Fort Worth launches new program to help nonprofits become grant-ready

The City of Fort Worth is helping small and emerging nonprofit organizations strengthen their skills and prepare for future federal funding opportunities through a new capacity-building initiative.

The big picture: The Neighborhood Services Department has launched its inaugural Pathway to Partnership cohort, a program that provides hands-on training, technical assistance and practical tools to help nonprofits strengthen their organizational capacity before pursuing future U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding opportunities administered by the City.

Interest in the program exceeded expectations, with all 40 available cohort seats filled within 24 hours of registration opening. A waitlist was established, and additional organizations are undergoing eligibility review as spaces become available.

Why it matters: Small and emerging nonprofits often provide critical services in their communities but may have limited access to the training and technical assistance needed to navigate complex federal funding requirements.

“Our goal is to help level the playing field,” said Jeanette Greenwood, management analyst and Pathway to Partnership program coordinator with the Neighborhood Services Department. “Many smaller nonprofits are doing incredible work in our community with limited access to the same level of training and technical assistance as larger organizations. Pathway to Partnership is designed to provide practical guidance that builds confidence, strengthens organizational systems and prepares nonprofits for future funding opportunities.”

Who it’s for: The program is designed for nonprofit organizations that serve the Fort Worth community, have annual operating budgets of $250,000 or less, are preparing to pursue future HUD funding and need additional support in areas such as grant readiness, compliance, budgeting and program development.

How it works: The two-session cohort guides participants through the City’s funding process while covering HUD regulations, compliance expectations and best practices for developing competitive funding applications.

Session 1: Understanding City of Fort Worth Funding & Readiness — 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 21, at City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail. Topics include the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan, HUD grant programs, eligibility and compliance requirements, financial management fundamentals and grant readiness.

Session 2: From Grassroots to Grant-Ready — 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 18, at City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail. Topics include program design, performance measures, budget development, documentation and compliance, application best practices and common funding pitfalls.

By the numbers: The inaugural cohort includes 40 nonprofit organizations representing multiple Fort Worth City Council districts and a range of missions, including housing, youth development, workforce readiness, community development, family services and economic empowerment.

What participants receive: Cohort members will receive a professionally developed study guide, practical templates, budget tools and direct instruction from City staff with expertise in federal grant administration, contract management, compliance, budgeting and nonprofit partnerships.

City facilitators include Alison Villasana, Cyndee Garza, Charletta Moaning, Jeanette Greenwood, Mary Tenorio and Tracey Walton from the Neighborhood Services Department. Juliet Moses of RS Strategies LLC will serve as a community guest facilitator.

What’s next: Pathway to Partnership is part of the City’s FY2027-28 funding readiness initiative and reflects Fort Worth’s ongoing commitment to expanding equitable access to federal funding opportunities for community-based organizations.

The program aims to help small and emerging nonprofits build stronger organizational systems, better understand federal funding requirements and position themselves to compete for future HUD funding opportunities that align with the City’s Consolidated Plan priorities.

Get articles like this in your inbox. Subscribe to City News.