Project Oneway Inc

What it reported doing in 2025

**Grow Up and Grow Old: Columbia: Project OneWay Incorporated developed and implemented Grow Up and Grow Old: Columbia a charitable workforce and community development initiative designed to expand pathways to economic mobility by increasing access to employment entrepreneurship education mentorship and civic engagement for young adults and historically underserved communities. The initiative is founded on the principle that thriving cities are built when residents have equitable access to opportunity throughout every stage of life enabling them to grow up contribute meaningfully and grow old within the communities they call home. The program convened emerging entrepreneurs students workforce professionals nonprofit leaders business executives and public-sector officials in a structured learning environment focused on workforce sustainability entrepreneurship economic development leadership public-private partnerships organizational trust and community collaboration. Participants explored practical strategies for navigating professional environments building sustainable businesses accessing community resources and strengthening relationships that contribute to long-term economic success. A distinguishing feature of the initiative was Project OneWays intentional use of its organizational relationships partnerships and community network to facilitate relationship building and pipeline development. Through introductions stakeholder engagement networking opportunities and direct connections with leaders from government business higher education philanthropy and the nonprofit sector participants were provided increased exposure to individuals and institutions capable of opening doors to employment internships entrepreneurship mentorship and civic leadership opportunities. The program recognized that meaningful relationships and access to decision-makers are essential components of economic mobility and intentionally worked to reduce barriers that often limit those opportunities for residents of historically underserved and inner-city communities. The initiative further strengthened collaboration among local government educational institutions employers workforce organizations and community partners by encouraging cross-sector investment in the next generation of leaders. These partnerships supported the development of stronger talent pipelines while increasing awareness of workforce opportunities entrepreneurial resources educational pathways and community support systems available to participants. In addition to workforce readiness the program promoted entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to economic mobility by exposing participants to business development resources small business support organizations financing opportunities and experienced entrepreneurs. Participants were encouraged to view entrepreneurship not only as a means of personal advancement but also as a strategy for neighborhood revitalization job creation and long-term community wealth building. The initiative also served as a public education platform advancing the concept of cities of lifelong belonging communities intentionally designed so residents are not required to leave in search of opportunity. Through facilitated dialogue and community engagement the program increased awareness of the relationship between belonging economic development workforce participation and civic engagement encouraging institutions to adopt more inclusive and opportunity-centered practices. Through Grow Up and Grow Old: Columbia Project OneWay strengthened community partnerships expanded access to professional networks increased opportunities for mentorship and cross-sector collaboration promoted entrepreneurship and workforce participation and developed a replicable charitable model for increasing economic mobility through relationship building institutional connectivity and intentional pipeline development. These accomplishments directly advanced the organizations exempt purpose by

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 56.2%; rating input score 56
• Program expense ratio: 64.6%; rating input score 65

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 13.1%; rating input score 64; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.18; rating input score 17; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: Limited
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: Limited
• Revenue growth: Limited
• Asset growth: Limited