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ClosedEmployment and Training Administration · 2026

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions

Quick Facts

Agency: Employment and Training Administration
Funding: $2M – $8M per award
Deadline: July 23, 2026 (Passed)
Status: Closed
Eligibility: Eligible applicants: State governments; County governments; City or township governments; Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification). The only organizations included in "Others" referenced above are State and Local Workforce Development Boards, Industry and Employer Associations, Labor-Management Organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than Federally recognized), and Indian/Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized). See the Funding Opportunity for specific information on eligibility. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

"Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions" is currently closed and not accepting applications.

About This Grant

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative Round 7 is a partnership between the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and three regional commissions–the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). WORC 7 will address the critical workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions (WORC regions). Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) may be emailed to worc7_foa-eta-26-23@dol.gov. We encourage prospective applicants and interested parties to use the Grants.gov subscription option to register for future updates provided for this particular FOA.

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ETA-26-23. Assistance Listing: 17.280. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ELT. Award Amount: $2M – $8M per award.

View Original RFP

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Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants: State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Independent school districts
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
The only organizations included in "Others" referenced above are State and Local Workforce Development Boards, Industry and Employer Associations, Labor-Management Organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than Federally recognized), and Indian/Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized). See the Funding Opportunity for specific information on eligibility. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Eligible applicants: State governments; County governments; City or township governments; Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification). The only organizations included in "Others" referenced above are State and Local Workforce Development Boards, Industry and Employer Associations, Labor-Management Organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than Federally recognized), and Indian/Native American tribal organizations (Federally recognized). See the Funding Opportunity for specific information on eligibility. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

How much funding does Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions offer?

The current listing shows $2M – $8M per award. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.

When is the deadline for Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions?

The published deadline was July 23, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.

Is Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions a federal grant?

Yes — Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions is offered by Employment and Training Administration and this listing comes from Grants.gov, an official U.S. federal source. Federal applications generally require registrations (for example SAM.gov or an agency submission portal), so allow extra lead time.

How do I apply for Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

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"Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions" is currently closed and not accepting applications.

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