Community Funding Accelerator partners with Kids Hope Alliance to secure $18m in funding for Jacksonville youth

This new partnership will shrink multi-million gap in city’s workforce development funds and build a better cradle-to-career pathway for young workers

[September 10, 2025] The Community Funding Accelerator (CFA) and Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) have launched a new partnership to secure $18 million to expand career pathway opportunities, improve educational attainment and foster long term economic mobility in Jacksonville, Florida. The partnership aims to significantly reduce the city’s gap in workforce development funds by pursuing state, federal and private funds to expand employment and job training opportunities for Jacksonville residents.

CFA will provide embedded technical assistance, strategy support, and capacity building for KHA and its coalition partners – building capacity for community leaders to solidify more sustained investment in Jacksonville’s future. 

Jacksonville is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the country, adding nearly 9,000 new jobs in the education and health services sector from June 2024-June 2025. However, underinvestment in the workforce development system is limiting what is possible; KHA estimates that the city currently invests $18M per year in career & college readiness while peer cities leverage closer to $50M per year. This gap in funding means fewer training slots, limited support services, and missed opportunities to support growing businesses in need of talent.

“I’m proud to support this partnership between the City of Jacksonville, via Kids Hope Alliance and the Community Funding Accelerator, which is bringing vital investment to Jacksonville’s future.” shared Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “This $18 million effort reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every young person in our city has a real pathway to success, from the classroom to a meaningful career. Together, we’re closing the opportunity gap and building a stronger, more resourceful Jacksonville.”

“We’re thrilled to be working in Jacksonville alongside the Kids Hope Alliance to expand stable workforce opportunities to young adults and families in the area,” said Anna Walters, Associate Director with CFA. “We have partnered with Jacksonville over the years because we know that this is one of the most promising places in the nation for young adults to build roots in the workforce. We know there is a wealth of young talent in the city and we’re excited to provide them with the resources they need to foster this talent and build successful careers.”

Kids Hope Alliance is a division of the City of Jacksonville that funds programming which cultivates and grows Jacksonville’s cradle-to-career possibilities. KHA works alongside 100+ partners, networking to deliver 140+ programs that created real pathways for Jacksonville families: 800 justice-involved youth avoided formal prosecution with only 5% recidivism, mental health services that helped 97% of participating students, and 250+ youth gained workplace experience through summer internships. By working with partners, KHA ensures that millions in investments translate to concrete outcomes, providing Jacksonville with a brighter future. 

CFA has previously worked with a coalition of organizations led by the City of Jacksonville to apply for a federal grant focused on prime age employment and workforce development and, separately, partnered with MyVillage Project to apply for and win federal funding. 

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About the Community Funding Accelerator 

The Community Funding Accelerator (CFA) helps communities win and implement public funding. With a focus on cradle-to-career education and workforce pathways, CFA identifies relevant funding opportunities, builds coalitions, and provides deep technical assistance to submit winning applications. CFA also supports implementation to create innovative education and workforce solutions in communities across the U.S. The CFA program is led by Delivery Associates, a public sector consulting firm.

Kids Hope Alliance is a division of the City of Jacksonville that funds programming which cultivates and grows Jacksonville’s cradle-to-career possibilities. KHA works alongside 100+ partners, networking to deliver 140+ programs that created real pathways for Jacksonville families.