On December 22, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced the availability of $98.5 million in new Workforce Innovation Fund grants. These grants provide funding for programs that support, evaluate and enhance workforce investment strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations. The three stated goals of the grants are: better results for jobseekers and employers, greater efficiency in the delivery of quality services, and stronger cooperation across programs and funding streams.
Grants will be awarded in one of three categories:
- New and untested ideas – awards ranging from $1 to 3 million
- Promising ideas – awards ranging from $3 to 6 million
- Adapting proven ideas – awards ranging from $6 to 12 million
Eligible entities include state workforce agencies, local workforce investment boards, and tribes, tribal consortia, or tribal non-profit organizations that are eligible to apply for WIA Section 166 grants. Grant applications are due March 22, 2012.
More information can be found here.
Nancy Conneely, Public Policy Manager
Tags: federal grants, funding, Job training, Public Policy, WIA