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

Employment and Training Administration Nonprofit eligible

Employment and Training Administration is funding employment & training projects through this opportunity, which is open to nonprofits and other eligible applicants, with applications due Jul 23, 2026. It provides awards up to $2M–$8M.

Go to the Grants.gov listing
Deadline
Jul 23, 2026
Award amount
Up to $2M–$8M
Expected awards
15
Posted
Jun 10, 2026
Opportunity number
FOA-ETA-26-23
CFDA
17.280

Opportunity description

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.

Who can apply

  • Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • State governments
  • Independent school districts
  • Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • City or township governments
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • County governments
  • Private institutions of higher education

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.

Funding

Award floor
$2M
Award ceiling
$8M

Agency contact

Employment and Training Administration

Shanell McNamee worc7_foa-eta-26-23@dol.gov

worc7_foa-eta-26-23@dol.gov

Next steps to apply

To apply, head to the official Grants.gov listing — that is where registration and submission happen. Always re-check the closing date there, as agencies can revise it.

Official Grants.gov listing

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