Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC)

About this funding opportunity

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7

Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ETA-26-23

Application Deadline: July 23, 2026

Award Amount: Approximately $2 million-$8 million

Period of Performance: 36 months

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The initiative supports industry-driven workforce development strategies that address the workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries while expanding access to quality employment opportunities for workers in rural communities.

Since 2021, organizations serving communities across the DRA region have been awarded 54 WORC grants totaling more than $72.5 million to strengthen workforce development systems, build regional partnerships, and expand career pathways that support long-term economic growth and resilience.

For additional information about the WORC initiative, visit the Employment and Training Administration’s WORC webpage. How to Apply WORC Round 7 Funding Now Available:

The U.S. Department of Labor is currently accepting applications for WORC Round 7. Eligible applicants may apply for grants ranging from $2 million to $8 million to implement regional workforce solutions that meet the needs of employers and workers throughout eligible rural communities. Applications are due July 23, 2026. Resource Links: Funding Opportunity Announcement Grants.gov Opportunity Potential Applicant Webcast

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Topic areas: Workforce Development, Social Innovation and Community Development, Public Policy and Governance.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) is administered by Delta Regional Authority (DRA), listed via Delta Regional Authority.