1. Analyze the Request for Proposal(RFP)/Understand the Grant Requirements
Thoroughly analyze the RFP or grant guidelines. Ensure you address the following:
• Eligibility Criteria: Verify that your organization and project meet the grant requirements.
• Funding Priorities: Align your project’s objectives with the funder's stated goals.
• Application Guidelines: Adhere to specific formatting, deadlines, and submission instructions.
• Evaluation Criteria: Tailor your proposal to meet the criteria funders use to assess submissions.
Delta Workforce Grant Program
GOAL
“
…create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding recruitment, training and retaining career opportunities, aligning workforce, educational, and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines, establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant public-private partnerships, and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming.”
• Local Governments
• Public or Private nonprofit organizations
• Regional Development Organizations
Eligible Applicants
• Economic Development Organizations
• Workforce Investment Boards
• Unions/Labor Organizations
• Community- Based Organizations
• Faith-Based Organizations
• Institutions of Higher Education
• HBCUs & Minority Serving Institutions
• Trade or Technical Schools
Participants
• New Entrants to the Workforce
• Dislocated Workers
Other Eligibility
Criteria
• Incumbent Workers Activities
• Training and Work-Based Learning Models
• Other Employment Related Activities
• Innovative Service Delivery Strategies
• Participant Support Services
• Employer Support Services
• Purchasing Equipment and Making Renovations
INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
DWP Investment Priorities
• Supporting Industry-Led Workforce Training
• Building Collaborative Talent Pipelines
• Supporting or Enhancing Industry Clusters
• Accelerating Local or Regional Economic Development
DRA's Funding Priorities
This program is designed to support projects that:
1. Develop or enhance cross-sector partnerships.
2. Deliver specific workforce services meeting identified local or regional needs.
3. Create or expand workforce training programs addressing high quality employment opportunities.
4. Support the delivery of quality, innovative training and workforce services.
DRA’s Evaluation Criteria
2. Conduct a Needs Assessment
Identify the issue your project seeks to solve through a comprehensive assessment:
• Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the issue and its importance, focusing on the root causes. One crucial component of a compelling project proposal is clearly identifying and addressing the problem at hand.
• Provide Evidence: Use data, research, and case studies to substantiate the problem's significance and need for action.
• Align with Funder Goals: Show how addressing this issue aligns with the funder's mission and priorities
3. Develop a Compelling Project Narrative
Tell a persuasive story that emphasizes the problem's urgency, your solution’s impact, and your organization’s qualifications and why your organization is best suited to execute it. The project narrative is the heart of your proposal. It should be clear, compelling, and logically structured
Key components:
• Introduction: Briefly introduce your organization, mission, and relevant expertise.
• Problem Statement: Clearly define the issue and its broader implications.
