TPM® Community Implementation Grants
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the recipients of its Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) Community Implementation Grants, supporting communities ready to significantly advance the TPM framework over a two-year period. In partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, communities receive $55,000 to enhance employer-led, data-driven talent solutions that create measurable job placements, upskilling and reskilling opportunities, and sustained employer-education alignment. The Foundation has selected Civic Council of Greater Kansas City (KC Rising) and TalentFirst, Inc. as the grant awardees. Congratulations!
2026 Grant Awardees
Civic Council of Greater Kansas City (KC Rising) — Kansas City
KC Rising, an initiative of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, will advance TPM implementation across sector-based employer collaboratives in Construction & Engineering, Healthcare, and Manufacturing & Energy. KC Rising will work with employers and education and training partners to strengthen demand-driven alignment, expand work-based learning approaches, and embed performance measurement to support talent pipelines connected to regional economic priorities.
TalentFirst, Inc. — West Michigan
TalentFirst, Inc. will strengthen and expand a regional manufacturing-focused TPM effort in West Michigan, supporting employer collaboration to address critical workforce needs—starting with Maintenance & Repair Technician pathways and extending to additional priority manufacturing jobs. TalentFirst’s approach includes aligning skills-first competency profiles, coordinating education and training provider alignment, and supporting clearer career pathways and navigation for job seekers and incumbent workers.
Who Applied
Eligible applicants were communities that demonstrated strong employer engagement validated by active participation, had TPM Academy graduates leading the work, and possessed the organizational capacity to track performance outcomes such as job placements, retention, and employer ROI.
What Grantees Focused On
Grant recipients customized their activities to local workforce needs. Common focus areas included:
- Launching new employer collaboratives or strengthening existing ones
- Conducting workshops on demand projection, job quality, and apprenticeship and work-based learning
- Aligning education and training programs with employer-validated requirements
- Building transparent career pathways for job seekers and workers
- Implementing performance measurement systems
- Participating in peer learning through the TPM National Learning Network
Stay Connected
For questions or to learn about future TPM grant opportunities, get in touch with our team.