#USA #Charlotte #Truist Foundation #Inspire Awards #FreeWorld

FreeWorld Wins the 2025 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards

On November 12, 2025, FreeWorld emerged as the leading grant recipient at the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, receiving a substantial $250,000 in funding. This honor is part of the foundation's initiative to provide grants aimed at supporting innovative solutions that assist often-overlooked segments of the adult workforce.

The Mission of FreeWorld

Founded with a purpose, FreeWorld's founder and CEO, Jason Wang, envisions a world where individuals returning from incarceration are empowered with the necessary skills and opportunities to achieve economic independence. Recognizing the barriers these individuals face in reintegrating into society, FreeWorld focuses on reskilling and placing formerly incarcerated citizens in the thriving trucking industry. Wang emphasized, "With Truist Foundation's support, we're positioned to strengthen an industry that relies on skilled people while creating pathways to economic mobility for thousands of returning citizens."

Inspire Awards: A Catalyst for Change

The Inspire Awards, now in its third consecutive year, emphasize creative and effective nonprofit solutions. This year, the challenge specifically highlighted initiatives that assist adults in the middle or later stages of their careers through reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation support. Truist Foundation, in collaboration with MIT's Solve initiative, has positioned itself as a leader in fostering positive change for those most in need.

During the event, hosted at the Carolina Theater in Charlotte, varied finalists presented their solutions ranging from connecting learners to social services to ensure access to employment, to specialized training programs for veterans re-entering the workforce. The awards recognized not only the best innovations but also the dedication of organizations addressing real-world challenges faced by workers and employers alike.

Awards and Recognitions

In addition to FreeWorld's first-place grant, which included a $75,000 Audience Favorite award determined by attendees both in-person and online, Encore Employment Enterprises Inc. received a $150,000 grant for their call-center training program tailored for older adults. The remaining finalists were also awarded grants to assist in implementing their initiatives, totaling significant funding directed towards transformative workforce development.

The Event Atmosphere

The Inspire Awards ceremony was a vibrant affair, emceed by the charismatic Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor of Good Morning America. The evening was filled with inspirations and reminders of the power of philanthropy. Lynette Bell, President of Truist Foundation, stated, "Hearing from each of these visionary nonprofits was both inspiring and a good reminder of philanthropy's ability to address real-world challenges faced by both workers and employers."

Conclusion

The efforts spearheaded by FreeWorld, alongside other finalists, aim to dismantle barriers to workforce access and create sustainable career opportunities for marginalized groups. As organizations like the Truist Foundation continue to invest in community-led models, the potential for scalable solutions that facilitate economic mobility remains promising. Through programs that focus on reskilling and providing support, individuals are not only empowered to find jobs but to thrive in their new environments.

The Truist Foundation Inspire Awards are a testament to the impactful work being done across sectors. For those interested in learning more about the finalists and their innovative solutions, details are available at TruistFoundation.org/InspireAwards.