Who We Fund

The Partnership is entrusted to invest state and federal funds in career training and employment programs that shape the future of our regional workforce. We also secure competitive grants to lead innovative, forward-thinking workforce initiatives.We proudly invest in a network of trusted private and community-based organizations that make up our network and bring our mission to life across Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Together, we expand access to opportunity by helping individuals prepare for meaningful careers, connect to life-changing services, and navigate a path to lasting employment. These partnerships fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and ensure that every job seeker has the support needed to succeed and contribute to a more resilient regional economy.

A photo of a diverse group of American Job Center leaders in business clothing.
Man and woman locking pinkies together.

How we do it…

We start by understanding the evolving needs of our regional workforce, so every investment we make supports the most relevant, high-impact training. Our success depends on strong community relationships and a deep commitment to transparency. Every dollar we steward is intended to deliver the greatest return, benefiting individuals, businesses, and the regional economy.

Our stewardship of this funding makes an economic impact year over year. We do more than fund programs; we actively collaborate with local businesses, economic development leaders, municipal agencies, and educators to spark innovation and build strategic solutions that meet the evolving demands of our workforce

Read Our Annual Report

Stay in the loop by joining our Funding Opportunities Mailing List. You’ll receive updates as new opportunities become available.

Join Our Funding Opportunities Mailing List

Who Funds Us

As the region’s primary steward of federal employment and training funds, we hold fiscal responsibility as a core value. Our funding comes from the federal government, along with generous support from philanthropic and private partners. These resources power a strong network of public and private agencies that help career seekers and employers thrive across our region.

Competitive grants allow us to expand job training beyond traditional federal programs. As a 501(c)(3), we also accept charitable contributions that support forward-thinking, community-driven initiatives. We focus our fundraising efforts on:

  • Competitive workforce and training grants from federal agencies such as the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services
  • Grants from state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Community and local government grants
  • Corporate sponsorships

Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG)

April 24, 2019 Grants

In conjunction with the Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago, The Partnership’s HPOG program supports the development, implementation, and/or expansion of healthcare Bridge Programs in Cook County and throughout the metropolitan …

State Energy Sector Partnership

April 24, 2019 Grants

This U.S. Department of Labor multi-year grant was used for training, certification and job placement in a variety of energy-related occupations/fields, including: gas utility, masonry, carpentry, building analyst and energy …