Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance and Application Information
This grant provides updated guidance and application details for the National Dislocated Worker Grant Program; contact Jenifer McEnery for access issues.
Funder: Employment and Training Administration
Due Dates: December 31, 2028 (final deadline) | July 1, 2026–September 30, 2026 (Opioid-response DWG window)
Funding Amounts: $150,000–$10,000,000 per award; up to $2M for opioid-related DWGs; total program funding $300M; up to 36 months/project
Summary: Supports temporary disaster-relief employment and workforce training for dislocated workers and communities impacted by disasters, emergencies, and large-scale layoffs.
Key Information: Opioid-response DWG applications accepted only July 1–September 30 each year.
Description
This program provides National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to help communities and workers recover from major disasters, public health emergencies (including the opioid crisis), and significant economic dislocations such as mass layoffs or plant closures. The grants fund temporary disaster-relief employment, employment and training services, and supportive services to assist eligible individuals in returning to unsubsidized employment and to support economic recovery in affected areas.
