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employment_labor_and_training · DOL-ETA

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

Employment and Training Administration · FOA-ETA-26-23

Closed

Award Range

$2.0M$8.0M

Total Program Funding

$49.2M

Expected Awards

15

Deadline

July 23, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

DOL Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) funds 15 grants (up to $8M each) for rural workforce development in communities facing economic transition.

Who Should Apply

Rural workforce boards, colleges, and organizations in communities impacted by economic change (mine closures, plant shutdowns).

Who Should NOT Apply

Urban programs, individual employers.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

  • Must serve rural communities
  • 15 awards up to $8M
  • Must build workforce pathways
  • No cost-sharing required

💡 GrantQuick Tip

Target communities affected by economic transition. Show employer partnerships, career pathways in growing sectors, and support for transitioning workers.

Competitiveness: Moderate — 15 awards for rural communities facing transition.

What This Grant Funds

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.

Attachments

Who Can Apply

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.

Eligible Applicant Types

City/Township GovernmentsIndependent School Districts501(c)(3) NonprofitsFederally Recognized Tribal GovernmentsState GovernmentsPrivate Colleges & UniversitiesPublic Colleges & UniversitiesOther Tribal OrganizationsCounty GovernmentsNonprofits without 501(c)(3)Other (see NOFO for details)

Funding Details

Minimum Award
$2.0M
Maximum Award
$8.0M
Total Program Funding
$49.2M
Expected Number of Awards
15
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Funding Instrument
grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 10, 2026
Application Deadline: July 23, 2026 (0 days remaining)

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

Agency Contact

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

worc7_foa-eta-26-23@dol.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov