Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program

The Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Office of Refugee Resettlement and its Refugee Program Bureau. This program is designed as an alternative demonstration initiative under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act, particularly the Wilson Fish Amendment. It responds to a structural gap that will emerge when Refugee Support Services are no longer available in certain states beginning in fiscal year 2027. The program ensures continuity of federally required employment and language services for eligible refugee populations. The primary purpose of the program is to ensure that Refugee Cash Assistance recipients and other eligible individuals receive employment training, job placement services, and English language instruction necessary for economic self sufficiency. These services are mandatory under federal law for employable individuals receiving assistance. The program targets states where traditional Refugee Support Services will not operate, including Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. Funded organizations must provide statewide coverage either directly or through subawards, ensuring access to services even in remote areas. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, reflecting substantial federal involvement in project implementation and oversight. The total program funding is approximately 17.39 million dollars, with six expected awards. Individual awards range from a minimum of 250000 dollars to a maximum of 14438363 dollars for the first budget period, depending on the number of eligible individuals served in each state. The program spans a three year project period with annual budget cycles, and funding levels may adjust each year based on updated population data. There is no cost sharing requirement, though voluntary contributions may be reported if included. Allowable activities include a comprehensive suite of employment related services such as job readiness training, job placement, vocational training, case management, transportation assistance, and English language instruction. Programs must also develop individualized employment and self sufficiency plans for participants. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including construction, real estate purchases, direct cash assistance to participants, and specific immigration related fees. Funds also cannot be used for activities related to diversity equity and inclusion initiatives or for promoting gender ideology, as specified in the funding restrictions. Eligible applicants are limited to public or private nonprofit organizations. Federal entities, individuals, and foreign organizations are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to operate statewide programs and coordinate closely with state refugee coordinators and other service providers. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes narrative components, detailed budgets, organizational documentation, and third party agreements. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and content requirements and are evaluated through a competitive merit review process based on criteria such as program design, organizational capacity, and alignment with agency priorities. The application deadline is August 10, 2026, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically unless an exemption is granted. Required registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov must be completed in advance. Applicants must include a comprehensive project narrative addressing objectives, implementation strategies, evaluation plans, and coordination efforts. The review process includes an initial screening followed by a scored merit review, with final award decisions considering geographic distribution and past performance. Post award, recipients are subject to extensive reporting and compliance requirements, including quarterly financial reports and regular performance reporting. The cooperative agreement structure ensures ongoing federal engagement through monitoring, technical assistance, and evaluation. Contact for programmatic questions is Zahra Cheema at Zahra.Cheema@acf.hhs.gov, and grants management inquiries can be directed to Amy Menefee Longs. This program represents a critical federal effort to maintain essential refugee integration services in transitioning states and to promote long term economic independence among newly arrived populations.

Ensure statewide service coverage and strong coordination with refugee service providers; clearly align with employment and self sufficiency goals; provide detailed implementation and evaluation plans