Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants

MassCEC does not have a predetermined funding amount for the January and May deadlines. Funding for the May deadline will be contingent on the amount disbursed to awardees resulting from the January deadline applications.

Yes. Applicants are not restricted from applying for both strands, but the capacity to successfully complete the work will be part of the award consideration. Additionally, applicants must submit one application per strand that they apply to. 

Applicants must provide milestones in the application that show the outcomes resulting from the grant, such as the number of participants served, completion rate of the training program, and number of off-ramp or job placements upon program completion. 

Organizations that are implementing training programs which require the purchase of equipment may apply to this RFP, but all equipment must be used for the program. Acquisition of equipment for general operating purposes is not an acceptable use offor this funding.  

There is no explicit cap on funds used to purchase or lease equipment; however, the amount requested must be reasonable within the context of the program and be a reasonable proportion of the proposed budget. For larger capital purchases or leases, applicants are encouraged to consider applying to MassCEC’s Climate-Critical Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure grant. Furthermore, organizations seeking funding only for equipment or infrastructure and not for training implementation should consider applying to MassCEC’s Climate-Critical Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure grant or to other applicable capital grants from other funding sources. 

Yes, funds can be used to cover the salaries and benefits of staff delivering services related to the program. While it is not a specific requirement for a grantee to retain staff brought on for the program after the term of the grant, those applications that include plans to leverage other resources to sustain the program following the term of the grant may score more favorably. 

No, there are no specific limits on the types of wraparound support services that can be provided. Working with marginalized and underrepresented communities often requires comprehensive and holistic support services to ensure success, so those proposals with thoughtful wraparound support service plans will likely score more favorably. 

MassCEC offers separate Planning and Capacity Grants for organizations that want to develop training programs for future implementation. If an organization applies to this Equity Training RFP but does not demonstrate the necessary capacity to implement their concept, MassCEC may award a Planning Grant instead. 

Organizations that have received prior funding from MassCEC are still eligible to respond to this solicitation, so long as the proposed program is separate and distinct from the programs supported by prior funding. Expansion of an existing proven program to include new target populations or upskilling the delivered curriculum may be viewed as separate and distinct; extending and sustaining the existing program without any impactful changes will not be viewed as separate and distinct. 

An application to fund an additional training cycle of an existing MassCEC funded program will need to show that the expanded training will benefit a set of participants that is distinct from the participants benefitting from the existing MassCEC grant. 

Yes, a non-profit with a 501(c) designation is eligible to apply, so long as they meet the other eligibility requirements. These funds must be used for the eligible uses listed in the RFP and cannot be used for lobbying. 

Municipalities are not eligible for the workforce training grants. However, municipalities can partner with an organization that meets the eligibility criteria for lead applicants. 

The RFP requires two MOUs or LOSs signaling potential placements for participants. The grant will allow for a six-month ramp up that includes partnership development. If more employers will be involved beyond the first two signaled in the MOUs or LOSs, that ramp up time could be utilized to increase your partners. The plan for ramping up partnerships should be referenced in the application to be considered competitive. 

Yes, so long as the MOUs indicate either some level of commitment by the trade association and its members to interview program graduates for placement in appropriate positions or an outright commitment to hire graduates. The MOUs are intended to demonstrate and solidify a clear potential for entry into the Clean Energy Workforce through the training programs. 

Yes, applicants are asked to leverage other resources, which may include federal grants and other matching sources of funding and/or funding that will continue after funds from this grant are expended to ensure the sustainability of the proposed program. 

State grants can be used as matching funds. However, grants from other MassCEC departments are not eligible as matching funds.