Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP)
Funds regional workforce organizations in North Dakota to align training with labour demand and future industries.
Eligibility · United States · US-ND
The Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) is a North Dakota Department of Commerce grant programme that distributes approximately $12.5 million across the state's eight planning regions to fund innovative, sector-based workforce strategies. Individual grants are capped at $150,000 per project, and all applicants must provide a 25% match on the requested grant amount. Regional allocations are determined by population and range from $79,396 for Region 4 to $775,309 for Region 5, setting a hard ceiling on total available funding per region regardless of the number of applicants. The 2026 cycle opened April 7 and closes June 30, 2026, with awards announced the week of July 27, 2026. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2027.
The programme operates two tracks: Track A funds comprehensive sector strategy planning led by a third-party consultant, while Track B funds implementation of sector strategies developed within the past five years. Eligible applicants are regional workforce entities including Economic Development Organisations, cities, counties, and Chambers of Commerce. Private businesses, individuals, and educational institutions are explicitly excluded. Applications are reviewed July 1–26, 2026, following the June 30 closing date.
Because award amounts are capped at $150,000 and the 25% match is mandatory, applicants should secure co-funding before submitting. Track B applicants must demonstrate that the strategy they intend to implement was developed within the five-year lookback window, so documentation of the original strategy and its development date is essential. Regional allocation caps mean that applicants in lower-allocation regions (such as Region 4 at $79,396) face tighter competition for a smaller pool, while those in Region 5 have the largest available allocation. Contact for programme questions is Evan Moser at ejmoser@nd.gov or 701-328-5324.
Sector-based workforce strategy planning and implementation across North Dakota's eight planning regions, funded through regional allocations with a 25 percent match requirement.
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