Insights: NYS Workforce Development Capital Grant Program
C&S is sharing this opportunity to ensure our clients who provide workforce training programs know that new workforce development grant funding is available through New York State. The funding covers a wide spectrum of projects that update and/or build facilities to train workers in high-demand fields. C&S is able to help with grant applications and support the design/construction work.
Workforce training is a critical component in preparing employees for the demands of high-growth industries. With the new grant funding available through New York State, organizations have a unique opportunity to upgrade their training facilities and programs. By investing in these areas, companies can ensure their workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. This not only benefits the employees but also strengthens the overall workforce, making it more adaptable and responsive to industry needs.
Purpose
The Workforce Development Capital Grant Program will support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. The program is open to programs offering industry-recognized credentials/certificates in high-demand fields and helps make capital investments crucial to industry-driven workforce training. Funding can be used for the modernization of existing training centers, building new facilities, or purchasing machinery/equipment for workforce training.
Due Date
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, but reviewed every three months. The next review periods are June 30, September 30, and December 30, 2023.
| Target Industry Sectors Priority will be given to programs that prepare trainees for jobs in regional or statewide target industry sectors. Statewide high-growth target industry sectors include: * Advanced Manufacturing and Materials * Biotech and Life Sciences * Cleantech and Renewable Energy * Construction * Electronics and Optics, Photonics, and Imaging (OPI) * Film and Television Production and Post-Production * Software and Digital Media Regional priorities are available in Program Guidelines |
Contract Period
- Projects funded through the workforce development grant should be completed within 4 years
Eligible Applicants
- Community-based organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations
- Certain Governmental Organizations (workforce development boards, BOCES, municipalities, etc.)
- Higher educational institutions (public/private 4-year colleges/universities or 2-year technical/community colleges)
- Career & technical education providers
- Organized labor training programs
- For-profit training providers
Workforce Development Grant Funding
Workforce development grant awards will range from $100,000 to $3 million. The funding is typically provided by reimbursement, rather than up-front. A 50% match is required; however, applications with more than 50% private funding will be more competitive.
Eligible Uses
- Purchase and/or installation of machinery and/or equipment, furniture and fixtures used in workforce training
- Fit out and/or renovation of an existing building related to the specific training program
- New construction or expansion of a building on property already owned or controlled by the applicant
- Acquisition of land or buildings to facilitate an expansion of a training program
- Soft costs of up to 15% of the total project cost, such as architectural and engineering costs
Priorities
To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate that training programs will prepare participants for in-demand, good jobs with career advancement. The projects that are responsive to industry needs and workforce challenges will receive priority. Additionally, the state is looking for projects that ensure workers of all skill levels, socioeconomic groups, racial and ethnic groups, gender identities and expressions, and geographies have opportunities to participate and progress in labor force. Applicants with a proven track record of results-oriented workforce training and fostering opportunity for underserved populations may also receive priority consideration for the workforce development grants.
C&S’s grant services are tailored to fit your needs, ranging from grant consultation and review, public meeting facilitation, to full application production. Our grant specialist, Sarah Stewart, can answer any questions and help guide you through the process. Sarah can be contacted at sstewart@cscos.com.