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ETA News Release: [04/05/2007]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909 or x4676
Release Number: 07-0507-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces competitions for $3.6 million in funding for grassroots organizations

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration today announced two competitions for grants totaling $3.6 million for faith-based and community organizations to help members of hard-to-serve populations prepare for and succeed in employment.

"Faith-based and community organizations have unique strengths that supplement the career-oriented resources available at local One-Stop Career Centers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "Organizations that successfully compete for these funds will provide the extra help that some individuals need to prepare for and ultimately succeed in the workplace."

Services funded by the grants will focus on people who face major hurdles to employment, including welfare recipients, homeless individuals and ex-offenders. Grantees will provide personalized care and supportive services, such as mentoring or life skills coaching, to enable individuals to fully use the services of local One-Stop Career Centers.

"Government can always do better for people in need when we join in service with every willing partner," said Jedd Medefind, director of the Labor Department's Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. "Faith-based and community groups often bring a personal touch, dedicated volunteers and long-term commitment to those they serve. For people facing great challenges, this can make all the difference."

The Grassroots grants are one element of the Department of Labor's ongoing efforts to partner with effective faith-based and community organizations to better serve needy individuals. The Employment and Training Administration expects to award 50 new Grassroots grants at $60,000 each for a total of $3 million. A competitive Solicitation for Grant Application appears in today's edition of the Federal Register and can be accessed online through www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm and www.grants.gov. The competition will remain open until May 8.

Additionally, the Employment and Training Administration expects to award up to 20 grants totaling $600,000 to the most effective of the 2006 Grassroots grant recipients via a separate, limited competition to be held soon.