On May 7, 2024, the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) three-member Commission approved $1 million in WIOA statewide funds to create the Workforce Innovation Fund to provide Boards with the opportunity to support locally sourced innovation in workforce development through projects that meet the following requirements:
- Project is not within the scope of the Board’s existing programs or contractual obligations.
- Project and services provided are allowable uses of WIOA Statewide funding.
- Project aligns with Commission priorities adopted in TWC’s Strategic Plan.
- Project is scalable for potential use beyond the life of initial Innovation Fund grant and/or the grant recipient’s Board area; and
- Project has a clearly defined impact on the local workforce ecosystem, with measurable outcomes.
These funds are available by application to Workforce Development Boards only.
Apply to the Workforce Innovation Fund
Boards may apply for between $25,000 and $250,000 to support Innovation Fund projects within their Local Workforce Development Area. All Boards will receive a courtesy copy of the Workforce Innovation Fund application, the associated budget document, and a sample rubric demonstrating how Innovation Fund projects will be assessed by TWC evaluators prior to the opening of the application window. Additional copies of the Application may be requested from SWI.BoardApplications@twc.texas.gov.
Application Instructions
Boards will have from July 19, 2024, to September 19, 2024, to submit applications for Workforce Innovation fund grants. All submissions should be directed to SWI.BoardApplications@twc.texas.gov. This address is also linked under program contact information below. Boards should expect a response to their application within sixty days. Successful applicants will be funded for a period of 12 months.
Boards must submit applications using the fillable PDF received from TWC. Additional pages may be added to the applications by Boards if needed to fully describe the project.