The content outlines various federal grants, resources, and incentives supporting returnship programs, including DOL WIOA and PROMISE Jobs grants, SBA resources, NSF STEM grants, and VETS funding. It also highlights EEOC guidance, WRP partnerships, ApprenticeshipUSA grants, AmeriCorps support, and the IRS WOTC tax credit.
Which Federal Incentives and Grants Are Available to Support Returnship Program Development?
AdminThe content outlines various federal grants, resources, and incentives supporting returnship programs, including DOL WIOA and PROMISE Jobs grants, SBA resources, NSF STEM grants, and VETS funding. It also highlights EEOC guidance, WRP partnerships, ApprenticeshipUSA grants, AmeriCorps support, and the IRS WOTC tax credit.
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Department of Labor DOL Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act WIOA Grants
The federal Department of Labor offers WIOA grants aimed at workforce development, which can be utilized to support returnship programs. These grants focus on re-skilling and upskilling unemployed or underemployed individuals, including those returning to the workforce after a career break. Organizations can apply to fund training, mentoring, and placement services integral to returnship programs.
Small Business Administration SBA Grants and Resources
While the SBA primarily provides loans, it also offers occasional grants and resources to support workforce development initiatives, including returnships. SBA programs encourage small businesses to hire and train individuals re-entering the labor market, often through partnership programs that can include public-private collaboration grants.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEOC Incentives
The EEOC provides guidance and sometimes incentives through enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, encouraging employers to establish returnship programs that promote diversity and inclusion. Though not direct grants, EEOC partnership programs and recognition can aid employers seeking to build inclusive returnship initiatives.
PROMISE Jobs Program Grants
Administered by the Department of Labor, PROMISE Jobs grants target populations facing employment barriers, including those re-entering the workforce after extended absences. These grants support job training, work experience, and case management services integral to returnship program structure.
National Science Foundation NSF STEM Workforce Development Grants
For returnship programs focused on STEM career reentry, the NSF offers workforce development grants that support innovative training and mentorship. These grants specifically target reengaging professionals with technical backgrounds who have had career interruptions.
Workforce Recruitment Program WRP Partnership Opportunities
WRP is a federal government-wide program that connects employers with job candidates, including those reentering the workforce with disabilities. While primarily a recruitment resource, partnerships through WRP can sometimes include federal funding or resource support to develop inclusive returnship programs.
ApprenticeshipUSA Expansion Grants
Offered by the Department of Labor, these grants support the development and expansion of apprenticeship programs, which can be adapted for returnship program models. Funding can assist employers in creating structured training and mentorship for individuals returning to employment after career gaps.
AmeriCorps and Volunteergov Program Support
Some returnship programs utilize AmeriCorps grants to engage participants in service-based roles that provide valuable workforce experience. AmeriCorps funding supports training and stipends, offering a federal incentive to build returnship opportunities tied to community service.
Veterans Employment and Training Service VETS Grants
For returnships targeting veterans re-entering the civilian workforce, VETS provides specific grants and resources. These grants assist in skills training, mentoring, and job placement essential to developing successful returnship programs for veterans.
Internal Revenue Service IRS Work Opportunity Tax Credit WOTC
Although not a direct grant, the WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who hire individuals from targeted groups, including disadvantaged veterans and those returning to work after a lapse. This incentive can financially support the implementation and sustainability of returnship programs by offsetting hiring costs.
What else to take into account
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