Grant Funding: Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF)

Submitted by Donna Brian on Tue, 05/27/2014 - 10:12
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The Department of Labor announced $53 million in funding available for Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF) grants. The WIF funds competitive grants to states, local workforce boards, and other entities to support innovative employment and training approaches. Applications are due by June 18, 2014, and grants will be awarded in September 2014.  See National Skills Coalition summary of the grant here.

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Here is OCTAE's (Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education) summary about the WIF grants:

 

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $53 Million
to Expand and Strengthen Workforce Development Strategies

 

                             Apply by June 18

 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) recently announced the availability of $53 million to be awarded under the Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF) grant program. The announcement notes that the ETA anticipates awarding between eight and 15 grants to support innovative practices designed to “generate long-term improvements in the performance of the public workforce system, outcomes for job seekers and employers, and cost-effectiveness.” This is the second round of grants available under the Workforce Innovation Fund.

 

According to U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez, "developing more efficient and effective job training solutions is crucial to building the pipeline of skilled workers needed to compete in the global economy."  Many of the funded first-round grantees “are now working with local and regional employers, industry groups, and their state commerce and development agencies to strengthen public-private partnerships.” This second round of funding is intended to help spur on and expand similar efforts. 

 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the full solicitation for additional information, including grantee eligibility. Adult education providers considering an application for this round of funding may wish to review the work of first-round grantees. See the Workforce Innovation Fund website for more information, application tools, and resources.

 

Applications are due by Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 4 p.m. ET, and awards will be made in September 2014.