The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $9.5 million in funding for the Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0 (HIRE 2.0) grant program. This funding builds on past and current investments in the reentry population.
HIRE 2.0 supports efforts to help individuals successfully return to work and advance in their careers. The program invests in apprenticeships, training, supportive services, reskilling and upskilling, and needs-related payments that reduce barriers to employment and support long-term success.
GRANT SNAPSHOT
Request for Applications
Award Announcements – TBD
Available Funding: $9.5 Million
Amount Awarded: TBD
Number of Grants Awarded: TBD
Funding Source:
Start Date: October 2026
End Date: April 2027
All dates subject to change.
ELIGIBILITY
Existing HIRE 1.0 fiscal agents and Network subrecipients are eligible to apply for HIRE 2.0.
APPLICATION ACCESS
Eligible HIRE 2.0 applicants have received guidance and instructions on how to apply for funding. Applicants requiring additional information about accessing the HIRE 2.0 application may contact Solicitations@cwdb.ca.gov.
PROJECT TYPES
The HIRE 2.0 grant program will fund two types of projects:
- Independent
- HIRE Networks
Award ranges will be based on the designations established for large and small community-based organizations (CBOs) under HIRE 1.0.
All project types are required to leverage and/or match funding from a non-CWDB source for a minimum of 50% of their total requested funding.
REQUIRED PARTNERS
To receive consideration for HIRE 2.0 funding, all applicants must include partnership agreements between one or more local government entity/entities and one or more local workforce development board(s).
HIRE APPLICATION PRE-RECORDED WEBINAR
A pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the HIRE 2.0 grant program will be posted to the CWDB’s YouTube page the week of January 12th.
Pre-Recorded Webinar – Link Coming Soon
VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS
The CWDB will host virtual office hours sessions for prospective applicants to assist with technical issues related to the online application in Cal-E-Grants and to answer questions about the application process.
Registration Sign Up – Link Coming Soon
GRANT TIMELINE
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| RFA Release | January 12, 2026 |
| Applications Due (Deadline) | February 26, 2026 |
| Virtual Office Hours | TBD |
| Award Announcement | Summer/Fall 2026 |
| Contract Processing | 2-6 months |
| Program Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Grant Term | 18 months |
All dates provided are estimates and may be subject to change. We encourage prospective applicants to check this webpage frequently for updates.
FUNDING SOURCE INFORMATION
Funding for HIRE 2.0 was designated to the CWDB in the 2025-2026 State Budget, which allocated $10,000,000 for the HIRE program per AB-102 (Budget Act of 2025),§200, Item 7120-101-0001 (2). All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. The CWDB reserves the right to adjust the total number, duration, and amount of each grant award.
