Who We Are
The Forward Fund is a new option for financing education and covering life expenses so learners can return to school.
This financing lowers the overall risk to the learner while engaging with employers and education and training providers to build a stronger workforce.
We believe everyone should have access to upward economic mobility, which is why we’re dedicated to empowering learners to take control of their future. The Forward Fund has the potential to be trajectory-changing by providing learner-centric financing for training programs in critical sectors such as skilled trades, technology, and healthcare.
Our Community
LEARNERS
Individuals can access student-friendly financing and supportive services such as coaching and mentoring as they train for new, higher-wage careers.
FUNDERS
The Forward Fund has almost $7 million in capital ready to deploy to learners through zero-interest, recyclable loans.
EMPLOYERS
Do you have hiring pain points for roles that lead to family-sustaining wages and economic mobility? Is the education and training required tied to a two-year or less program? If so, TFF may be a recruitment or retention opportunity for your workforce.
EDUCATION & TRAINING PROVIDERS
North Carolina community colleges and nonprofit and for-profit training institutions are encouraged to reach out to have their high-performing programs vetted for financing. “Good fit” programs typically can be completed in one year or less, have high employer demand at starting wages at or above 80% of the area median Income, and have strong graduation and job placement outcomes.
Partners
Ascent Funding is The Forward Fund’s loan originator and master servicing partner. It provides comprehensive loan origination, servicing, and repayment services with scalable costs based on loan deployment.
The Forward Fund has partnered with Banzai as a financial wellness partner. Banzai is an award-winning, interactive content platform that teaches real-world finance. It is available to all learners and stakeholders. Take advantage of the tool here.
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is based in Wilmington, NC, and provides workforce development opportunities to individuals, businesses, and industriesin New Hanover and Pender counties. CFCC is an eligible institution for TFF.
Loan Specifications
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Zero-interest Loans
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Three Month Grace Period
(post completion)
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Meet Minimum Salary Threshold
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Short Repayment Term
Eligible Programs
The Forward Fund is only available to learners enrolled in or seeking to enroll in training programs that meet the following general criteria:
HIGH-WAGE
Median wage at or above 80% of the area median income.
EMPLOYER-DEMAND
Historical and projected job growth confirmed by area employers.
CREDENTIALS
Requires some education beyond high school.
SHORT-TERM
Learners earn employer-recognized credentials or degrees in a year or less.
LOW COST
Costs for tuition, living expenses, and fees for the short-term nature of the programs.
