Guidelines

CALIFORNIA JOBS FIRST (CJF) 

CALIFORNIA JOBS FIRST (CJF) was established under Senate Bill 162 (SB 162) in September 2021 to boost long-term economic growth and sustainability across California. This program is essential to strengthening the state’s economic resilience as we transition to a carbon-neutral future. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CJF supports recovery efforts by helping communities diversify their economies and grow sustainable industries that provide high-quality, accessible jobs for all Californians. CJF seeks to create broadly accessible economic opportunities and address historical inequities by investing in local industries, supporting communities in the transition to a carbon-neutral future, and helping build good-paying, accessible jobs for everyone across the state. 

The CJF program follows a four-phase grant process designed to encourage inclusive planning and equitable outcomes for underserved communities throughout the state. The phases include the Pre-Planning Phase, the Planning Phase, the Catalyst Phase, and the Implementation Phase. This approach ensures intentional planning, community engagement, and effective execution, with a commitment to creating opportunities for populations that have historically been underserved. CJF aims to build strong, inclusive local economies and address long-standing inequities by making economic opportunities widely accessible. 

VALLEY VISION 

VALLEY VISION serves as the main organizer and fiscal agent for the eight-county California Jobs First initiative in our region, named We Prosper Together. Valley Vision has guided this effort from its earliest stages. Valley Vision’s role is to make sure that the economic goals of CJF are reached in a way that benefits everyone, especially communities that have been systematically overlooked in the past. 

As a regional leadership organization, Valley Vision is dedicated to advancing economic, environmental, and social equity in Northern California. Focused on uplifting communities through innovative solutions, Valley Vision leads efforts that enhance quality of life, environmental health, and economic resilience. Known as a trusted partner, Valley Vision brings together diverse groups – including local governments, businesses, and community-based organizations – to collaborate on key priorities like workforce development, clean air and climate, and healthy communities. Together, these efforts are building a stronger and more inclusive future for our region. 

WE PROSPER TOGETHER COLLABORATIVE 

WE PROSPER TOGETHER COLLABORATIVE is a partnership of eight-counties: Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba. This Collaborative is focused on creating equitable opportunities and uplifting communities across Northern California that have historically been underserved. With a strong belief that economic success should benefit everyone, the Collaborative brings together resources, partnerships, and strategies to support inclusive growth. We Prosper Together works to dismantle systemic barriers and open pathways to quality jobs, educational advancement, and community empowerment for populations that have often been left out of economic progress. 

The Collaborative’s mission is to ensure that all communities, especially those that have been disproportionately affected by economic challenges, play a vital role in the region’s future growth. By centering equity in decision-making processes, We Prosper Together is building a resilient and inclusive economy that works for everyone. 

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL is the main decision-making body of the Collaborative. Its responsibilities include reviewing recommendations from the broader Collaborative, providing strategic guidance on regional planning efforts, and  upholding We Prosper Together’s core values.

COMMUNITY AND LABOR AMBASSADORS 

COMMUNITY AND LABOR AMBASSADORS are a critical link to disinvested communities. They play a vital role in gathering input, fostering engagement, and sharing information about the We Prosper Together initiative with disinvested community members across the region. These ambassadors create a two-way communication channel that ensures community voices shape regional priorities and residents stay informed about opportunities and initiatives.

We encourage proposers to connect with Community and Labor Ambassadors to better understand local priorities, build trust, and create solutions that are both impactful and inclusive. A Community Ambassador has been designated in each county of We Prosper Together’s service area. You can find a list of our region’s Community and Labor Ambassadors here. 

Applicants are encouraged to pursue collaborative projects and connect with other organizations conducting similar work to strengthen proposals and maximize regional impact. 

WE PROSPER TOGETHER REGIONAL PLAN 

WE PROSPER TOGETHER’S REGIONAL PLAN, Strategies for a Thriving and Inclusive Economy, is a roadmap to guide the Capital Region toward a strong and equitable economy. Shaped by thorough research and broad community engagement, the plan’s strategies focus on creating high-quality jobs, connecting disinvested communities to new opportunities, and ensuring equitable outcomes across the region. All applicants are encouraged to read the full Regional Plan and Executive Summary. 

II. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AND BACKGROUND 

THE CATALYST PHASE 

THE CATALYST PHASE is a key component of the California Jobs First initiative, which seeks to build long-term economic resilience, workforce inclusivity, and regional competitiveness across California. This phase is designed to accelerate the implementation of strategies identified in each region’s Regional Plan. By making targeted investments, the Catalyst Phase aims to boost job creation, support high-quality employment, and drive sustainable industry growth. Through these efforts, the Catalyst phase focuses on advancing high-opportunity industry sectors that promote environmental sustainability and future-focused growth, ensuring job creation aligns with long-term economic, environmental, and equity goals. Building on the momentum of the Planning phase, the Catalyst phase advances these strategies into actionable projects, strengthening capacity in the region's most promising sectors and advancing long-term economic goals. 

PURPOSE OF FUNDING 

PURPOSE OF FUNDING The goals of funding Catalyst Pre-Development Phase projects are to: 

• Invest in industries that will advance environmentally sustainable, future focused, high quality job opportunities. 
• Ensure workers and disinvested communities are the primary beneficiaries. 
• Advance projects toward implementation readiness, positioning them to compete effectively for future federal, state, or private funding. 

QUALITY AND PROMISING JOBS 

QUALITY JOBS are occupations that meet the wage thresholds outlined below and offer employer-sponsored benefits. 

PROMISING JOBS may not yet meet these wage thresholds or include benefits, but they provide clear pathways to quality jobs within the next 10 years. Together, these jobs create opportunities for workers to earn a livable wage and achieve long-term economic stability. 

Source: Brooking and Cities GPS analysis. Found on page 7 of the Capital Region Economic Assessment Executive Summary.
 

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES funded through this RFP must advance economic development that contributes to a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient economy while building capacity for quality job creation in the four tradable industry areas outlined below. To be eligible for funding, projects must meet the California Jobs First initiative definitions of “Exploratory” or “Last Mile.”

• “Exploratory” Projects: These are in the early-stage of development focusing on assessing feasibility and creating plans for future work. These projects are not yet fully developed but explore potential opportunities.
• “Last-Mile” Projects: These projects have already completed initial planning or feasibility studies and require a few final steps to be ready for implementation.

UNDERSTANDING PRE-DEVELOPMENT

Catalyst funding supports specific pre-development activities, which help move a project from concept to being implementation-ready.

WHAT CATALYST FUNDING CAN COVER:

Planning and Feasibility: Activities that assess a project’s viability, such as:           

• Feasibility studies                                                        
• Market analysis
• Environmental impact assessments, surveys, and remediation 
• Site plans, project designs, and necessary permits 

Financial and Legal Frameworks: Costs related to setting up financial and/or legal structures, such as, but not limited to:                                                     

• Legal costs for setting up partnerships or public-private arrangements
• Planning costs to establish financial tools, such as a regional tax financing district 
• Development of Community Benefits Agreements

Capacity Building: Investments to strengthen the project team’s ability to plan and execute the project effectively. Examples of potential activities include, but are not limited to:                                                                                 

• Staffing and training costs for project leadership
• Development of sustainable infrastructure plans (such as water or waste systems)
• Professional development for key team members or partners. 
• Financial planning associated with a capital project (such as preliminary budgets and construction financing)  

Pilot Projects: Scalable test projects that demonstrate innovative workforce pathways in priority industry sectors, leading to high-quality jobs for disinvested communities. Pilots must also show potential for regional expansion. 

In addition to meeting the definition of “exploratory” or “last mile” indicated above, projects are expected to advance pathways to quality jobs in one of the following priority tradable or opportunity industry sectors identified by the We Prosper Together initiative. Priority scoring will be granted to projects that foster growth in a priority tradable industry sector.

HIGH OPPORTUNITY INDUSTRY SECTORS:

PRIORITY TRADABLE INDUSTRY SECTORS:

Applications are expected to advance quality jobs in one or more of the following sectors. While all occupations meeting quality job threshold are encouraged, middle-skill occupations are highlighted within each category.  

• Biotechnology -This sector is concentrated on innovations in life sciences and food technology, including biotech, biopharma, agriculture, and food technology. The region’s strong foundation in research and innovation positions it for growth in high-quality jobs in these fields.

Examples of middle-skill occupations in this sector include: Technicians, including lab, drafting engineering, and mapping technicians; information and records organization specialists; mathematical science occupations, management and supervisory positions, installation, maintenance, and repair workers, and administrative roles.

• Precision Manufacturing - This sector includes the manufacturing of high-value-added products containing instrumentation and microelectronics, such as products for medical devices, next-generation transportation, machinery, robotics, aerospace, and defense. The region has capacity to produce intricate, highly accurate components to meet stringent specifications and tolerances. In light of major new investments, this sector presents emerging opportunities in microelectronics and semiconductors, battery production, cleantech, and advanced agricultural equipment.

Examples of middle-skill occupations in this sector include: Assemblers and fabricators, metal and plastic workers, production workers, installation, maintenance, and repair workers, operators, engineer technicians (drafting and mapping), administrative roles, and managers and supervisors.

• Working Lands - This sector focuses on food, agriculture, and wood product manufacturing, leveraging the region’s natural resources. Key emerging opportunities include renewable energy production through biomass utilization and carbon management.

Examples of middle-skill occupations in this sector include: dispatchers and distribution workers, material movers and schedulers, production workers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, engineers and technicians, installation, maintenance and repair workers, managers and administrative roles, forest, conservation and logging workers, firefighting and prevention workers, wood, metal and plastic workers, rail transportation workers.

• Business Services - A key driver of the region’s economy, this sector includes technical services, business administration, legal services, management consulting services, advertising, and marketing, among others. Accelerated by the presence of state government and regional connections to national and global markets, business services are a major driver for the region’s economy. Additionally, this sector has the capacity to support a dispersed workforce due to the 6 opportunity of remote work, providing opportunities to diversify areas of the region with limited source economies.

Examples of middle-skill occupations in this sector include: Business operations specialists, IT and computer occupations, information record specialists, sales representatives, supervisors and managers, legal support workers, financial specialists, advertising, sales and public relations, and administrative roles.

OPPORTUNITY INDUSTRY SECTORS:

While growing tradable sectors and increasing the number of jobs in those sectors is key to growing a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable economy, it can take time for investment targeted towards sector growth to create these new jobs. Therefore, it is equally important to invest in strategies to connect communities to currently available quality jobs, many of which are in local-serving sectors. Project applications will also be eligible for funding if they advance quality jobs in any of the following:

• Construction - The regional construction industry grew steadily between 2012 and 2022, with job growth in the sector accounting for more than 20% of all jobs created in the region during that period. Demand for skilled construction workers continues to rise, pushed higher by the need to backfill positions held by retiring workers. Federal and state investments in infrastructure and climate adaptation create additional opportunities for industry growth. These investments can be leveraged for maximum effect if deliberate actions are taken to diversify contractor pools and expand access to pathways into these careers. 
• Healthcare - The healthcare sector is a very large employer in the region, with many major medical systems. Healthcare concentrates a reasonably high proportion of opportunity jobs. Several sub-sectors like hospitals and outpatient care centers feature even greater shares of occupational roles with higher wages, including well-established professional and credentialing ladders that create a clear pathway for workers to navigate toward economic mobility. 
• Tourism - This local-serving sector has historically been an important contributor to our regional economy, particularly in the Tahoe subregion. Businesses in this industry run the gamut from small and micro businesses to casinos, outdoor expedition providers, boutique hotels, convention venues, major resorts, and tribal casinos. Wineries and agritourism operations attract people to agricultural areas and provide much-needed revenue for rural communities. Outdoor recreation provides a major draw for visitors from throughout California and beyond.
• Creative Economy - Outreach and engagement across the different subregions revealed the desire for the arts and the creative economy to be better represented across the industry clusters, given that they play a crucial role in almost every industry (e.g., through design, marketing, etc.). Our region recognizes the need to include the creative economy within the broader job market by integrating it into various sectors, promoting job opportunities, and fostering a culture that appreciates and utilizes creative skills.
   

ECONOMIC EQUITY PRIORITIES

For We Prosper Together, economic equity is considered the just and fair inclusion of disinvested communities into the economic fabric of the Capital Region to ensure they advance economically and 7 reach their full potential. Projects must prioritize economic equity by creating pathways for empowerment and social mobility for our unique disinvested populations. In addition to meeting the definition of “exploratory” or “last mile” indicated prior, and advancing one of the priority or opportunity industry sectors identified by the We Prosper Together initiative, proposed project plans must intentionally incorporate inclusionary strategies to ensure direct benefit to our disinvested communities. The Capital Region’s economic equity priorities are introduced below, with the full details available here:

• Community-Centered Inclusionary Practices - Focus on community-centered, inclusionary practices that prioritize the unique and holistic needs, strengths, and perspectives of disinvested populations. 
• Economic Inclusionary Approaches - Advance economic mobility for residents of disinvested communities through participation as workers and business owners. 
• Data Informed and Transparent Alignment and Coordination - Include transparent programmatic procedures and community-involved decision-making. 

To be considered for Catalyst funding, proposals must clearly demonstrate the involvement of and benefit that future implementation will have on disinvested populations.

We Prosper Together recognizes disinvested communities as those experiencing income disparities, systemic racism, racial inequalities, climate change vulnerabilities, historical systemic oppression, geographic isolation and exclusion from traditional systems of opportunity.

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

This funding opportunity is focused on early-stage planning and development. This section outlines the types of projects that are not eligible for this funding round. 

1. Construction Projects – Any project that is ready to begin construction or involves building new facilities is not eligible for Catalyst funding. This type of project may qualify for Implementation Phase funding instead, which will open after January 1, 2025. 
2. “Ready-to-Go” Projects – Projects that are fully prepared to start immediately (i.e., those that have completed all planning, permits, and pre-development work) are also not eligible for Catalyst funding. 

III. ELIGIBILITY & REPORTING

ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

The following is a list of entities eligible to apply for funding:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
• Academic institutions
• Local governments
• Community foundations
• Labor organizations

Note: While private businesses cannot lead an application, they are encouraged to participate as partners. 

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals.  Each proposal must be submitted separately. Entities are allowed to act as fiscal agents for multiple organizations.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Grantees must submit regular progress reports including the following:

• Monthly Progress Reports: Summarize the project’s progress according to the work plan including key milestones achieved, measurable objectives and performance indicators, challenges encountered, adherence to the budget, and fiscal reporting. Reports should include photos of the project's advancements whenever available along with impact stories and/or testimonials. 
• Final Project Report: A comprehensive final report summarizing the current and anticipated impact of the project on economic conditions, disinvested communities, and climate impacts. Include the full timeline of activities highlighting project successes, measurable outcomes, challenges encountered, final budget summation. This report should also include anticipated next steps and/or actionable recommendations for transitioning to the next stage of development. Project proposals involving the development of a pilot program should indicate next steps in program expansion.
   

IV. PROJECT TIMELINE AND TOTAL AWARD AMOUNTS

FUNDS AWARDED

FUNDS AWARDED will support activities from the date of award through September 30, 2026.  While there is no specified minimum or maximum award, awards are recommended to be up to $1,000,000. A total of $4 million in funding is available.

APPLICATION AND FUNDING TIMELINE

RFP Release - April 18, 2025

Proposers’ Webinar - April 23, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Virtual Grant Writing Workshops (Optional. RSVP required) - April 28, 2025, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm & April 29, 2025, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Applications Due - June 15, 2025, by 11:59 pm

Approximate Award Notifications - July 25, 2025

Approximate Start Date - August 1, 2025

End Date Projects must be completed by September 30, 2026

PROPOSER’S WEBINAR

PROPOSER’S WEBINAR: Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an optional proposers’ webinar regarding this funding opportunity. The webinar will be held virtually on April 23, 2025, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. To register please follow this Link. The Webinar will review the application and field questions. Attendance is not required, however, it is strongly recommended. Please review the application materials before attending. A recording will be posted on our website for those who are unable to attend. 

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOPS

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP: Multiple virtual and in-person grant writing workshops will be available to support applicants interested in the Catalyst funding opportunity. The workshops are intended to empower community-based organizations in proposal writing and provide participants with practical guidance on how to clearly and effectively communicate project ideas. For more information and to register for the virtual workshops, follow this link.

V. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Pacific Time on June 15, 2025, and must be submitted through the Submittable platform. Incomplete applications will not be eligible, and proposals received after 11:59 PM Pacific Time on June 15, 2025, will not be reviewed. 

Please submit questions regarding this RFP to info@weprospertogether.org. Questions and answers will be posted on this live-updated Question & Answers document.