Maine Workforce Development Grants

The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is offering a grant program rooted in the belief that a career is essential for prosperity and economic stability for Mainers. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to help individuals chart their economic future. The grant aims to support tribal communities in connecting to employment, training opportunities, and retaining jobs. This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to partner with tribal communities to address basic needs, engage individuals disengaged from the workforce, and support employment or training opportunities. The target beneficiaries for this grant are Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), and non-profits with demonstrated experience and success in serving tribal communities. Applications demonstrating partnership with specific tribes—the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation—are preferred. The impact goals are to address basic needs that hinder employment or job retention, and to connect disengaged individuals with workforce opportunities. The program's priorities and focuses include addressing basic needs not effectively met by existing programs like DINAP, WIOA Adult, Dislocated, Youth, or National Emergency Grants. This can encompass assistance with car repairs, childcare, housing issues, uniforms, broadband access, or other necessities for obtaining or retaining employment. Another key focus is to connect with individuals disengaged from the workforce who are not currently supported by existing DINAP, WIOA, or Department of Labor (DOL) programs. The expected outcomes include increased employment and job retention among tribal community members, and improved access to essential support services that remove barriers to workforce participation. The program anticipates making two to four awards, with a total funding of $500,000, and individual awards ranging from $75,000 to $250,000. The anticipated period of performance is September 2024 to September 2026. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals assisted, job placements, job retention rates, and the types of basic needs addressed through the pilot projects.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

Maine: Investing in Leaders of Color Grant Program offers a maximum award of $6,950 to support nonprofit leaders of color and their organizations. The program provides one-on-one coaching, a stipend for professional development and operating costs, and networking opportunities. It is designed for people of color in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations that serve communities of color and promote racial equity in Maine. Priority is given to leaders from organizations led by people of color. The grant consists of capacity-building funding, including one-on-one coaching, professional development, and operating costs. The program aims to promote and increase racial equity in Maine through supporting leaders and organizations serving communities of color.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for programs that train and certify workers in Maine's residential energy efficiency sector, promoting job placement and business development in clean energy careers.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects and initiatives that promote healthy, resilient rural communities in Maine, focusing on areas like affordable housing, economic development, and climate change planning.

This funding opportunity supports rural communities in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont by providing financial assistance for projects that stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance local services in areas with fewer than 5,000 residents.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, that focus on collaborative initiatives to promote equity, youth leadership, and sustainable solutions in areas like economic development, health, and housing.

This program provides funding to support community development, workforce training, and sustainable business initiatives in the forest-based economy of rural areas in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine that address important community needs and demonstrate measurable goals.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Maine to enhance their marketing efforts and reach wider audiences.

This grant provides funding to organizations that train women for Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Maine, aiming to increase their participation in the transportation and construction workforce.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local entities in Maine to implement AmeriCorps programs that address rural challenges through community service in areas like public health, workforce development, and environmental resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individual artists in New England to pursue professional development experiences that enhance their public art practices and promote equity in public spaces.