Future Works Grant
🏛 Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
✓ Free, no account · Source: Pennsylvania Grants (CODE PA) · Last verified Sep 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) in Pennsylvania. Only LWDBs designated by the state are eligible to apply. Projects must support new or expanding businesses with workforce development services.
LWDBs must collaborate with employers and economic development partners. Funds support building skilled talent pipelines and addressing early workforce needs. Both the business and its employees must benefit from the project.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $2,000,000 in state Reemployment funds to support the Future Works Grant. Four grants, up to $500,000 each, will be competitively awarded to four Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen workforce development services for new or expanding businesses, ensuring that these businesses and their employees have the support needed to succeed in Pennsylvania’s economy. The Future Works Grant aligns with Governor Shapiro’s Ten‑Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development by advancing coordinated efforts between workforce development and economic development partners. Awarded LWDBs will collaborate with employers and stakeholders to build a skilled talent pipeline, support job quality, and help businesses meet early workforce needs that contribute to long‑term stability. Projects funded through this grant must directly support businesses in achieving their workforce development goals so that both the business and its employees can succeed.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form (Pennsylvania L&I)
- Project narrative and goals
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from employers and partners
- LWDB board certification documents
FAQ
Who can apply for the Future Works Grant?
Only Pennsylvania Local Workforce Development Boards are eligible. You must be an officially designated LWDB within the state.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is December 9, 2026. Check the Pennsylvania L&I website for any updates closer to the date.
What activities are supported?
Funding supports workforce development for new or expanding businesses. Projects should build talent pipelines and help businesses meet early staffing needs.
How much can I request?
Individual grants are up to $500,000 each. Four grants will be awarded competitively from approximately $2,000,000 total.
Do I need a letter of intent?
The program details do not specify a letter of intent requirement. Contact Pennsylvania L&I directly to confirm application procedures.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on employer partnerships. Show strong relationships with local businesses seeking to hire or expand.
- Demonstrate job quality outcomes. Explain how funded services will create sustainable, quality jobs for workers.
- Align with economic development. Connect your workforce project to local or regional economic development priorities.
- Build collaborative teams. Partner with economic development organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
- Show sustainability. Explain how workforce connections will continue beyond the grant period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak employer engagement. Applicants must document real business partnerships and workforce demand, not just general workforce activities. Vague project outcomes. Specify measurable goals for job placements, business hires, and worker skills gained. Misalignment with economic development. Projects must connect to new or expanding businesses, not general workforce services.
Similar grants
- OPEN Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce — Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
- OPEN Pennsylvania First – Grant — Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- OPEN Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Through the Navigator Pro — Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
- OPEN Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) — Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- OPEN PA Manufacturing Training to Career (PMTTC) — Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development