The Big Ideas funding opportunity was designed to support new ideas and/or established programs that have the potential to significantly shift and transform the workforce development ecosystem in Stockton and the surrounding region. Successful applications will be able to demonstrate how their proposed idea will create and/or support living wage jobs that attract and retain local talent (e.g., reverse “brain drain”) by launching and implementing any of the following activities: 

• Project planning 
• Building strategic partnerships and/or collaboratives 

We welcomed applications from multi-stakeholder collaborations of nonprofits, public agencies, and/or private companies. To be eligible for an award, applicants must have included at least one collaborating or partnering organization on their project. Cross-sector partnerships (e.g., between community-based organizations, public agencies, and private companies) are highly encouraged, but all combinations of partnerships are welcome. 

Approximately $300,000 was available for this funding round. Applicants were able to apply for up to $100,000. Please note, however, that partial awards may be granted, and funding is not guaranteed. This was an open and competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). All organizations (nonprofits, public agencies, and/or private companies) with offices and/or programs in San Joaquin County were eligible to apply.