Delta Workforce Grant Program
Applicants are encouraged to contact DRA program staff for additional information regarding submission requirements as well as assistance in developing their application.
The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.
This program is designed to support evidence-based projects that:
- Develop or enhance cross-system partnerships by aligning economic development, workforce training, education, and other strategies to advance local or regional priorities or initiatives
- Deliver specific workforce services meeting identified local or regional needs
- Create or expand workforce training programs address high-quality employment opportunities in existing or emerging industries or sectors
- Support the acquisition or development of curriculum and/or equipment, ensuring the delivery of quality, innovative training and workforce services
Projects must serve individuals in one or more of the following:
- New entrants to the workforce
- Dislocated workers
- Incumbent workers
The Delta Regional Authority prioritizes projects that demonstrate strategic partnership(s) with Historically Black Colleges & Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and/or federally recognized tribes. Additionally, DRA also prioritizes projects that impact distressed/isolated counties and parishes.
Eligible applicants are located within the DRA region and include:
- Local governments
- Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations
- Regional development organizations
- Economic development organizations
- Workforce investment boards
- Unions or labor organizations
- Community- or faith-based organizations
- Institutions of higher education including consortiums, historically Black colleges and universities, minority serving institutions, and trade or technical schools
- Federally recognized tribes
Award ceiling: $300,000
Award floor: $50,000
Project period: Up to 24 months
Estimated total program funding:
$4,000,000
Applicants must demonstrate at least a 10% cost share matched by non-DRA sources. Applicants in distressed counties and parishes do not need to demonstrate a match.
Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application portal are available on the program website.
For complete information about funding programs, including your
application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided
for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes
or monitor application status.