What is SCALE?
New Growth Innovation Network’s Strategic Capacity for Advancing Local Economies (SCALE) program supports coalitions from Small and Midsized Cities (population 50,000–500,000) through two specialized technical assistance tracks designed to meet your city’s exact needs: Community Wealth Building and Commercial Real Estate Development.
Selected coalitions will receive a fully funded learning trip, one-on-one coaching, peer exchange opportunities—plus track-specific support. (See our full offering diagram below.)
Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program is part of NGIN's Small and Midsized Cities Hub—an initiative that offers a suite of programs, technical assistance, resources, and tools to support economic developers build healthy, thriving communities.
Applications for SCALE are now closed.
Program Tracks
-
Community Wealth Building
Supports community-led projects that build local wealth and long-term economic sustainability.
Best for: Community-based coalitions -
Commercial Real Estate Development
Supports commercial and mixed-use development projects.
Best for: Anchor-led coalitions
Program Offerings
| Offering | Community Wealth Building | Commercial Real Estate Development |
|---|---|---|
| Expert consultation for action planning, coalition building, and implementation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fully funded immersive learning trip to another SMC | ✅ | ✅ |
| Virtual convenings and peer exchange opportunities | ✅ | ✅ |
| $5,000 towards community engagement activities | ✅ |
✅ |
| Up to $15,000 in customized technical assistance by provided consultants | ✅ (focused on community wealth) |
✅ (focused on real estate) |
| Up to $15,000 in direct project funding | ✅ | ❌ |
| Predevelopment planning, site control, and ownership modeling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Investment readiness and capital access support | ❌ | ✅ |
Key Dates
Make sure to mark your calendar for these important dates and milestones!
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| First Look Info Session | May 21 - Register Here |
| Applications Open | June 18 |
| Info Sessions by Track | June 25 and 26 - Register Here |
| Application Deadline | Extension: August 4 |
| Interview Period | August 4–15 |
| Notifications | August 27 |
| Kickoff | September 2025 |
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) supports efforts to create healthier communities by improving the physical, economic, and social conditions that help residents thrive. With RWJF’s generous support, NGIN’s Small and Midsized Cities (SMC) Hub offers a suite of programs, technical assistance, resources, and tools to support economic developers build healthy, thriving communities.