Greensboro — Shift_Ed, a local nonprofit that connects schools, employers, higher education and community partners to support student skill-building, has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the organization announced Friday.
What the grant will support
The award arrives as part of a global effort tied to the 2026 World Cup. The fund aims to raise $100 million by the tournament’s final and has accumulated more than $30 million so far. Grants issued in this round range from $50,000 to $250,000, and recipients are located across nine countries.
Shift_Ed operates several programs focused on classroom readiness and workforce pathways. One visible service is the Teacher Supply Warehouse, which provides free classroom supplies to teachers in Guilford County Schools. The organization also builds partnerships among K-12 schools, employers and postsecondary institutions to help students develop skills that lead to careers.
Local impact, global spotlight
The FIFA fund plans to highlight its grantee organizations during the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19. Greensboro had a local tie to the tournament when it served as an official training base for Norway’s men’s national team during the competition.
“Shift_ed is honored to be a recipient of a Global Citizens grant,” said Wendy Poteat, the organization's president and CEO. “These funds will help us amplify our work to provide all students equitable opportunities to thrive.”
What parents, teachers and schools should know
- Funds are intended to expand access to education and football programs across communities involved in the Global Citizen initiative.
- Local benefits include continued support for supplies and partnership-driven student skill development.
- Grantee organizations will receive national exposure during the World Cup final, potentially attracting further support.
Shift_Ed’s president and CEO emphasized community collaboration as central to the nonprofit’s approach. In published remarks she said the organization is grateful for the investment and highlighted the transformative potential when communities act collectively on behalf of children.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Shift_Ed grant | $250,000 |
| Fundraising goal by World Cup final | $100 million |
| Amount raised so far | More than $30 million |
| Grant range in this round | $50,000–$250,000 |
For parents and educators wondering about next steps: continue to look for announcements from Shift_Ed about expanded programs or new supply distributions, and watch for community events tied to the fund’s visibility during the World Cup final.
