Truist Foundation announces six finalists for third Inspire Awards

Core Insights - Truist Foundation announced six finalists for the Inspire Awards, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations that provide innovative workforce development solutions for mid- and late-career adults [1][4] - The initiative addresses the lack of confidence among U.S. employees regarding their skills, with only 47% feeling equipped for their current roles, thereby enhancing workforce readiness and economic resilience [1][4] Group 1: Inspire Awards Program - The Inspire Awards finalists will participate in a six-month development program in collaboration with MIT Solve, which includes in-person training, one-on-one coaching, and skill-building workshops [2][3] - The program aims to enhance and scale the finalists' solutions to better support career transitions and financial security for adults [3][4] Group 2: Finalists and Their Solutions - The finalists include organizations with diverse solutions such as: - Lifecycle Building Center's Breaking Barriers Through Deconstruction, which trains adults in low-income communities in building material recovery [5] - FreeWorld's tech-enabled solution for reskilling formerly incarcerated citizens for the trucking industry [5] - ReCastED's mentorship-driven model for tradespeople transitioning to teaching positions [5] - Integrity Transformations Community Development Corporation's digital platform for managing basic needs insecurity [5] - Encore Employment Enterprise Inc.'s call-center training program for older adults [5] - electrical training ALLIANCE's pre-apprenticeship program for military personnel in the electrical trade [5] Group 3: Grant Funding Details - The total grant funding for the Inspire Awards will be distributed as follows: - First Place Grant Award: $250,000 - Second Place Grant Award:$150,000 - Runners-up Grant Awards: $25,000 each - Audience Favorite Grant Award: Additional$75,000 [6] Group 4: Event and Participation - The Inspire Awards ceremony will take place on November 12, 2025, where finalists will present their solutions to a live and virtual audience [5][7] - Registration for the live event is expected to open in late summer, allowing virtual attendees to vote for the audience favorite [7] Group 5: About Truist Foundation - Truist Foundation focuses on inspiring and building better lives and communities through strategic investments in nonprofit organizations, particularly in career pathways to economic mobility and support for small businesses [8]