Workforce Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative health care projects in rural Maryland to improve access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services, while also focusing on recruiting health care professionals and managing chronic diseases.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to rural Maryland businesses and organizations focused on entrepreneurship, agriculture, workforce development, and community enhancement to improve living standards and preserve cultural heritage.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber’s Small Business Assistance Grant pilot program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the City of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the Chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in our community. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The Chamber recognizes the value of entrepreneurism/small businesses who bring innovation, quality of life, jobs, and investment to the community. Businesses who receive funding through this program will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses. Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber investors (members) in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the City of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the City of Salisbury limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main St. & West Innes St. Small business grant overview: Businesses located in City of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full time equivalent). They must be a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State and have appropriate permits to operate. They must submit a quality business plan (FREE assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center) Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring) Grant funds may NOT be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees) Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.

The Hispanic Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is dedicated to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. This grant program is a direct reflection of the Community Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and addresses specific needs within the Hispanic population of Lorain County, Ohio. By focusing on areas such as citizen empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and educational achievement, the program aligns with a comprehensive approach to community development and equity. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations and community members whose projects directly impact the Hispanic community. The program aims to achieve significant positive impacts, including enhanced citizen empowerment, improved living environments through neighborhood revitalization, increased public safety and reduced crime, and a greater understanding and implementation of collaborative solutions to community problems. Ultimately, the goal is to address the root causes of social ills and elevate educational attainment within the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Fund's grant program prioritizes projects that provide or work to improve several key areas. These include initiatives that empower Hispanic citizens, address neighborhood revitalization or environmental issues, and promote public safety, education, and crime/violence prevention. Furthermore, the fund seeks projects that offer collaborative solutions or new approaches to existing problems, and those that directly tackle the root causes of social challenges within the Hispanic community. A significant focus is also placed on programs that positively influence Hispanic educational achievement in both public and higher education settings. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest expected outcomes. For instance, projects addressing citizen empowerment could lead to increased civic participation, while educational initiatives would aim for improved academic performance and higher rates of public or higher education enrollment. Neighborhood revitalization projects would likely target improvements in local infrastructure and living conditions, and public safety initiatives would work towards a reduction in crime rates. The fund's strategic priority is to support initiatives that create lasting, positive change, operating under the theory that empowering and educating the Hispanic community will lead to broader societal benefits and improved quality of life.

The Innovia Foundation has launched the Community Heart & Soul® Program, a resident-driven initiative aimed at strengthening rural communities within its 20-county service area across Idaho and Washington. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to "BUILD COMMUNITY" and "TAKE ACTION" on what matters most to residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster local community decision-making, increase volunteerism, encourage investment in community-supported programs, and stimulate economic development. The target beneficiaries are rural communities in the designated 20-county region. The program's impact goals are to increase resident participation in local decision-making, boost volunteer engagement, promote investment in community programs, and drive economic development and downtown revitalization. It also aims to establish community endowment funds, ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership. The Community Heart & Soul approach is based on three core principles: "Involve Everyone," "Focus On What Matters Most," and "Play The Long Game," reflecting a theory of change that empowers residents to shape their communities' future while preserving their unique character. The program prioritizes communities that can provide a $10,000 local match, demonstrating local commitment and investment. Innovia will award up to ten $30,000 grants to support community-based project coordinators and actions for up to two years. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026. The foundation emphasizes an advisory process with local volunteers to ensure that grant opportunities address the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in local community decision-making participation, higher volunteer rates, increased investment in community-supported programs and activities, and tangible economic development and downtown revitalization. The establishment of community endowment funds is another key measurable result, indicating sustainable community growth and self-sufficiency. Eligibility requires applicants to be a public charity with 501(c)(3) status, a federally recognized tribe, or a public entity, ensuring that the grants support organizations with a clear charitable purpose and a commitment to the well-being of their communities.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to support the Business Expansion Initiative for Women's Employment. This initiative seeks to address the persistent gender gap in the Afghan workforce by empowering businesses to hire more women in sectors where they are permitted to work through strategic business expansion initiatives. The project aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools and support to embrace gender-inclusive practices, thereby creating more job opportunities for women and fostering economic growth. This initiative aims to support women in Afghanistan who face significant challenges and barriers to economic progress, including limited access to employment opportunities, capital, financial services, and education. It seeks to achieve the following objectives:Empowerment through Business Expansion: Supporting women to start and expand their own businesses, join other women-led enterprises, or acquire the skills necessary to participate in women-led enterprises.Gender-Inclusive Practices: Promoting gender-inclusive policies and practices within businesses to improve access to employment opportunities and financial resources for women.Economic Growth: Contributing to economic growth by maintaining the visibility of women in the workforce and economy and recognizing women's contributions to economic development.PDS seeks proposals for this initiative addressing one or more of the following areas to help womens employment in Afghanistan:Training Programs for Businesses: Developing and implementing targeted training programs for businesses that commit to gender inclusive employment practices, focusing on areas such as inclusive leadership, diversity and inclusion practices, and gender-sensitive management.Mentorship, Apprenticeship, and Resource Support: Establishing structured mentorship and apprenticeship programs, providing business skills training, business expansion planning support, and offering resources such as toolkits and case studies.Acceleration and Expansion Planning Assistance: Offering tailored support to businesses in developing strategic expansion plans, including market analysis, financial modeling, business process analysis, human resources planning, and labor force development planning.Access to Capital: Facilitating access to capital for businesses that commit to gender inclusive employment practices, to include liaising with potential investors, entrepreneurs, collaborators, and industry partners, and providing networking opportunities with these resources for target businesses.Access to Markets: Facilitating relationships for businesses to access new domestic and international markets as they scale and grow.Awareness and Advocacy: Providing resources and training to business leaders that support them to start or continue efforts to advocate within their communities for gender-inclusive business practices.Community Engagement: Actively engaging with local communities to ensure that the benefits of business expansion are inclusive and contribute meaningfully to womens labor force participation and community development.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Mission Afghanistan is pleased to announce an open competition for eligible organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to empower Afghan women to conduct home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements tailored to fit the unique circumstances in Afghanistan. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by Afghan women, particularly in accessing employment opportunities, by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for home-based, remote, and other creative employment arrangements.The program aims to accomplish the following:Empower Afghan women with skills and access to resources for home-based, remote work, and other creative employment arrangements.Reshape societal perceptions about women's participation in the workforce to foster an environment conducive to women making meaningful contributions to the local economy.Create sustainable pathways towards economic independence and progress for Afghan women.Activities will primarily take place in Afghanistan, focusing on areas heavily impacted by restrictions on women's rights, which has significantly impeded their access to employment opportunities. PDS seeks proposals for projects that should address at least one or more of the following areas:Career Readiness Workshops: Enhancing women's skills for home-based and remote employment through targeted training sessions to explain these models and coachwomen on setting up these types of work arrangements.Mentorship Programs: Providing ongoing support and guidance to women participating in the initiative by establishing mentorship relationships. Guiding participants through the job search, application, and interview process, and in their first months of employment.Placement and Matchmaking Services: Establishing relationships with remote or home-based work-friendly employers, raising awareness among such employers about the skills available to them through remote employment arrangements with Afghan women, facilitating engagement between program participants and employers through virtual career fairs or other opportunities, etc.On-the-Job Training Programs: Facilitating practical experience and skills building in the remote work sector through virtual internship or job training experiences.Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness among Afghan women about the opportunities of remote work arrangements and best practices in seeking and maintaining such employment.Strengthening Partnerships for Remote/Home-based Work Empowerment: Establishing collaborations with organizations specializing in remote and home-based work initiatives to enhance women's access to job opportunities in these environments, providing tailored resources and mentorship.This funding opportunity provides an overview of the project's objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and resource needs. It underscores our commitment to promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan. We encourage proposals that contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing the unique challenges faced by Afghan women in accessing employment opportunities.

The Nebraska SBIR/STTR Initiative provides financial assistance to small businesses in Nebraska participating in the federal SBIR/STTR programs. This state initiative offers Phase 0 assistance to help businesses apply for federal Phase 1 funding and matching funds for successful Phase 1 and Phase 2 federal awards. The initiative aims to promote innovation and technology transfer among small businesses in Nebraska, with a total fund availability of up to $6 million per year. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: July 1st to June 30th

The FY25 Workforce Development Grant is dedicated to supporting educational and training opportunities aimed at enhancing workforce capabilities. With a special focus on populations such as people with disabilities, high school juniors and seniors, non-traditional students, nonprofit professionals, and skilled workers in critical sectors, the grant provides up to $7,500 for qualified applicants. Programs eligible for funding include summer work experiences, pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, occupational skills training with recognized credentials, concurrent educational programs, and leadership development initiatives. Additional consideration is given based on the scope of impact, collaborative efforts, organizational competence, and fiscal sustainability of applying organizations. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions to support economic recovery and development projects in regions facing significant economic challenges.

The Site and Building Development Fund (SBDF) aims to enhance Nebraska's industrial readiness by supporting the development of industrial-ready sites and buildings. The plan, effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, targets projects that address immediate community needs for site and building development, promote job creation and investment, and leverage private dollars. Eligible projects include land and building acquisition, construction or rehabilitation, site preparation, and related infrastructure improvements.

The FY 2023-2024 CRISI program, managed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is designed to fund projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of railroad infrastructure. The program is open to various applicants, including states, rail carriers, and local governments, and it focuses on a broad array of project types such as safety enhancements, congestion reductions, upgrades to short-line or regional railroads, and the development of new or substantially improved intercity passenger rail corridors. The total funding available for this opportunity is approximately $2.478 billion. The application deadline is set for May 28, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Projects must not only improve infrastructure but also enhance safety protocols, integrate innovative technology, and support economic vitality.

Supports the construction, purchase, expansion, or upgrade of workforce or training-related infrastructure to better meet the needs of the offshore wind industry.

The Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program is aimed at developing a skilled workforce to support clean jobs in Illinois. The program, funded by the state, is anticipated to offer 13 awards with a total funding amount of $37,900,000. No specific award range is specified. The program is open for applications starting July 7, 2023, and will close on June 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance for applicants is available, with a session scheduled for July 14, 2023 at 3:00 PM; registration link for the session is provided in the original document.

Dedicated to advancing the training and certification needs of maritime workers to ensure the Massachusetts labor pool is prepared for operations at offshore wind terminals.

Focuses on funding new initiatives or expanding existing workforce training programs and studies in the offshore wind sector, with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIJ) principles.

Amway offers grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kent County, Michigan, focusing on health, wellness, and empowerment programs, particularly those that increase access to healthy foods, support mental wellbeing, provide life skills education, and promote youth leadership, primarily serving children, families, and traditionally underserved populations.

This program provides matching grants to Illinois-based organizations, including local governments, nonprofits, and businesses, to enhance their competitiveness for federal funding in projects that support economic development and clean energy initiatives.

The Job Training and Economic Development - Teachers Apprenticeship Program aims to provide targeted job training and development opportunities through a state-funded grant. Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for funding to establish or enhance apprenticeship programs for teachers. This opportunity supports efforts to develop the educational workforce and improve economic opportunities within the community. The program is anticipated to award 4 grants, with a total funding amount of $2,000,000 available. Grants will be awarded ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Applications are accepted from the announcement date until the specified closing date. Technical assistance sessions are available for prospective applicants. These are not mandatory but are offered to provide additional support. The session is scheduled for 03/28/2024 at 1:00 PM, and registration can be completed online.

The Montgomery County FY 2024 Place-Based Management Grants Program, offered by the Community Engagement Cluster and the Office of Grants Management, seeks to foster economic growth and revitalization in the County's commercial corridors. This program is aligned with the broader mission of supporting local economies through "bottom-up" economic development, emphasizing community-driven strategies. The focus on Place-Based Management, particularly through the Main Street Approach, underscores a commitment to holistic and integrated community development that leverages existing assets and local engagement. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are businesses and residents within identified commercial corridors. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including retaining, expanding, and attracting neighborhood-serving retail and small businesses, as well as unifying and strengthening commercial corridors through events, promotion, marketing, maintenance, and diverse stakeholder engagements. All funded activities are required to actively involve residents, businesses, and the Montgomery County Government, ensuring a collaborative and community-centric approach to revitalization. Funding priorities are given to projects that address at least three of the four points of the Main Street Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Economic Vitality focuses on financial tools, property development, and supporting entrepreneurs. Design enhances the physical and visual appeal of commercial districts. Promotion positions the district as a community and economic hub, creating a positive image. Organization builds a strong foundation through partnerships, community involvement, and resource cultivation. These priorities reflect the County's strategic emphasis on comprehensive revitalization, moving beyond simple economic aid to encompass broader community and aesthetic improvements. Montgomery County Government anticipates awarding $400,000 through approximately two to five awards, with each grant ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. The grant duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three total years based on satisfactory performance and fund availability. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, improved commercial corridor vitality, and increased stakeholder engagement, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. Eligible expenses primarily cover operating costs such as administrative expenses, community outreach, implementation of economic development activities, and neighborhood placemaking and management, all geared towards supporting the ongoing efforts of the projects.