Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) grant for Program Year 2024-25

The Employment Development Department (EDD) of the State of California is offering funding through the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services grant under Wagner-Peyser Governor’s discretionary funds. This funding opportunity is designed to support enhanced employment services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program builds on prior investments and aligns with statewide workforce priorities to ensure equitable access to employment services. The initiative is fully federally funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the EDD through its Workforce Services Division. The primary purpose of this grant is to improve employment outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing individuals by providing specialized services at select America’s Job Center of California locations. Funded programs are expected to deliver a comprehensive suite of services including job counseling, interpretation services, job placement, follow-up support, and advocacy to ensure equal access to employment opportunities. Programs must also help participants become job-ready and support them in obtaining and retaining unsubsidized employment. The grant emphasizes communication accessibility and requires services to be delivered in participants’ preferred modes of communication. The total available funding for this program is up to 2.7 million dollars for a 12-month performance period running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Funds must be used in accordance with Wagner-Peyser regulations and applicable federal and state administrative requirements. Allowable uses include staffing, interpreter services, outreach, job readiness training, and operational costs such as videophone services. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of the total award. Funds may not be used for real estate purchases or construction. Eligibility is limited to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the ability to effectively serve the deaf and hard of hearing population. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must show organizational capacity, including qualified staff, interpreter services, and partnerships with workforce and community organizations. Preference may be given to proposals serving specific geographic regions where services already exist or are needed to prevent disruption. Applicants may propose services in additional areas if they justify unmet need. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package via email, including several required components such as a project narrative, budget summary, budget narrative, executive summary, and supporting documentation. Applicants must also maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management. Proposals are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria such as need, approach, performance goals, collaboration, and organizational capacity. Only complete and compliant applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. Key dates for this opportunity include an informational webinar held on June 3, 2026, with pre-registration required. While submission of a Notice of Intent to apply by June 12, 2026 is encouraged, it is not mandatory. The final application deadline is June 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time. Following submission, proposals will be reviewed and evaluated, with award announcements expected in July 2026. Selected applicants will enter into a contract negotiation process with the EDD prior to final award. The program is not explicitly stated as recurring, though it builds on prior program years, suggesting potential future cycles subject to funding availability. Awarded organizations must comply with ongoing reporting, monitoring, and performance requirements throughout the grant period. The program ultimately aims to improve workforce inclusion and economic outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing individuals across California.

Ensure strong demonstration of capacity to serve deaf and hard of hearing populations Include qualified interpreter services and partnerships Align proposal clearly with evaluation criteria and workforce outcomes