National Fund for Workforce Solutions is one of seven organizations selected to deepen commitment to race equity and inclusion in their organization

Washington, D.C. (July 23, 2019) – The National Fund for Workforce Solutions was recently awarded an “Advancing Racial Equity in Workforce Development” grant from Associated Black Charities, Workforce Matters, and The Annie E. Casey Foundation. Seven organizations were selected to support their efforts to integrate and apply a racial equity lens to their organizational, operational, and programmatic practices. Additionally, awardees will ensure that their policies and strategies include a racial equity lens to better address the race-based educational, economic, and employment disparities seen across the country.

This project seeks to leverage the unique position of the awardees to make a broader impact on the field of workforce development. This support will better equip the national and regional awardees to influence and build the capacity of their local members and affiliates.

Under this grant, the National Fund will do the following:

• Provide executive coaching to the senior team with goals that include understanding the role that leaders play in perpetuating structural racialization; developing a common language among the senior leadership; and, formulating a theory of change around race equity and inclusion that will inform the implementation of the National Fund’s new strategic plan.
• Provide facilitated discussions and training for all organizational staff and board of directors.
• Incorporate equity goals in all data collection activities (both internally and externally).

Other awardees of this grant funding are Advance CTE, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, Jobs for the Future, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity and Education, National Skills Coalition, and the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program.

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About National Fund for Workforce Solutions

The National Fund for Workforce Solutions invests in a dynamic national network of 30+ communities taking a demand-driven, evidence-based approach to workforce development. At the local level, the National Fund’s partner organizations contribute resources, test ideas, collect data, and improve public policies and business practices that help all workers succeed and employers have the talent they need to compete.  Leveraging the expertise of its local leaders, the National Fund shares learning across the network and identify trends, opportunities, and best practices. Together, the National Fund network is changing the conversation around workforce development to promote equity and drive greater impact. Learn more at www.NationalFund.org.