Notice of Funding Opportunity Foundation Name: Iowa Workforce Development Foundation (IWDF) Funding Opportunity Title Workforce Investment for Skilled Trades IMPORTANT DATES Application Deadline: Grant applications are due by Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST Application Webinar Date: N/A Application Notification: A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be posted on the following websites: www.iowagrants.gov PROGRAM PURPOSE With recent economic growth in Eastern Iowa specifically in advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, construction, logistics, and other related industries, the Workforce Investment for Skilled Trades program is designed to address the increased demand for skilled workers across this region. Through this program, eligible applicants may receive funding to support the increase of institutional capacity building, apprenticeship preparation and student support with the goal of strengthening Eastern Iowa’s skilled trades talent pipeline. This initiative will expand access to skilled trades education and career pathways by preparing more Iowans for careers in construction, advanced manufacturing, and related trades while strengthening the alignment between education, labor, workforce development, and industry partners. A core component of the program will focus on the expansion of access to skilled trades careers throughout the communities of Cedar Rapids, Clinton, and the broader Eastern Iowa region. These programs will provide participants with early exposure to skilled trades careers, hands-on technical training, and opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and college credit. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION Eligible Applicants To be eligible for financial assistance under the program, an applicant must be an Iowa public school district located within the Grant Wood or Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency service area. Proposals from eligible school districts must be submitted through IowaGrants.gov. Proposals must include details of how the district will provide opportunities that accomplish the following: Expand training capacities Create multiple entry points into skilled trades careers Improve learner persistence and completion rates AWARD INFORMATION Program Authority Funding is provided to Iowa Workforce Development Foundation (IWDF) via the Workforce Investment for Skilled Trades program, provided by a donation from QTS Data Centers. IWDF has contracted with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) to administer the grant, and with RSM to provide accounting oversight. All costs incurred for this project must align within the stated award period. The performance period for this program begins December 15, 2026, and ends June 30, 2028. Performance Measures Number of current learners enrolled in the grant-supported training program(s). Number of learners enrolled in the grant-supported training program(s) after project completion. Number of current certifications attained by learners. Number of certifications attained by learners in the grant-supported training program(s) after project completion. Number of learners receiving financial assistance. Number of current program completions from grant-supported training program(s). Number of program completions from grant-supported training program(s) after project completion. Number of learners who attained any status of employment (full-time, part-time, contract, apprenticeship, etc.) Performance measures may be adjusted based on the scope of individual projects. Estimated Award Amount The total funding available under this award is $1,800,000. Individual award allocations will be considered up to a maximum of $250,000 per district. Up to $750,000 of the total funding is reserved to fund projects with the Cedar Rapids Community School District, College Community School District (also known as Prairie), and the Clinton Community School District. Funding decisions are made as a competitive opportunity. IWDF is not obligated to provide the maximum grant amount requested. State or Federal Match Requirement There is no match requirement/cost sharing associated with this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Project and Award Period Pursuant to the terms of the award, the period of performance for this opportunity is between December 15, 2026, and June 30, 2028. Expenses incurred related to this program outside of the period of performances listed in contract agreements are not eligible under this award. Any funds not expended for activity completed by June 30, 2028, will be forfeited, and IWDF will not be obligated to provide additional funding for program completion. Awarded projects not meeting these timelines may result in a default of the award, and all previously received grant funds received may be required to be returned to IWDF. All final expenses and reports must be completed and submitted to IWDF no later than August 15, 2028. Type of Award Grant funds are dispersed at two intervals. An initial fifty percent (50%) of the total award will be provided within 45 days of a fully executed agreement, with an additional payment being provided after the approval of project reports required by the grant opportunity and not before 7/1/2027. Use of Funds The funds provided are designed to support the expansion of CTE programs, training, apprenticeship readiness, and employment opportunities directly connected to construction, advanced manufacturing, and related industries. These investments will help ensure that training programs align with regional workforce demand with increased training capacities, student support, workforce partnerships, and career readiness, specifically with apprenticeships. Awarded grant funds can only be used for expenses related to the project identified in the approved application and which align with an eligible expense category listed below. Expenses must logically align with the proposed program and focused on increasing regional training capacities and be approved as part of the approved budget for the award. Validation of award funds will be subject to evidence that funds were expended in accordance with the contract agreement. To be considered, all expenses must be entered into and submitted on the IWDF expense tracker document and must be justified within the narrative reports for validation. Specific expense categories eligible for grant funds include: Personnel Program Expenses Scholarships & Learners Support Administrative Expenses Ineligible Expenses Gift cards, bonuses, vouchers, stipends to students or per diem expenses Membership fees to professional organizations Food, travel (other than direct participant support), or alcohol expenses Debt repayment expenses unrelated to the program Political campaign or payments to political organizations Lobbying or legislative advocacy Gambling purposes Activities that violate applicable state or federal laws All expenses must be able to be directly attributed to the stated and approved project as listed in the approved budget. Final decisions are at the discretion of IWDF.
