Funder: Employment and Training Administration
Due Dates: December 31, 2026 (final deadline; applications accepted on a rolling basis until then)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000,000 per award (Disaster Recovery DWGs); up to $2,000,000 per award (Employment Recovery DWGs); typical period of performance is 36 months
Summary: Supports workforce development, temporary employment, and training for dislocated workers and communities affected by disasters or major economic dislocations.
Key Information: Eligibility and application requirements differ for Disaster Recovery and Employment Recovery grants; see below for details.
Description
The National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) program provides substantial federal funding to help states, outlying areas, tribal governments, workforce boards, and other eligible entities respond to major economic dislocations or federally declared disasters. The program supports both temporary disaster-relief employment and employment/training services for dislocated workers and other eligible individuals, aiming to promote economic and workforce recovery in affected communities.
There are two main types of DWGs:
- Disaster Recovery DWGs: Fund temporary jobs and workforce services in response to natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other federally declared emergencies.
- Employment Recovery DWGs: Fund employment and training services following mass layoffs, plant closures, or other significant economic disruptions.
Due Dates
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until December 31, 2026.
- For Disaster Recovery DWGs, emergency applications must be submitted within 15 business days of a qualifying federal disaster declaration (which must be made within 45 business days of the event).
- Full applications for Disaster Recovery DWGs are due within 60 business days of an emergency award.
- For Employment Recovery DWGs, applications should be submitted within 120 days of a qualifying layoff event for timely response.
Funding Amount
- Disaster Recovery DWGs: Up to $5,000,000 per award for most disasters; up to $10,000,000 for large-scale events or multiple population centers. For public health emergencies of national significance, the typical ceiling is $1.5 million.
- Employment Recovery DWGs: Up to $2,000,000 per award (higher amounts possible in exceptional circumstances).
- Minimum award: $150,000.
- Total program funding: $300,000,000.
- Period of performance: Generally up to 36 months; one extension (up to 12 months) may be requested.
- No cost sharing or matching required.
Eligibility
Disaster Recovery DWGs
- States (as defined by WIOA)
- Outlying areas (as defined by WIOA)
- Indian tribal governments (as defined by the Stafford Act)
Employment Recovery DWGs
- States or outlying areas (or consortia)
- Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) or consortia
- Entities eligible under the Indian and Native American program (WIOA Section 166(c))
- Entities deemed appropriate by the governor of the state or outlying area (with documentation)
- Entities that demonstrate to the Secretary of Labor their capability to respond to specific dislocations (with documentation)
Note: Eligibility requirements and required documentation vary by grant type and applicant category. See the official guidance for full details.
Application Process
General Steps
-
Register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
-
Prepare required forms and documents:
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424A (Budget Information)
- Budget Narrative (see instructions)
- Project Abstract (max 2 pages)
- Suggested Application Form (or equivalent, see below)
- Statement of Work (SOW) and Community Needs Assessment
- Additional documentation as required for eligibility and qualifying event
-
Disaster Recovery DWGs:
- May submit an emergency application (abbreviated) immediately after a qualifying disaster declaration.
- Full application must follow within 60 business days of emergency award.
- Must coordinate with state emergency management agencies or FEMA.
-
Employment Recovery DWGs:
- Application must document the qualifying event (e.g., mass layoff, plant closure, community impact, or higher-than-average demand for services from dislocated Armed Services members).
- Must describe early intervention or Rapid Response activities conducted prior to application.
-
Submit application via Grants.gov.
Required Attachments
- Project timeline with major goals and objectives
- Abstract summarizing impacts, activities, participants, operators, and expected outcomes
- For certain applicant types, letters of support or documentation of eligibility
Review and Award
- Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program goals.
- Awards are typically made within 45 days of a complete application.
Additional Information
- Allowable Activities: Disaster-relief employment (temporary jobs), employment and training services (career services, training, supportive services), and other activities supporting economic recovery.
- Participant Eligibility: Varies by grant type; may include dislocated workers, long-term unemployed, self-employed individuals affected by the event, and others as defined in the guidance.
- Wages for disaster-relief employment: Must meet or exceed local industry standards or be at least $15/hour if no standard exists.
- Administrative cost limits: 10% for state/local workforce areas; up to 15% for other recipients.
- Veterans’ priority: Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service.
- Reporting: Grantees must submit quarterly performance and financial reports.
External Links
Contact Information