Wisconsin Fast Forward - Workforce Training Grants

The Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) grant program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Office of Skills Development (OSD) within the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This program aims to address workforce training needs across the state by providing reimbursement grants to support customized training for unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers. It encompasses several grant tracks tailored to different economic sectors and demographics, such as the Standard WFF Grants, Health Care Sector Training Grants, and the Expanded Technical Education Equipment Grant. The Standard WFF Grant supports training in any Wisconsin industry sector and targets business-driven customized occupational training that leads to full-time employment, advancement, or wage increases. Grants awarded under this stream typically range from $5,000 to $400,000. In cases where an applicant represents a consortium of employment placement partners, the funding limit can exceed $400,000. Applications must include at least one employer and should involve four or more partners. The upcoming deadline for applications is January 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CST. Separately, the Health Care Sector Training Grant is reserved for health sciences, healthcare, and related fields. Like the standard stream, this grant funds occupational training programs but is confined to healthcare-related industries. The same application deadline applies for this track, indicating a shared submission schedule across standard and sector-specific programs. The Expanded WFF Grants, particularly the Technical Education Equipment Grant, focus on training high school students in advanced manufacturing or construction. These grants are open to school districts eligible for sparsity aid or consortia that include at least one qualifying district. A total of $23,249 is available for this specific opportunity, and awards will range from $5,000 to $23,249. Matching funds are required, with a 1:1 match from private sources or a 2:1 match if school district funds are used. The application deadline for the Technical Education Equipment Grant is November 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. CST. Applications for WFF grants must be submitted through the designated online portals depending on the grant type (standard or expanded). Required materials typically include the application form, a project narrative, documentation of matching funds, and partnership commitments. Evaluation criteria likely emphasize the quality of the training plan, the strength of the partnerships, the potential employment outcomes, and the sustainability of the program post-grant. Technical assistance resources such as application webinars, rubrics, and FAQs are made available by OSD to support applicants. Contact with the OSD is encouraged for queries related to reimbursements or grant administration. While specific award and performance timelines are not listed, the annual or recurring nature of these grants suggests a regular funding cycle. Updates about new opportunities and announcements can be received via the WFF website.