BALTIMORE — The Rockefeller Foundation announced a $100 million commitment aimed at connecting American workers to quality jobs, as part of its “Big Bets for America” initiative unveiled during a national convening in Baltimore.
More than 250 leaders across philanthropy, government, nonprofits and the private sector gathered to advance scalable solutions addressing economic inequities affecting communities nationwide. The initiative focuses on workforce development and expanding pathways to stable, well-paying employment.
“For 250 years, America’s promise has been that hard work leads to a stable, dignified life,” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “Today, too many communities have been left so far behind that this promise feels out of reach. With the commitments announced today, The Rockefeller Foundation is betting on the resilience of the American worker and the ingenuity of our communities — and building the infrastructure to help that bet pay off at national scale.”
The announcement includes investments in workforce systems, partnerships with regional leaders, and support for a new class of fellows working to expand economic mobility in underserved areas.
The effort builds on prior convenings and reflects a growing national emphasis on collaborative, cross-sector solutions to persistent economic challenges.
Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude, said initiatives that elevate opportunity at scale reflect a deeper responsibility to ensure every individual has the chance to thrive. “When we invest in people’s dignity through meaningful work, we’re not just strengthening the economy — we’re strengthening humanity itself,” he said.