Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Workforce Information Grants Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Workforce Information Grants program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through its Employment and Training Administration to support state workforce agencies in producing and disseminating labor market and workforce information. The program is authorized under federal appropriations and statutory provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and related legislation. It is designed to ensure that states maintain robust workforce information systems that inform policymakers, employers, job seekers, and education providers about labor market conditions and workforce trends. For Program Year 2026, Workforce Information Grants are funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. The total funding allocated for this program is $32,031,000. These funds are distributed to states and certain outlying areas using an administrative formula. A portion of funding is reserved for Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while the remaining funds are distributed among states based on a combination of equal distribution and each state’s share of the civilian labor force. Specifically, forty percent of funds are distributed equally across all states, and sixty percent are allocated proportionally based on labor force data for the twelve-month period ending September 2025. The purpose of the program is to support activities related to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of workforce and labor market information. While specific allowable activities for Program Year 2026 will be detailed in a forthcoming guidance document, historically these grants support activities such as labor market data collection, occupational projections, workforce analysis, and dissemination of information through public systems and reports. Funds are intended to strengthen statewide workforce information systems that support employment and training programs and inform economic development strategies. Eligibility for Workforce Information Grants is limited to state workforce agencies and designated outlying areas, including Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These entities must follow federal requirements for grant submission, including submitting an SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance through Grants.gov under designated funding opportunity numbers. The application must reflect the exact allotment amount assigned to each state or territory and comply with federal administrative and reporting requirements. The submission process requires states to maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and submit electronically signed applications within thirty days of the issuance of the official guidance letter. Applications must include required funding details and adhere to federal grant compliance standards. Awards for Program Year 2026 are expected to be issued in July 2026, following successful submission and review of applications. The evaluation process for these grants is not competitive, as funding is distributed based on statutory formula allocations. However, compliance with reporting requirements, including quarterly financial reporting, is mandatory. States must submit standardized financial reports covering expenditures and obligations, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of federal funds. This program operates on a recurring annual cycle aligned with federal program years. Funds are made available in July 2026, and ongoing guidance, including specific deliverables and performance expectations, will be provided through additional guidance documents issued by the Department of Labor.