The Department of Employment Services is accepting applications for its IGNITE Grant for Workforce Development.
Donor Name: Department of Employment Services (DOES)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/13/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The goal of IGNITE DC is to transform training into employment and employment into economic mobility for District residents. The program brings WIOA to life through a bold, sector-driven model that converts training into measurable economic impact. By aligning industry-recognized micro credentials with real-time labor market demand in high-growth sectors, the initiative accelerates measurable skill gains, credential attainment, unsubsidized employment, and wage progression. Through integrated career navigation, employer-informed design, and work-based learning, IGNITE DC moves beyond traditional training models to create a true talent-to-wealth pipeline delivering skilled professionals to employers while positioning District residents for long-term financial stability and career success.
In addition, IGNITE DC is strategically positioned to support Dislocated Workers by providing structured pathways back into the workforce following job loss or economic disruption. Through targeted training, individualized career services, and direct employer engagement, the program equips Dislocated Workers with the skills necessary to transition into in-demand industries and quality employment opportunities. This approach aligns directly with the Department of Labor’s WIOA performance indicators, including employment in the second and fourth quarters after exit, median earnings, measurable skill gains (MSG), and credential attainment. By connecting training to industry recognized credentials and real-time hiring opportunities, IGNITE DC supports participants in achieving measurable skill progression, securing unsubsidized employment, and increasing earning potential. These outcomes contribute directly to WIOA performance benchmarks while strengthening the District’s workforce pipeline and supporting long-term economic stability for dislocated workers.
Funding Information
Grant Up to $300,000.00.
Grant Period
1 years
Eligibility Criteria
DOES will make these grants available through a competitive process. Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit and for-profit entities authorized to conduct business with the District government and capable of delivering industry-aligned occupational skills training that results in measurable employment outcomes. Eligible entities may include, but are not limited to, communitybased organizations; faith-based organizations; public, charter, or alternative secondary schools; postsecondary institutions; workforce training providers; trade associations; chambers of commerce; employer-led partnerships; and private service providers. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to provide training that leads to industry-recognized credentials, measurable skill gains, and unsubsidized employment aligned with high-demand industry sectors and WIOA performance indicators.
For more information, visit DEOS.
