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

Agency: Employment and Training Administration

Assistance Listings: 17.280 -- WIOA Dislocated Worker National Reserve Demonstration Grants

Last Updated: June 10, 2026
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....

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

  • Other

Education

  • Public and state institutions of higher education
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Independent school districts

Government

  • Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
  • State governments
  • City or township governments
  • County governments

Nonprofit

  • Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)

Additional information

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.

Grantor contact information

Description

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

Email

worc7_foa-eta-26-23@dol.gov

worc7_foa-eta-26-23@dol.gov

Documents

File nameDescriptionLast updated
WORC7_FOA-ETA-26-23.pdf
WORC7 FOA-ETA-26-23.pdf
Jun 10, 2026 02:42 PM UTC
Financial_System_Risk_Assessment_-fillable_8.17.23.pdf
Financial System Risk Assessment -fillable 8.17.23.pdf
Jun 10, 2026 02:42 PM UTC

Link to additional information

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Closing: July 23, 2026

Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$49,200,000

Program Funding

15

Expected awards

$2,000,000

Award Minimum

$8,000,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

FOA-ETA-26-23

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

No

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

--

Category of Funding Activity:

Employment labor and training

Category Explanation:

--

History

Version:

1

Posted date:

June 10, 2026

Archive date:

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