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Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in partnership with Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Delta Regional Authority (DRA), and Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).
The WORC Initiative provides grants 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. This promotes new, sustainable job opportunities and long-term economic vitality, offering training and support to dislocated, new, and incumbent workers.
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Or search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nonprofit organizations, public entities, community colleges, and development districts in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $150,000 - $1.5 million (DOL funding announcements for WORC Round 7 indicate substantial funding). Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative is funded by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in partnership with Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Delta Regional Authority (DRA), and Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). 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.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative returns for a seventh round with $49.2M for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions — awards of $2M to $8M, an estimated 6 to 24 grants, and a July 23, 2026 deadline. Here is how the three-commission structure works, who is eligible, why WORC 7's shift toward large-scale regional sector partnerships changes who should apply, and how to build a proposal that survives the competition.
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