Synopsis

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.
Response Date	Jul 23, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Posting Date	Jun 10, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Archive Date
Award Ceiling	8,000,000
Award Floor	2,000,000
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

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

Additional Info on Eligibility:

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.

Additional Information

Agency Name	Employment and Training Administration
Link to Additional Information:	N/a
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 202-693-2606

CFDA Program(s)

• 17.280: WIOA Dislocated Worker National Reserve Demonstration Grants