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Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). This grant program supports economic development in rural communities through workforce development initiatives. It is administered by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and focuses on job training and worker dislocation programs.
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Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative | U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Foreign Labor Certification Indians and Native Americans Layoffs and Rapid Response National Dislocated Worker Grants Trade Adjustment Assistance Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) POLICY AND DIRECTIVES Back Advisories and Directives Recovery-Ready Workplace Resource Hub Freedom of Information Act Office of Foreign Labor Certification Office of Grants Management Office of Unemployment Insurance (1-877-S-2JOBS) Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative is a partnership between the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and three regional commissions—the Appalachian Regional Commission , the Delta Regional Authority , and the Northern Border Regional Commission .
The WORC Initiative addresses the critical workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions (collectively, the WORC regions), which represent areas of the country that have been hard-hit by economic distress.
Participants in grant-funded training programs will receive training and education opportunities and resources that lead to employment and wage growth and stimulate economic mobility, self-sufficiency, and increased labor force participation. These federal workforce investments will support America's reindustrialization and equip American workers to fill the growing demand for skilled trades and other occupations.
The current WORC Initiative invests in regional industry and sector partnerships to design and implement industry-driven training programs that will close skills gaps and increase the talent pipeline in critical sectors. These investments aim to increase worker mobility by providing high-quality work-based learning opportunities and related training as a career pathway for new and dislocated workers and for incumbent worker upskilling.
In 2019, ETA awarded the first round of WORC grants to 18 recipients throughout the Appalachian and Delta regions. In 2023, the fifth round of WORC grants expanded to include the Northern Border region. To date, ETA has funded six rounds of WORC grants.
WORC Initiative Grant Awards The table below includes the number of grants and total funding awarded in each WORC round. For more information on awarded grant projects, see the project summaries through the link for each round.
WORC Round (Regions Included) Total Grants Awarded Total Funding Awarded Current Active Awards (As of 6/1/2026) WORC 6 (2024) (Appalachian, Delta, Northern Border) 35 $48,915,290 35 WORC 5 (2023) (Appalachian, Delta, Northern Border) 32 $44,035,000 32 WORC 4 (2022) 26 $34,375,000 2 WORC 3 (2021) 23 $28,193,572 0 WORC 2 (2020) 27 $26,184,526 0 WORC 1 (2019) Learn more about the mission, programs, and priority areas served by each WORC regional partner: Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Delta Regional Commission (DRA) Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, are eligible to apply. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities Grant Program is funded by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachia, Delta and Northern Border Regions is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). This initiative addresses the critical workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. It supports economic development and job training.
Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The WORC Initiative provides grant funds to enable impacted communities in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions to develop local and regional workforce development solutions aligned with existing economic development strategies and community partnerships to promot…
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). WIOA grants support job training, apprenticeships, and employment services for adults, youth, and dislocated workers. The program aims to improve working conditions, advance opportunities for profitable employment, and assure work-related benefits and rights.
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.
The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.
The DOL Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund is distributing $30 million across 14 states for employer-led workforce training in advanced manufacturing, AI, and skilled trades. Employer applications open mid-2026.
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