Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance and Application Information
🏛 Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for workforce development organizations, community colleges, state and local workforce boards, and other nonprofit and public entities serving dislocated workers. The National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program provides funds to support training and employment services for individuals who have lost jobs due to plant closures, mass layoffs, natural disasters, or other qualifying events. Recipients must operate in eligible areas and serve workers who meet dislocated worker definition criteria. Activities include occupational skills training, supportive services, case management, and job placement assistance. Geographic scope is nationwide, with funds allocated based on demonstrated need and workforce investment priorities. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to serve eligible populations and show alignment with state and local workforce development strategies.
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Program description
If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact Jenifer McEnery (DOL-ETA-DWG@dol.gov).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Standard application form (SF-424 or DOL equivalent)
- Project narrative describing need, target population, and implementation plan
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation (staff resumes, relevant experience, references)
- Letters of support from workforce partners, employers, and community organizations
- Labor market analysis and economic data supporting proposed services
- Evaluation plan with measurable performance indicators
- Organizational fiscal and administrative capability documentation
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Employment and Training Administration
- 📧 DOL-ETA-DWG@dol.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 17.277 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$39,990,882
-
$37,804,133
-
$36,143,800
-
$30,000,000
-
$27,195,602
-
$24,609,335
-
$19,929,198
-
$15,000,000
-
$15,000,000
-
$15,000,000
Top States by Funding
- FL 5 awards $106.6M
- CA 11 awards $106.2M
- KY 6 awards $59.4M
- TX 3 awards $47.0M
- WA 4 awards $46.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 17.277). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $175,632,042 | |
| 2025 | $162,489,072 | |
| 2026 est. | $148,629,300 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for Dislocated Worker Grants?
Eligible applicants include state workforce agencies, local workforce boards, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, and other public entities with experience serving dislocated workers. Applicants must be able to document organizational capacity and experience in workforce development.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is December 31, 2028, with applications opening May 8, 2026. Check the official funding opportunity announcement for any potential deadline extensions.
What activities and services are funded?
Funded activities include occupational skills training, on-the-job training, supportive services (childcare, transportation), case management, job search assistance, and incumbent worker training related to economic adjustment events.
How competitive is this grant?
DWG programs are typically competitive. Applications must demonstrate clear understanding of local labor market needs, proven track record serving dislocated workers, and detailed implementation plans with measurable outcomes.
What is the typical funding range?
Grant amounts vary based on demonstrated need and the size of the eligible dislocated worker population. Amounts typically range from several hundred thousand to several million dollars depending on state allocations and project scope.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document your organization's experience serving dislocated workers and track record of successful job placements and wage outcomes. Include letters of support from workforce partners and employers.
- Align your proposed activities with your state's workforce development strategy and local One-Stop workforce system. Collaboration with workforce boards and other providers is essential for competitive applications.
- Develop a detailed implementation plan with specific, measurable outcomes tied to Department of Labor performance metrics (entered employment rate, credential attainment, wage replacement).
- Build partnerships with training providers, employers, and community organizations to strengthen your application and demonstrate capacity to serve populations with barriers to employment.
- Address cost-effectiveness in your budget by explaining how you will leverage other funding sources and minimize administrative costs while maintaining program quality.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack clear evidence of organizational capacity and experience with dislocated worker services, or they propose unrealistic participant numbers without sufficient staffing or training resources. Another common issue is misalignment with state workforce investment priorities or failure to adequately address local labor market conditions and the specific needs of the dislocated worker population being served.
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