Requirements

• Must be located in a Small or Midsized City (population 50K–500K) in the United States. Note: Flexibility regarding population size may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If your project aligns with the program’s objectives, we encourage you to submit an application.
• Coalition must include representation from a community-based organization focused on creating economic opportunity—whether that’s your organization or a confirmed partner.
• Coalition must identify at least one—but no more than two—cross-sector partners from your city. Including two partners will make your application more competitive. Additional partners can represent any of the following:
  • Economic development organizations
  • Local government entities (e.g., city council, mayor’s office, or relevant department)
  • Private sector partners (developers, investors, businesses)
  • Philanthropic institutions
  • Financial institutions (e.g., CDFIs, credit unions, banks)
  • Anchor institutions (e.g., hospitals, universities, school districts, churches, museums, cultural institutions)
• 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
• 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 demonstrate sufficient staffing capacity and organizational readiness to fully engage in the year-long program, including a commitment that at least one staff member from each coalition organization will actively participate in all core program activities.
• Must be prepared to use the 12-month technical assistance program to explore, design, or refine a community wealth-building strategy that aligns with your coalition’s goals and community context.
• Must show alignment with long-term efforts that promote community ownership, equity, and local control.