Community Workforce Partnership Grant 2026

Background
The Community Workforce Partnership Grant Program, administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) of Massachusetts, aims to create workforce development opportunities within local communities. This initiative builds on the success of the Urban Agenda grant, focusing on economic mobility and collaboration among local organizations.

The program emphasizes community-led responses to economic challenges, particularly for low-income residents and vulnerable youth. The funding source for this grant is the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, which aims to strengthen workforce opportunities in Massachusetts.

Work Details
The grant supports projects that propose a community-led response to workforce needs or opportunities in a single Massachusetts municipality. Successful projects will utilize a partnership model and focus on:
1) Job skill training (youth, adult, or mixed ages),
2) Literacy and language skills (adult literacy or English language learning with a workforce focus),
3) Small business employee skill development, apprenticeship, recruitment, and retention.

Projects must identify specific SMART goals and demonstrate measurable outcomes tied to community-defined economic needs. Eligible expenses include staff salaries, project materials, partner sub-grants, event supplies, and supportive services such as childcare and transportation.

Period of Performance
The grant period will run from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Applications are due by May 2, 2025, with award notifications expected in September 2025.

Place of Performance
Projects must be focused on a single city or town within Massachusetts.