Applications are still open for ICMA's Economic Mobility and Opportunity Cohort. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ICMA is offering a unique opportunity for members to advance upward mobility in their communities—so that all residents can achieve economic success, feel a sense of belonging, and exercise autonomy over their own futures. This cohort will take participants' economic mobility initiatives to new heights by offering training and technical assistance from subject matter experts, peer learning opportunities, and a $30,000 grant for the implementation of a related process or project.

While the application deadline is fast approaching, there is still enough time to submit! Here are six reasons to apply for the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Cohort:

1. Brief and Simple Application Process: The online application can be completed quickly and requires no additional documentation. Full application instructions are available here and applications can be revised until the deadline, March 6, 2023, 5:00 pm EST.
2. Drive Real Change: This cohort provides a unique opportunity for participants to focus on what drives (or impedes) upward mobility for residents in their communities. ICMA has curated many examples for inspiration here, but applicants are not limited to these. Creativity and original ideas are also encouraged! If this work is new to prospective applicants, then a study, assessment, or engagement process to pinpoint priorities is acceptable and encouraged.
3. Rapid Grant Funding: Each community selected will receive grant funding of up to $30,000. This funding is very flexible and requires no match. Upon selection, ICMA will work with each local government to finalize their scope of work. Cohort members will just need to expend the funds before October 2023.
4. Paid Travel and Networking: A small team from each local government selected will get to meet both in person and virtually with peers working on economic mobility and opportunity issues in other communities as well as with technical experts. Costs for travel and additional consulting will be covered by ICMA on top of the $30,000 grants.
5. Member Benefit: The ICMA membership requirement can be satisfied by anyone on the applicant's team. This cohort also requires participation from the chief administrative officer or a similar position, whether or not they are an ICMA member themselves.
6. ICMA Is Here to Help: ICMA's team is standing by to answer specific questions about applications and plans for the cohort. Contact research@icma.org.

Learn more about the cohort and ICMA's Economic Mobility and Opportunity initiative.

Apply Now