Requirements

• Must be located in a Small or Midsized City (population 50K–500K).
• Must demonstrate site control or a clear path to acquisition for a commercial real estate development project.
• Coalition must include representation from an anchor institution within 5 miles of the development site. Anchor institutions may include:
  • Educational institutions (e.g., HBCUs, MSIs, community colleges, universities)
  • Healthcare providers (e.g., hospitals, health systems, FQHCs)
  • Faith-based institutions (e.g., churches, religious networks)
  • Civic or cultural institutions (e.g., libraries, museums, civic centers)
• Coalition must also be comprised of at least two—but no more than three—cross-sector partners from your city. Additional partners can include:
  • Economic development organizations
  • Local government entities (e.g., public agencies, city council, mayor’s office, relevant department)
  • Community-based organizations
  • Private sector partners (developers, investors, businesses)
  • Philanthropic institutions
  • Financial institutions (e.g., CDFIs, credit unions, banks)
• Unless you were a local government partner, coalition orgs must not have already participated in a 2025 NGIN LEAP trip (Philadelphia – Feb 2025, Cleveland – Jun 2025).
• Must submit a single application on behalf of your coalition with letters of commitment from each partner. Each track has its own application—please complete the appropriate one. For a letter of support template, visit: https://newgrowth.org/ngin-initiatives/strategic-capacity-for-advancing-local-economies#helpfullinks
• Preferred Qualification: Applicants with at least $100,000 in committed pre-development capital are likely to be more competitive.