Community Workforce Partnership Grant Program

The Community Workforce Partnerships Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) and is designed to support community-led workforce development initiatives that promote economic mobility across the Commonwealth. The program focuses on strengthening workforce opportunities for low-income communities, vulnerable youth, and young adults by funding collaborative, locally driven solutions that address specific economic challenges or opportunities within a single municipality. The initiative emphasizes equipping individuals with job skills, credentials, and supportive services necessary to secure stable employment or achieve wage growth within a one-year timeframe. This competitive grant program prioritizes partnerships among nonprofit organizations, community groups, educational institutions, businesses, and local governments. Eligible applicants must be Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations with demonstrated experience in workforce development and a minimum of $500,000 in gross revenue, applying on behalf of a coalition with at least one additional partner. Projects must be rooted in a clearly defined geographic area, such as a city, town, or Boston neighborhood, and must target a specific population that has been involved in shaping the project and faces identifiable workforce barriers. Funding supports a range of workforce development activities including job skills training, adult literacy and English language learning with a workforce focus, and small business employee development such as apprenticeships, recruitment, and retention strategies. Allowable expenses include staff salaries, program materials, participant stipends, supportive services such as childcare and transportation, and partner subcontracts. However, capital expenditures, large equipment purchases, vehicles, and certain administrative or fundraising costs are not eligible. The grant operates on a cost reimbursement basis with structured payment milestones tied to performance and reporting. The maximum award for this program is $200,000, with a contract performance period running from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes using SMART goals and show a clear connection between program activities and employment or wage outcomes. Evaluation criteria include alignment with community needs, strength of partnerships, innovation, demonstrated impact, and the ability to provide at least two direct supportive services such as housing stabilization, childcare, transportation, healthcare navigation, or CORI sealing. The application process requires submission through the Submittable platform and includes a written application, a detailed budget, a video response component, IRS Form 990, and letters of support from partners. The video component is intended to provide qualitative insight into the applicant’s approach and community engagement. Applications must be submitted by May 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., and late submissions will not be accepted. An informational webinar is scheduled for April 13, 2026, and questions are addressed through a centralized FAQ process rather than direct responses from staff. Award notifications are anticipated in September 2026, with project implementation beginning in January 2027. Grantees are required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports throughout the grant period, with a final report due January 15, 2028. The program is part of a broader state strategy to advance economic equity and workforce readiness, emphasizing tailored, community-informed approaches that can deliver both immediate and long-term impact.

Strong applications have clear community need alignment, active multi-sector partnerships, integration of support services (e.g., childcare, housing), and target population involvement in project design