Current Funding Opportunities (Workforce & Economic Development)

A range of federal, state, and philanthropic funding opportunities are currently available to support workforce and economic development initiatives. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Labor is offering competitive grants such as the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, which focus on expanding short-term credential programs aligned with industry needs, and apprenticeship-focused funding designed to scale registered apprenticeship programs nationwide. Click here to read New Growth’s summary of the program.

Additionally, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) continues to invest in place-based economic growth through programs like the Recompete Pilot Program, which provides flexible implementation funding for workforce training, business development, and infrastructure in distressed communities.

Beyond federal sources, hundreds of active opportunities exist through state agencies, workforce boards, and private foundations, supporting initiatives such as job training, career pathways, upskilling, and sector-based partnerships. In Ohio specifically, a wide range of grants are available to support career readiness, talent pipeline development, and economic mobility efforts.

Looking ahead, 2026 funding trends emphasize partnerships, data-driven outcomes, and investments in high-demand sectors such as technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing—creating strong opportunities for collaborative, impact-focused workforce and economic development projects.