WASHINGTON & DECATUR, GA, May 1, 2024 — The American Immigration Council and Welcoming America, two national nonprofits, are thrilled to announce that four communities were selected to receive Implementation Technical Assistance and Grant awards as part of Round V of the Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G). The four communities include:

• Baltimore County, Maryland

• Fort Wayne, Indiana

• Santa Fe County, New Mexico

• South Bend, Indiana

As part of the Round V G4G challenge, each of these communities led a year-long strategic planning process and brought together leaders across multiple sectors – including government, business, non-profit, faith, and education – to create welcoming plans. They have demonstrated a commitment to developing concrete strategies that ensure all residents, including immigrants and refugees, have access to the tools and support they need to succeed. Each community will receive up to $27,000 toward implementing their welcoming plans that prioritize strengthening equity through initiatives such as increasing language access initiatives, access to workforce opportunities, and social cohesion.

To ensure successful implementation, the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America will continue to coach communities for the next six months providing technical assistance, cohort-wide calls, and resource referrals.  

“After a robust strategic planning process, we’re thrilled to continue working alongside these communities as they transition to implementing the recommendations included in their welcoming  plans,” said Rich André, director of state and local initiatives at the American Immigration Council. “These communities have demonstrated their commitment to investing in the well-being of all community residents, including immigrants and refugees, and we look forward to continuing to support their work.” 

“We’re excited to be part of community efforts that are taking their welcoming values to the next level,” said Molly Hilligoss, network director of Welcoming America. “By implementing welcoming plans, these communities are prioritizing inclusion for all residents, including immigrants.”   

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About Gateways for Growth  

The Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G) is a competitive opportunity for localities to receive research support and technical assistance from the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America to improve immigrant inclusion in their communities. Learn more: https://gatewaysforgrowth.org/