Who We Fund
The Partnership drives workforce innovation by investing in high-impact career training and employment programs through the 70 community-based organizations in our network. We leverage public funding, competitive grants, and philanthropic support to expand access to opportunity and advance equitable career pathways across Chicago and suburban Cook County to strengthen our regional economy.
As the nonprofit organization that oversee the regional public workforce system, we invest state and federal resources alongside private and community-based partners to deliver training, connect job seekers to critical supports, and build resilient talent pipelines that meet employer demand.
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How we do it…
We begin by listening—to employers, communities, and economic leaders—to understand the evolving needs of our regional workforce. This insight guides strategic investments in high-impact training and career pathways that respond to real labor market demand.
Our work is grounded in strong community partnerships and a commitment to transparency and accountability. We leverage public, private, and philanthropic resources to maximize impact, ensuring every investment advances opportunity for individuals, strengthens businesses, and supports a resilient regional economy.
We do more than fund programs. We actively collaborate with employers, educators, economic development partners, and governmental agencies to co-create innovative, scalable workforce solutions that adapt to changing industry needs and deliver lasting economic impact year over year.
Stay in the loop by joining our Funding Opportunities Mailing List. You’ll receive updates as new opportunities become available.
Who Funds Us
The Partnership is a nonprofit workforce intermediary that mobilizes public, private, and philanthropic investments to expand access to economic opportunity across Chicago and suburban Cook County. Through responsible stewardship of federal employment and training funds allocated to Chicago and Cook County and the pursuit of competitive grants, we support high-impact workforce initiatives that respond to regional labor market needs.
Philanthropic and private investments play a critical role in advancing this work by enabling innovation, flexibility, and community-driven solutions that extend beyond traditional program models. Together, these resources power a trusted network of public and private partners supporting career seekers, employers, and long-term regional economic growth.
- Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), as we are the designated recipient of these dollars for Chicago and Cook County
- Additional competitive workforce and training grants from federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor and the Economic Development Administration
- Grants from state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Community and local government grants
- Philanthropic contributions and corporate sponsorships supporting innovative workforce initiatives
Program Funders
Workforce Development Supporters
