impact on environmental resilience.
Selection Criteria
The ideal project proposal for the Impact Partner Grant demonstrates the following:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For more information, visit City of Raleigh.
