Grants
Utilizing state, federal, and private funds, the Workforce Development Council finances projects that improve the vitality of Idaho’s economy. This strategic investment creates powerful results that increase the economic mobility of Idahoans, support growth of the economy, and develop Idaho’s workforce pipeline through training initiatives that serve multiple employers and industries.
Workforce Development Training Fund Goals
Economic Mobility
Increase the economic mobility of Idahoans through training that leads to wage gains and retention.
Innovation
Promote innovation in talent development.
Best Practices
Encourage replication of best practices in talent pipeline development.
Service to Employers
Provide timely assistance to businesses while shifting focus to broader talent pipeline development strategies that serve multiple employers.
Economic Growth
Support growth of the economy by assisting employers with job creation and integration of technology, specifically through the development of skills in their existing and/or new employees.
Return on Investment
Provide a return on investment to Idahoans as evidenced by increased wages, job creation, capital investment, retention of Idaho’s workforce, credential attainment, and/or customer satisfaction (employer and trainee).
Success Stories
Grant Opportunities
Industry Sector Grant
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Industry Sector Grants are designed to engage employers in developing new training solutions that address Idaho’s workforce issues and fill skills gaps.
INDUSTRY SECTOR GRANT RESOURCES
- Industry Sector Grant One-Pager Overview
- Industry Sector Grant Application
- Industry Sector Grant Terms and Conditions
- Industry Sector Grant MOU
- Industry Sector Grant Training Schedule
- Industry Sector Grant Rubric
- View Awarded Industry Sector Grants here
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
Innovation Grant
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Innovation Grants can fund projects that address local workforce development needs. Projects may provide skills training to individuals and/or assist individuals with connecting to careers.
- New or enhanced training must address specific employer-identified skills gaps in the community; training cannot supplant or compete with current training opportunities.
- Training may include work-based learning opportunities, classroom training, or virtual training that addresses the skill gaps identified by employers in the community.
- Assisting individuals to connect to careers may include providing information and outreach on career education and workforce training opportunities and/or soft skill development.
INNOVATION GRANT RESOURCES
- Innovation Grant One-Pager Overview
- Innovation Grant Application
- Innovation Grant Terms and Conditions
- Innovation Grant Rubric
- Innovation Grant Letter of Intent
- 12 Month Innovation Grant Training Schedule
- 12 Month Innovation Grant Budget Template
- 24 Month Innovation Grant Training Schedule
- 24 Month Innovation Grant Budget Template
- View awarded Innovation Grants here
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
Employer Grant
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Employer Grants are available to Idaho employers who are increasing their current workforce and/or retraining existing workers with skills necessary for specific economic opportunities or industrial expansion initiatives.
EMPLOYER GRANT RESOURCES
- Employer Grant One-Pager Overview
- Employer Grant Application
- Employer Grant Terms & Conditions
- Employer Grant Training Plan
- Employer Grant Rubric
- Employer Grant Scoring matrix
- View awarded Employer Grants here
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
Registered Apprenticeship Incentive
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Registered Apprenticeship Incentive is designed to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a Registered Apprenticeship training program.
The current application cycle for the Registered Apprenticeship Incentive will be open until June 30, 2026.
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP GRANT RESOURCES
- Registered Apprenticeship One-Pager Overview
- Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Application
- View awarded Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Grants here
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
- Idaho employers who are utilizing a registered apprenticeship program to train new or newly promoted employees.
- The employer must pay an entry level wage no lower than $12 per hour.
- Training must be through a Registered Apprenticeship with the US Department of Labor. Employer will be required to provide evidence of the apprentice’s registration.
- Employer must provide a health benefit plan.
What is the amount of funds available to the employer?
- A maximum of $1,000 per apprentice, per year for the duration of the apprenticeship, is available to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a registered apprenticeship training program.
- An employer may not be allocated more than $10,000 per year under this program.
Will funding be made available up front?
- No. Funds for the first year will be distributed upon verification from RAPIDS that the apprentice has completed at least 500* hours of on-the-job training. Additional funds will be available annually, thereafter, upon verification from RAPIDS that the apprentice continues to progress in their program.
- For competency-based apprenticeship programs, a reimbursement schedule will be provided in the grant agreement.
What expenses are reimbursable?
- Training costs associated with vendor provided training including instructor wages, reasonable travel costs and materials.
- Training costs associated with structured internal training including instructor wages, reasonable travel costs and materials.
What are the contractual term of the grant?
- Grant period is aligned to the length of the registered apprenticeship program.
- Only Idaho taxable full-time*, non-seasonal employees are eligible for reimbursement.
- Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports as delineated in the written contract. The quarterly report will include provision of the entire 9-digit social security number of the trainees/participants.
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
Preceptor Incentive
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Preceptor Incentive is designed to encourage Idaho’s medical providers to precept students statewide, thus increasing the health care workforce.
APPLICATIONS
Applications for this grant are now closed and are not expected to reopen.
Outreach Projects
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Workforce Development Council’s Outreach Committee reviews and provides funding for proposals that will provide public information and outreach on career education and workforce training opportunities, including existing education and training programs and services not funded by the training fund. Proposals to support new projects or the expansion of existing programs are preferred. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis.
PROPOSAL DEADLINES
Outreach Proposal applications are reviewed each month by the Workforce Development Council’s Outreach Committee. Outreach Proposal applications are usually reviewed the first Wednesday of each month. Applications are due one week prior to committee meetings.
Applications for these grants are currently on hold as we transition to a new grants management platform.
OUTREACH PROJECT RESOURCES
Scoring Rubric
All Outreach Project Applications must be received at least seven days in advance of the next Outreach Committee meeting. The following rubric based on the committee’s approved goals will be used by the committee during award determination.
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee is responsible for increasing public awareness of, and access to, career education, work-based learning, training opportunities, and support knowledge of workforce development training fund programs.
Case Study
The Workforce Development Council Outreach Grant funding supported a year-long environment of student and community engagement for Boise School District health profession students.
CONTACT US
Sherawn Reberry
Email: sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7564
Child Care Expansion Grant
View awarded Child Care Grants here
Idaho Child Care Expansion Grants, administered by the Workforce Development Council, will increase the number of child care seats available to working families by targeting employers and/or child care providers willing to build new on-site or near-site child care facilities or expand existing facilities.
Child care is one of the most critical work supports for parents to successfully participate in the labor market. Since the pandemic, labor force participation rates in Idaho have decreased and one of the major factors is lack of child care options.
According to Idaho’s most recent Child Care Gap Assessment 74,670 children have the potential need for child care, and there are only 55,850 child care slots, leaving a gap of nearly 20,000 seats needed to get Idaho parents back to work.
Program Goals
- Increase child care seats statewide by approximately 1,000 by the end of 2024.
- Prioritize small providers, and providers who practice evidence-based high quality care.
Read the full Child Care Expansion white paper here.
These funds provide infrastructure or operating grants for start-up or expansion of child care where there is a significant gap between the number of child care slots available and the number of children needing care.
For questions, please reach out to Amanda Ames or Jenny Hay
APPLICATIONS
Applications for this grant are now closed and are not expected to reopen.
Child Care Expansion Grant Policy
Before applying, check out the Child Care Expansion Grant Policy to learn about the rules and regulations attached to this funding opportunity.
Child Care Family Guide
There are many things to consider when starting a new family child care business. These resources will help you think through the steps you need to take to open and operate a successful family child care business in Idaho.
Child Care Business Guide
There are many things to consider when starting a new child care center. These resources will help you think through the steps you need to take to open and operate a successful child care center in Idaho.
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
Jenny Hay
Email: jenny.hay@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7571
Industry Sector Grant
Innovation Grant
Employer Grant
Registered Apprenticeship Incentive
Preceptor Incentive
Outreach Projects
Child Care Expansion Grant
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Industry Sector Grants are designed to engage employers in developing new training solutions that address Idaho’s workforce issues and fill skills gaps.
INDUSTRY SECTOR GRANT RESOURCES
- Industry Sector Grant One-Pager Overview
- Industry Sector Grant Application
- Industry Sector Grant Terms and Conditions
- Industry Sector Grant MOU
- Industry Sector Grant Training Schedule
- Industry Sector Grant Rubric
- View Awarded Industry Sector Grants here
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Innovation Grants can fund projects that address local workforce development needs. Projects may provide skills training to individuals and/or assist individuals with connecting to careers.
- New or enhanced training must address specific employer-identified skills gaps in the community; training cannot supplant or compete with current training opportunities.
- Training may include work-based learning opportunities, classroom training, or virtual training that addresses the skill gaps identified by employers in the community.
- Assisting individuals to connect to careers may include providing information and outreach on career education and workforce training opportunities and/or soft skill development.
INNOVATION GRANT RESOURCES
- Innovation Grant One-Pager Overview
- Innovation Grant Application
- Innovation Grant Terms and Conditions
- Innovation Grant Rubric
- Innovation Grant Letter of Intent
- 12 Month Innovation Grant Training Schedule
- 12 Month Innovation Grant Budget Template
- 24 Month Innovation Grant Training Schedule
- 24 Month Innovation Grant Budget Template
- View awarded Innovation Grants here
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Employer Grants are available to Idaho employers who are increasing their current workforce and/or retraining existing workers with skills necessary for specific economic opportunities or industrial expansion initiatives.
EMPLOYER GRANT RESOURCES
- Employer Grant One-Pager Overview
- Employer Grant Application
- Employer Grant Terms & Conditions
- Employer Grant Training Plan
- Employer Grant Rubric
- Employer Grant Scoring matrix
- View awarded Employer Grants here
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Registered Apprenticeship Incentive is designed to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a Registered Apprenticeship training program.
The current application cycle for the Registered Apprenticeship Incentive will be open until June 30, 2026.
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP GRANT RESOURCES
- Registered Apprenticeship One-Pager Overview
- Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Application
- View awarded Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Grants here
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
- Idaho employers who are utilizing a registered apprenticeship program to train new or newly promoted employees.
- The employer must pay an entry level wage no lower than $12 per hour.
- Training must be through a Registered Apprenticeship with the US Department of Labor. Employer will be required to provide evidence of the apprentice’s registration.
- Employer must provide a health benefit plan.
What is the amount of funds available to the employer?
- A maximum of $1,000 per apprentice, per year for the duration of the apprenticeship, is available to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a registered apprenticeship training program.
- An employer may not be allocated more than $10,000 per year under this program.
Will funding be made available up front?
- No. Funds for the first year will be distributed upon verification from RAPIDS that the apprentice has completed at least 500* hours of on-the-job training. Additional funds will be available annually, thereafter, upon verification from RAPIDS that the apprentice continues to progress in their program.
- For competency-based apprenticeship programs, a reimbursement schedule will be provided in the grant agreement.
What expenses are reimbursable?
- Training costs associated with vendor provided training including instructor wages, reasonable travel costs and materials.
- Training costs associated with structured internal training including instructor wages, reasonable travel costs and materials.
What are the contractual term of the grant?
- Grant period is aligned to the length of the registered apprenticeship program.
- Only Idaho taxable full-time*, non-seasonal employees are eligible for reimbursement.
- Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports as delineated in the written contract. The quarterly report will include provision of the entire 9-digit social security number of the trainees/participants.
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Preceptor Incentive is designed to encourage Idaho’s medical providers to precept students statewide, thus increasing the health care workforce.
APPLICATIONS
Applications for this grant are now closed and are not expected to reopen.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Workforce Development Council’s Outreach Committee reviews and provides funding for proposals that will provide public information and outreach on career education and workforce training opportunities, including existing education and training programs and services not funded by the training fund. Proposals to support new projects or the expansion of existing programs are preferred. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis.
PROPOSAL DEADLINES
Outreach Proposal applications are reviewed each month by the Workforce Development Council’s Outreach Committee. Outreach Proposal applications are usually reviewed the first Wednesday of each month. Applications are due one week prior to committee meetings.
Applications for these grants are currently on hold as we transition to a new grants management platform.
OUTREACH PROJECT RESOURCES
Scoring Rubric
All Outreach Project Applications must be received at least seven days in advance of the next Outreach Committee meeting. The following rubric based on the committee’s approved goals will be used by the committee during award determination.
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee is responsible for increasing public awareness of, and access to, career education, work-based learning, training opportunities, and support knowledge of workforce development training fund programs.
Case Study
The Workforce Development Council Outreach Grant funding supported a year-long environment of student and community engagement for Boise School District health profession students.
CONTACT US
Sherawn Reberry
Email: sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7564
View awarded Child Care Grants here
Idaho Child Care Expansion Grants, administered by the Workforce Development Council, will increase the number of child care seats available to working families by targeting employers and/or child care providers willing to build new on-site or near-site child care facilities or expand existing facilities.
Child care is one of the most critical work supports for parents to successfully participate in the labor market. Since the pandemic, labor force participation rates in Idaho have decreased and one of the major factors is lack of child care options.
According to Idaho’s most recent Child Care Gap Assessment 74,670 children have the potential need for child care, and there are only 55,850 child care slots, leaving a gap of nearly 20,000 seats needed to get Idaho parents back to work.
Program Goals
- Increase child care seats statewide by approximately 1,000 by the end of 2024.
- Prioritize small providers, and providers who practice evidence-based high quality care.
Read the full Child Care Expansion white paper here.
These funds provide infrastructure or operating grants for start-up or expansion of child care where there is a significant gap between the number of child care slots available and the number of children needing care.
For questions, please reach out to Amanda Ames or Jenny Hay
APPLICATIONS
Applications for this grant are now closed and are not expected to reopen.
Child Care Expansion Grant Policy
Before applying, check out the Child Care Expansion Grant Policy to learn about the rules and regulations attached to this funding opportunity.
Child Care Family Guide
There are many things to consider when starting a new family child care business. These resources will help you think through the steps you need to take to open and operate a successful family child care business in Idaho.
Child Care Business Guide
There are many things to consider when starting a new child care center. These resources will help you think through the steps you need to take to open and operate a successful child care center in Idaho.
CONTACT US
Amanda Ames
Email: amanda.ames@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7563
Jenny Hay
Email: jenny.hay@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7571
