Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Opens Round Three Applications to Expand Career-Connected Learning
Tax-exempt organizations invited to apply for up to $250,000 in funding across two new tracks
Birmingham, Ala., SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 — Applications are now open for Round Three of the Catalyze Birmingham Challenge, a grantmaking initiative offering up to $250,000 to advance career-connected learning across the Birmingham Region.
For the first time, Round Three introduces a track-based funding structure that supports both innovative collaborations and the expansion of proven models:
Track 1: Cross-Sector Partnerships — for local organizations to design new collaborative programs. Includes a funded planning period of up to six months.
Track 2: High-Quality Expansions — for local or national groups with proven models to scale in Birmingham with community partners.
Each track offers up to $250,000 in funding for planning and implementation. This shift reflects key learnings from earlier rounds, addressing the need to both seed new local collaborations and amplify what works through structured growth opportunities.
“This round represents an exciting next step for Catalyze Birmingham Challenge,” said Carlisha Harris, Catalyze Birmingham Challenge Specialist. “By opening the door to both bold, emerging ideas and tested programs ready for expansion, we’re ensuring that young people across the region have more meaningful opportunities to explore careers, connect with employers, and prepare for success.”
Organizations with bold ideas that help youth explore careers, connect with employers, and access meaningful work-based learning opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants can reference an applicant guide and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Catalyze website for more information. The application window will close on November 7, 2025.
Learn more and apply at: www.catalyzechallenge.org/birmingham-challenge
For more information on the Catalyze Birmingham Challenge, contact catalyze@prosperbham.com.
About Catalyze Birmingham Challenge
The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge builds on the national Catalyze Challenge, a bold philanthropic initiative fueling innovation and expanding access to high-quality career-connected learning for young people across the United States. Birmingham was the first community selected to pilot Catalyze’s regional approach.
Eligible applicants must serve learners who live, learn, or work in the Birmingham Region, defined as Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Bibb, Blount, St. Clair, and Chilton Counties. Selected organizations will receive up to $250K in funding and access to the #CatalyzeBirminghamChallenge network of funders, nonprofits, and corporations.
Five organizations were selected in March 2024 for the first round of funding. Four organizations were selected in January 2025 for the second round of funding. Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a collective effort. In addition to the national grant from Catalyze Challenge and the Walton Family Foundation, funding for the challenge was matched by the local philanthropic and business community including the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, Protective Life Corporation, Regions Foundation, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Alabama Power Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, and Innovate Alabama. The City of Birmingham and EmpowerED Birmingham serve as critical partners with Prosper to help develop the challenge contours to best serve the community.
