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
View awarded Industry Sector Grants Here
Industry Sector Grants are designed to engage employers in developing new training solutions that address Idaho’s workforce issues and fill skills gaps.
The Idaho Workforce Development Council will accept Industry Sector Grant applications on a non-competitive, first come, first-served basis.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF) GOALS
APPLICATION RUBRICS
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
Innovation Grant
View awarded Innovation Grants here
View awarded Micro Innovation Grants here
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.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF) GOALS
APPLICATION RUBRICS
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
Employer Grant
View awarded Employer Grants here
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.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF) GOALS
APPLICATION RUBRICS
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
Preceptor Incentive
Preceptor Incentive grants are in the awards process. A list of awarded grants will be posted when the process is complete.
The Idaho Workforce Development Council in partnership with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Inc. has made funds available to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a preceptorship training program.
Funding for this program is limited. Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Priority may be given to new preceptors and those training individuals in rural areas.
FAQ
- Who is eligible to apply?
- Idaho employers who are providing preceptorships to Idaho residents to support necessary work-based learning for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists and prescribing/clinical psychologists.
- Applications may be completed by the employer or a preceptor.
- What is the amount of funds available to the employer?
- A maximum of $1,000 per preceptor learning experience, per student.
- Can an employer receive reimbursement for more than one preceptor?
- Yes. However, funding is limited to a maximum of $1,000 per preceptor learning experience, per student.
- Will funding be made available up front?
- No. Once approved, employers may submit a reimbursement upon verification (co-signed by the institution) that the trainee has completed all the hours of training in a preceptor learning experience.
- What expenses are reimbursable?
- Training costs associated with structured internal training including preceptor wages, reasonable travel costs and materials.
- The employer will need to provide documentation for any request made for reimbursement (i.e. invoice, receipts, paystubs, expense report, map etc.).
- Employee onboarding and wages paid to individuals receiving training are not reimbursable under this grant.
- What are the contractual terms of the grant?
- Grant period is aligned to the length of the preceptor learning experience program.
- 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.
- The executive director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council is authorized to impose a claw back provision when they determine it to be in the best interest of the fund.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications are open from February 5, 2024 to April 30, 2024.
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
Registered Apprenticeship Incentive
View awarded Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Grants here
The Registered Apprenticeship Incentive is designed to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a Registered Apprenticeship training program.
The Idaho Workforce Development Councill will accept Registered Apprenticeship Incentive applications on a first come, first served basis.
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
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
Outreach Projects
View awarded Outreach Grants here
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.
Please check for posted meeting dates.
CONTACT US
Sherawn Reberry
Email: sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7564
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
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.
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.
ELIGIBILITY
- This Idaho Child Care Expansion Grant application is available for the following eligible applicants:
- New providers seeking to create 12 or fewer child care slots
- Current small providers expanding to 24 or fewer child care slots
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- The application deadline is April 1, 2024.
APPLICATION RUBRICS
- Child Care Expansion Grant Rubric for Full Day Facilities
- Child Care Expansion Grant Rubric for Out of School Programs FY24
For questions please reach out to Amanda Ames or Jenny Hay
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
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.
Child Care Expansion Grant Budget Explanation Sheet
Industry Sector Grant
Innovation Grant
Employer Grant
Preceptor Incentive
Registered Apprenticeship Incentive
Outreach Projects
Child Care Expansion Grant
View awarded Industry Sector Grants Here
Industry Sector Grants are designed to engage employers in developing new training solutions that address Idaho’s workforce issues and fill skills gaps.
The Idaho Workforce Development Council will accept Industry Sector Grant applications on a non-competitive, first come, first-served basis.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF) GOALS
APPLICATION RUBRICS
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
View awarded Innovation Grants here
View awarded Micro Innovation Grants here
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.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF) GOALS
APPLICATION RUBRICS
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
View awarded Employer Grants here
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.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND (WDTF) GOALS
APPLICATION RUBRICS
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
Preceptor Incentive grants are in the awards process. A list of awarded grants will be posted when the process is complete.
The Idaho Workforce Development Council in partnership with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Inc. has made funds available to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a preceptorship training program.
Funding for this program is limited. Applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Priority may be given to new preceptors and those training individuals in rural areas.
FAQ
- Who is eligible to apply?
- Idaho employers who are providing preceptorships to Idaho residents to support necessary work-based learning for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists and prescribing/clinical psychologists.
- Applications may be completed by the employer or a preceptor.
- What is the amount of funds available to the employer?
- A maximum of $1,000 per preceptor learning experience, per student.
- Can an employer receive reimbursement for more than one preceptor?
- Yes. However, funding is limited to a maximum of $1,000 per preceptor learning experience, per student.
- Will funding be made available up front?
- No. Once approved, employers may submit a reimbursement upon verification (co-signed by the institution) that the trainee has completed all the hours of training in a preceptor learning experience.
- What expenses are reimbursable?
- Training costs associated with structured internal training including preceptor wages, reasonable travel costs and materials.
- The employer will need to provide documentation for any request made for reimbursement (i.e. invoice, receipts, paystubs, expense report, map etc.).
- Employee onboarding and wages paid to individuals receiving training are not reimbursable under this grant.
- What are the contractual terms of the grant?
- Grant period is aligned to the length of the preceptor learning experience program.
- 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.
- The executive director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council is authorized to impose a claw back provision when they determine it to be in the best interest of the fund.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications are open from February 5, 2024 to April 30, 2024.
CONTACT US
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
View awarded Registered Apprenticeship Incentive Grants here
The Registered Apprenticeship Incentive is designed to offset the extraordinary costs of utilizing a Registered Apprenticeship training program.
The Idaho Workforce Development Councill will accept Registered Apprenticeship Incentive applications on a first come, first served basis.
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
Matthew Thomsen
Email: matthew.thomsen@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7562
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
View awarded Outreach Grants here
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.
Please check for posted meeting dates.
CONTACT US
Sherawn Reberry
Email: sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7564
Elaine Zabriskie
Email: elaine.zabriskie@wdc.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-488-7572
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.
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.
ELIGIBILITY
- This Idaho Child Care Expansion Grant application is available for the following eligible applicants:
- New providers seeking to create 12 or fewer child care slots
- Current small providers expanding to 24 or fewer child care slots
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- The application deadline is April 1, 2024.
APPLICATION RUBRICS
- Child Care Expansion Grant Rubric for Full Day Facilities
- Child Care Expansion Grant Rubric for Out of School Programs FY24
For questions please reach out to Amanda Ames or Jenny Hay
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
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.
Child Care Expansion Grant Budget Explanation Sheet
Apply Now
To apply for Industry Sector, Innovation, Employer, Child Care Expansion Grants, or an Outreach Project, use the link below. If you are an existing user, start here.
