Regional Coordination Project (RCP) Grant for Program Year 2025-26 (PY 25-26)

The Regional Coordination Project (RCP) grant for Program Year 2025-26 is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD) on behalf of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). This initiative is supported by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s Discretionary Funds. The total funding available is up to $10 million, fully sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor, with no financing from non-federal sources. The program reflects California’s commitment to transforming its workforce and education systems by supporting regional partnerships that integrate local workforce boards, community colleges, and adult schools to deliver high-impact training and employment pathways. The primary goal of the RCP initiative is to accelerate the implementation of the California Master Plan for Career Education (CMPCE) by funding projects that create or expand stackable, industry-aligned credential programs. These programs may include apprenticeship models, short-term credit-bearing certificates, and other forms of recognized credentials that lead to family-sustaining employment. Funded projects must show strong labor market outcomes and regional alignment with sector needs, and must prioritize access, equity, and long-term systems change. Applicants are required to demonstrate how they will strengthen collaboration with educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to implement sustainable, scalable workforce training programs. Eligible applicants are restricted to Local Workforce Development Areas (Local Areas) or Workforce Development Boards listed in the EDD LWDA Directory. These entities must serve as lead applicants and establish partnerships with at least one community college or adult school and one employer or industry association. Additional partners such as social service agencies, universities, nonprofits, and community-based organizations may be included to enhance regional capacity. All participants in the program must be at least 18 years old and meet WIOA Title I eligibility requirements. Applicants may request funding between $750,000 and $1,000,000. Proposed projects must span between 18 and 24 months, with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026. A minimum 20% match in leveraged resources is required, which may include both cash and in-kind contributions. Matching contributions must be documented via commitment letters detailing source and dollar amount. Awardees must also comply with administrative cost limits (not exceeding 10% of the total budget) and adhere to federal Uniform Guidance cost principles and state directives regarding use of funds. Real property purchases and construction are not allowable costs. Applications must be submitted via email in a zipped format to [email protected] by 3 p.m. PST on March 17, 2026. The proposal must follow strict formatting and naming conventions outlined in the solicitation, and include multiple components such as a signed cover page, project narrative, budget summary and narrative, logic model, partner agreements, commitment letters, and an organizational chart. Required exhibits must be submitted in Word format, while signed documents and letters must be provided in PDF format. A pre-submission informational webinar is scheduled for February 25, 2026, with required pre-registration due by noon that day. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by March 3, 2026. Evaluation of proposals will occur between March 23 and March 27, 2026. Proposals will be scored based on criteria including need, strategy, partnerships, capabilities, and sustainability. Successful applicants will be notified by May 2026, with formal contracting to follow. Throughout the performance period, grantees are required to report progress and participate in technical assistance and evaluation activities coordinated by the State. All data and performance information must be recorded in CalJOBS. A project closeout report is due within 60 days of the grant’s end, projected to be no later than March 2028.

Follow naming and file format instructions precisely; incomplete submissions or formatting errors will result in disqualification.