Workforce Development & Job Training: August 2026 Roundup
August brings a strong month for workforce development nonprofits. The funders below are actively looking to fund training programs, career pathways, and employer partnerships that move people into stable, well-paying work. If you're building infrastructure around worker ownership, STEM pathways, small business growth, or rural healthcare staffing, there's real money here in the month ahead.
James S. McDonnell Foundation: Grant for Employee Ownership Financing & Technical Support Organizations
JSMF is backing one lead organization or consortium to deploy capital and coordinate technical assistance for employee ownership models like ESOPs and other worker-owned structures. The focus is on facilitating business conversions to employee ownership, preserving locally rooted businesses, and building sustained wealth for workers. Funds can be used flexibly across financing, technical assistance, and ecosystem building. The award is up to $1M, with a deadline of August 4. Apply here
Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT), Nevada: Grant for STEM Education and Workforce Nonprofits and Public Institutions
OSIT Nevada is funding innovative initiatives that strengthen awareness, opportunities, and retention in the state's STEM education and workforce pathways. Projects may include program planning, development, piloting, scaling, evaluation, or research. The goal is tangible, lasting deliverables that benefit regional STEM ecosystems. Awards up to $300K close August 7. Apply here
U.S. Small Business Administration: Grant for Organizations Supporting Small Business Supply Chain Development
The SBA is funding organizations that deliver accelerator programming and technical assistance to help small businesses address supply chain constraints in strategically important industries: advanced manufacturing, defense, energy, food, and transportation. This is a competitive program awarding 20 grants over two years. Awards up to $500K close August 7. Apply here
Small Business Administration: Grant for Microenterprise Development Nonprofits and Tribal Organizations
The SBA is funding nonprofit microenterprise development organizations, government programs, and Indian tribes to provide technical assistance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs. Recipients operate individually or as part of a collaborative and must have a track record delivering microenterprise services. The program supports capacity building and direct assistance to help low-income entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. Awards up to $400K close August 12. Apply here
GitLab Foundation: Grant for Workforce Development Nonprofits
GitLab Foundation supports nonprofits connecting workers with stable, high-quality careers in skilled trades and high-demand industries: clean energy, advanced manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure. The emphasis is on employer partnerships, work-based learning, and sustainable career pathways that improve job quality and long-term worker earnings. Projects must demonstrate active collaboration with employers, labor unions, or industry associations. Awards up to $500K close August 12. Apply here
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Grant for Rural Healthcare Workforce Nonprofits and Government Entities
Wisconsin DWD is funding innovative projects that develop solutions to workforce challenges impacting healthcare quality and availability in rural regions. Projects should address recruitment and retention, training and technical assistance for technology solutions, collaboration, and care availability. The program supports healthcare employers in finding workers and helps workers prepare for and connect to better jobs. Awards up to $10M close August 17. Apply here
California Workforce Development Board: Grant for Workforce Development Partnerships in Quantum and Fusion Sectors
California WDB is funding partnerships that develop scalable career pathway programs in the Quantum or Fusion sectors, integrating on- and off-ramps from K-12 through community college and four-year universities. Projects may be participant-serving (Innovation Impact) or non-participant-serving (Planning and Development). The program aims to establish industry-recognized credentials, train and place participants, and conduct outreach for jobseekers facing barriers. Awards up to $3M close August 27. Apply here
If you're working in any of these areas and want Funding Findr to keep a closer eye on a specific funder relationship, reply and let us know. We're here to help you build the pipeline that actually sustains your work.
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