The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is pleased to announce a new grant process that will allow prospective applicants to submit High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) project proposals on a quarterly basis for funding consideration. The High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP): Resilient Workforce Fund (RWF) Program allows for greater flexibility, multiple grant application opportunities throughout the year, and up to three years of funding per grant.
The HRTP: RWF is designed to advance a field of practice that addresses urgent questions of income inequality, economic competitiveness, and climate change through regional skills strategies. The amount of total available funds will vary as budget allocations are added and contracts are executed. To find out what is currently available, please visit the HRTP RWFP on the Cal E-Grants portal.
Additionally, the Cal E-Grants system will be utilized for submitting Grants Proposals. The Cal E-Grants system was deployed in 2021 to support CWDB and Employment Training Panel (ETP) grant solicitation and management. In partnership, CWDB and ETP will jointly use Cal-E-Grants to submit, process, and manage their grant portfolios. This is designed to make the process streamlined, accessible and transparent.
Project Goal
The CWDB understands long-term, low-wage work is a significant problem for the future of California and seeks to build systems to promote access and advancement to better-paying jobs. This initiative will continue to tackle this issue by focusing on industry as an organizing principle, and building partnerships that develop skills employers need in ways that secure stronger economic opportunities for low-income workers.
Furthermore, mitigating or adapting to climate disruption and environmental threats requires skill shifts not only through transportation, construction, and energy, but also in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, information technology, and emergency services.
Investments in a skilled workforce promote energy, water, and fuel efficiency, build and capture the value of low-carbon technology, and support healthy, economically resilient communities. This requires intentional, strategic, workforce development driven by collaborative regional training partnerships serving multiple employers in key industries.
To learn more about High Road Training Partnerships, visit the HRTP Initiative webpage.
***Important message for HRTP Resilient Workforce Fund (RWF) interested parties ***
The HRTP RWF application cycle is currently on hold. We are committed to keeping our grantees informed of any changes to our grant funding and will release more information in the coming months.
Grant Process
Applicants may submit a Grant Proposal with plans for up to a three-year contract. Grant Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Funding Solicitation. Successful Grant Proposals will be invited to apply for a pre-determined funding amount.
How to Submit a Grant Proposal
STEP ONE: Create an account on the Cal E-Grants Portal (skip this step if you already have an account)
STEP TWO: Once you are logged into Cal E-Grants, go to the CWDB Grants page and select High Road Training Partnership: Resilient Workforce Fund Program
STEP THREE: Complete Grant Proposal and submit.
CWDB Staff will review the Grant Proposal and make a recommendation to approve funding. Once the funding is approved by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the applicant will be invited to complete the full Application.
STEP FOUR: If invited to complete the full application, the applicant will log into the Cal E-Grants portal, and go to the Grant Proposal submitted. The full Application will then be available to complete.
Applicants will be invited to apply on a quarterly schedule. Below is an example timeline:| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Proposal | Grant Proposals (Proposals) can be submitted via the Cal E-Grants portal. Proposals will be evaluated during designated periods within each quarter. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the first day of each quarter (JAN, APR, JUL, OCT) in order to be considered that quarter. |
*Timeframe does not account for holidays or unexpected volume of applicants.
** Start date will be adjusted at the time of final modifications for submittal. No activities may occur until the contract is fully executed and signed by all parties.
Eligible Applicants
One entity will apply on behalf of the partnership and will assume the role of the fiscal agent. The CWDB recommends that the fiscal agent has experience managing state and/or federally funded grants and organizing and coordinating project teams comprised of individuals from multiple organizations. The fiscal agent will be the first point of contact for the CWDB and is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and reporting on activities, data, deliverables, and outcomes of the project and partnership.