The Community Workforce Partnerships Grant is a competitive funding opportunity provided by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is designed to support workforce development initiatives led by local organizations in Massachusetts communities. The grant program prioritizes collaborative, community-driven efforts that address economic challenges and opportunities specific to local areas, whether defined by a single city, town, or neighborhood.
This grant program builds on the legacy of the Urban Agenda grant, a decade-long initiative that supported local economic priorities through collective action. With the Community Workforce Partnerships Grant, the EOED expands the scope and potential of its predecessor by increasing the maximum award amounts and extending the implementation period. This iteration of the program places a stronger emphasis on workforce development as a path to economic mobility, particularly for residents of low-income communities and vulnerable youth and young adults.
Funding through this program is supported by the Workforce Investment Trust Fund. This funding source underscores the program's focus on enhancing job skills, supporting small business employees, and equipping individuals with tools necessary for stable employment and sustainable wage growth. Eligible projects must demonstrate a community-led response to specific economic issues and should be grounded in strong local partnerships.
Applicants are encouraged to form coalitions of local organizations that will implement their proposed workforce development strategy within a shared geographic area. These partnerships should demonstrate collaboration and a clear understanding of the economic landscape they aim to impact. The application portal is currently open, and all completed applications must be submitted no later than May 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
To support interested applicants, two informational webinars are scheduled via Zoom. These will take place on April 2, 2025, and April 16, 2025, both at 10:00 a.m. These sessions aim to provide potential applicants with a deeper understanding of program requirements, application procedures, and expectations for grantees.
Detailed information about the grant, including the full Request for Proposals (RFP), is available through the EOED’s grant program page. Applicants are advised to review the 2026 RFP and prepare their applications according to the guidance provided.
