GitLab Foundation Powering Economic Opportunity Fund 2026: Up to $500,000 in Flexible Grants for Workforce Development Organizations in the United States

Empowering Organizations to Create Lasting Economic Opportunities for American Workers

The GitLab Foundation has officially launched the second round of its Powering Economic Opportunity Fund (PEOF), a major funding initiative designed to strengthen workforce development across the United States. Through this initiative, the Foundation is committing $4 million in flexible grant funding to support organizations that partner directly with employers, unions, and industry leaders to improve job quality, expand work-based learning opportunities, and create sustainable career pathways for workers.

Rather than simply supporting training programs, the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund focuses on transforming employer practices that help workers remain employed, advance professionally, and achieve long-term income growth.

Organizations selected under this funding opportunity may receive grants of up to $500,000 over a period of one to two years.

About the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund

The Powering Economic Opportunity Fund is part of a broader two-year, $16 million partnership between the GitLab Foundation and the Families and Workers Fund.

The initiative was created to address one of today’s biggest workforce challenges: although thousands of workers receive skills training every year, many struggle to remain employed or advance into long-term careers. The Foundation believes that solving this challenge requires improving employer practices—not just worker training.

Round 2 of the program therefore places greater emphasis on employer-side innovations that improve employee retention, career progression, workplace quality, and long-term earning potential.

Why This Fund Matters

The United States is experiencing major economic transformation driven by several rapidly expanding sectors, including:

• Clean and renewable energy
• Advanced manufacturing
• Infrastructure development
• Skilled construction trades
• Industrial technology

Demand for skilled professionals such as electricians, welders, energy technicians, construction managers, and industrial specialists continues to increase.

At the same time:

• Many experienced workers are retiring.
• Employers face growing shortages of skilled labor.
• Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the labor market by reducing many entry-level knowledge jobs.
• Workers increasingly need access to durable career opportunities offering stable wages and long-term growth.

The GitLab Foundation believes that investing in better employer practices can help bridge this gap and produce lasting economic benefits for workers.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive:

• Maximum grant amount: Up to $500,000
• Funding pool: $4 million
• Grant duration:
  • One year
  • Two years
• Flexible funding that allows organizations to implement innovative workforce solutions.

What the Fund Supports

The Powering Economic Opportunity Fund is specifically interested in initiatives that improve long-term employment outcomes rather than only increasing training participation.

Priority will be given to projects that strengthen relationships between employers and workforce organizations while improving worker success.

Areas of interest include:

1. Employer Partnerships

Every application must include an active partnership with at least one of the following:

• Employer
• Labor union
• Industry association
• Workforce industry partner

Strong partnerships may include:

• Hiring commitments
• Employer-recognized credentials
• Curriculum co-development
• Employer co-investment
• Apprenticeships
• Work-based learning opportunities

Applications that do not include an active employer or industry partnership will not move beyond the concept note stage.

2. Employer Practice Change

The Foundation seeks projects that improve workplace quality through employer-led innovations.

Examples include:

• Structured career progression pathways
• Better supervisory and management practices
• Employer-funded education programs
• Predictable work schedules
• Childcare support initiatives
• Employee retention strategies
• Career advancement programs
• Workplace policies that improve long-term earnings

3. Durable Impact

Applicants should demonstrate how successful practices will continue after grant funding ends.

Possible long-term sustainability models include:

• Employer investment
• Collective bargaining agreements
• Public funding
• Other long-term financing mechanisms

The Foundation is particularly interested in projects capable of producing lasting improvements in worker earnings over time.

Expected Impact

The GitLab Foundation prioritizes initiatives that generate measurable economic outcomes.

Its goal is to create projects capable of producing at least:

• $100 in increased worker earnings for every $1 invested by the Foundation.

This focus ensures that funded initiatives deliver meaningful and measurable economic benefits.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
• Organizations operating under a fiscal sponsor.
• Nonprofit partnerships involving eligible 501(c)(3) organizations.

Organizations that are not registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofits may still apply if they partner with an eligible fiscal sponsor or nonprofit organization.

Application Process

The application process consists of multiple stages.

Step 1: Submit a Concept Note

Applicants begin by submitting a short concept note describing:

• Their proposed initiative
• Employer partnerships
• Workforce impact
• Long-term sustainability
• Expected outcomes

Concept notes will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Step 2: Invitation to Full Application

Selected organizations will receive invitations to submit a comprehensive application during September 2026.

Step 3: Final Review

Applications will undergo detailed review through November 2026.

Step 4: Grant Awards

Successful organizations will be announced in early December 2026.

Request for Proposal or APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

Deadline to submit the concept note: August 12, 2026.

Organizations are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow adequate time for review.

For more information and questions, visit GITLAB Foundation HERE

Or send an email to:grants@gitlabfoundation.org

Key Features of the Fund

• Up to $500,000 in grant funding.
• Flexible one- or two-year grant period.
• Focus on sustainable workforce development.
• Strong emphasis on employer partnerships.
• Supports innovative workplace improvements.
• Encourages work-based learning models.
• Promotes long-term career advancement.
• Supports higher lifetime earnings for workers.
• Requires sustainability beyond grant funding.
• Backed by a $16 million partnership between GitLab Foundation and the Families and Workers Fund.

About the Families and Workers Fund

The Families and Workers Fund is a collaborative funding platform supported by more than 40 philanthropic partners working together to build a stronger and more equitable economy.

The organization manages approximately $130 million in collaborative funding and is housed at the Amalgamated Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Its partnership with the GitLab Foundation reflects a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity and improving workforce outcomes across the United States.

Why Organizations Should Apply

Organizations working at the intersection of workforce development and employer engagement have an opportunity to secure significant flexible funding while helping shape the future of work in America.

The fund goes beyond traditional workforce grants by investing in employer practices that improve retention, advancement, and long-term earnings. Organizations with strong employer partnerships, innovative workforce models, and sustainable financing plans will be particularly well positioned to compete.

For more Grants opportunities visit OFY Website HERE

Conclusion

The GitLab Foundation’s Powering Economic Opportunity Fund 2026 represents an important opportunity for workforce development organizations committed to creating lasting economic change. By investing in employer partnerships, innovative workplace practices, and sustainable career pathways, the Foundation aims to ensure that workers not only gain employment but also build rewarding, long-term careers with increased earning potential.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to prepare strong employer partnerships, develop sustainable workforce strategies, and submit their concept notes before the August 12, 2026 deadline to be considered for grants of up to $500,000.