Workforce Development and Training Assistance Grant Program

Grant Funding Available

Grant funding received through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act is available for projects that develop workforce development and training activities as the community recovers from COVID-19. Businesses, non-profits, and municipalities are eligible to apply.

FAQ - Workforce Development and Training (PDF)

ARPA Workforce Development and Training Assistance Grant Application

Questions regarding this Request for Proposals can be addressed to Chuck Bell. 

The Ontario County Board of Supervisors has allocated Federal American Rescue Plan funds to support projects that address the negative impacts of COVID-19 through the provision of workforce development and training activities for organizations, companies, and unemployed or underemployed individuals that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The County is soliciting grant applications ranging from $5,000 - $200,000 for workforce development and/or training activities that (i) respond to the negative impacts of COVID-19, (ii) provide increased opportunity for unemployed or underemployed individuals, and (iii) support the recovery and economic resilience and/or quality of life in Ontario County. Grants will require a minimum 50% applicant match.

Funding will be provided through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), designed to:

• Fight the pandemic and support families and businesses struggling with its public health and economic impacts
• Maintain vital public services, even amid declines in revenue resulting from the crisis
• Build a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery by making investments that support long-term growth and opportunity

These funds will be made available without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, familial status, handicapped or marital status. Funded projects must be completed within twelve months of award. Additional guidance related to the use of ARPA funds is available at: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds | U.S. Department of the Treasury

When determining eligibility, it is important to demonstrate how the training or workforce activity relates to the negative impacts of COVID-19 either through hardships faced by unemployed or underemployed individuals or through an employer’s response to the pandemic and subsequent need for employee training.

 Activities eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:

• Workforce training to support potential new employees and/or existing employees that are underemployed.
• Assistance to unemployed and underemployed workers, including services like job training to accelerate the rehiring of unemployed workers.
• Public jobs programs, subsidized employment, combined education and on-the-job training programs, or job training to accelerate rehiring or address the negative economic or public health impacts experienced due to a worker’s occupation or level of training to assist unemployed or underemployed workers.
• Job fairs or grants to businesses to hire under-served workers

Grant Application Required Documents Checklist

• Completed and signed application form
• Ownership information (for-profit entities) or board of directors list (non-profit entities)
• Letters of support
• Project cost estimate
• Proof of matching funds

All applications must be submitted through the Ontario County Workforce Development and Assistance Grant web page. Any application submitted by mail, or email , will be automatically disqualified.