Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 Grant Program
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), in partnership with the Employment Development Department (EDD), and collaboration with the California Jobs First are pleased to announce up to $2,700,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 (Accelerator 13) grant program.
Accelerator 13 focuses on workforce development projects that will drive quality jobs for California workers. Successful applications will incorporate High Road principles into projects that improve job quality, create upward mobility, and bridge workforce programs to quality jobs for workers from disadvantaged or low-income communities.
Priority consideration for Accelerator 13 will be given to:
- Native American tribes and tribe-serving non-profit organizations.
- Organizations with a history of serving veterans.
- Applicants with a direct connection to an existing CWDB-funded High Road project.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the complete Request for Application prior to applying for Accelerator 13 funds.
Accelerator 13 Request for Applications (RFA)
Application Process
Applicants may apply for the Accelerator 13 by submitting a complete application package via the Cal-E-Grants website.
The Accelerator 13 application can be found on Cal-E-Grants under the Funding Opportunities link (in the upper left corner) or the CWDB link (in the middle of the webpage).
Accelerator 13 Project Types
Funding limits will vary by project type. New projects without WIOA experience may apply for up to $150,000, new projects with WIOA experience can request up to $250,000, and existing projects may request up to $500,000. Leveraged funds are required in a 1:1 ratio for all projects.
| Project Type | Total Grant Award Amount |
|---|---|
| New Accelerator Projects (no WIOA experience) | • Up to $150,000 for applicants who have not previously managed a WIOA-funded grant initiative. |
| New Accelerator Projects (WIOA experience) | • Up to $250,000 for applicants who have previously managed a WIOA-funded grant initiative. |
| Innovation Impact (Existing) Projects | • Up to $500,000 for existing Accelerator projects that have previously demonstrated successful management of WIOA funds. |
Accelerator 13 Application Webinar
The CWDB hosted a webinar on October 3, 2024, where prospective applicants could learn more about the Accelerator 13 grant program and application process. The Accelerator 13 Webinar can be viewed on YouTube as an additional resource. We strongly encourage applicants to also review the RFA.
Application 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 field questions about the application process. The date and time for each session can be found below in the Grant Timeline section.
General Application Office Hours: Registration Sign-Up
Grant Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| RFA Release | Monday, September 30, 2024 |
| Application Webinar | Thursday, October 3, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| Application Office Hours | Monday, October 21, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
| Final Q&A Posted | Tuesday, October 22, 2024 |
| Applications Due | Monday, October 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. |
| Award Announcement | Winter 2025 |
| Subgrant Processing | 2-3 months |
| Estimated Program Start Date | May 1, 2025 |
| Grant Term | 21 months |
All applications must be submitted by Monday, October 28, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The online application portal will automatically close once the deadline has passed. There are no exceptions to application deadlines. Any technology or inability of an applicant to submit an application by the deadline for any reason shall not be grounds for an extension of the deadline.
The CWDB may adjust dates after the application submission deadline on Cal-E-Grants without an addendum to the RFA. All dates in the table above are estimated and subject to change. Prospective applicants are encouraged to check this webpage frequently for the latest updates.
Funding Source Information
The Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 is supported by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) in coordination with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) with Department of Labor funding totaling $2,700,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds.
The period of performance will be 21 months and is expected to begin May 1, 2025.
Creating a Cal-E-Grants Account
To access the Accelerator 13 application, applicants must have a Cal-E-Grants account. Take the following steps to create a new Cal E-Grants account:
- Navigate to Cal-E-Grants.
- Select New User Register.
- Enter the required information by clicking on the Log In button on the Cal-E-Grants website.
- Select Sign Up and create your account.
If a Cal-E-Grants account already exists for the organization, (verify under Already have an account?) the primary account holder may add a new user. Refer to Manage Users for more information.
Once logged in, select the Apply button in the right-hand corner of the page to begin filling out the application.
Weekly Questions & Answers (Q&A)
To adhere to the legality and transparency requirements of the solicitation process, individual CWDB staff cannot respond directly to inquiries or engage with potential applicants during the solicitation period. The Q&A document serves as a supplement to this RFA and is intended to clarify policy about the grant and application process.
Questions regarding this RFA can be sent via email to Solicitations@cwdb.ca.gov. Please use “Accelerator 13 Question” in the subject line.
Cumulative questions and answers will be posted on this page below, weekly beginning Friday, October 11, 2024. Questions must be received each Tuesday by 2:00 PM (PST) to be included in that Friday’s weekly posting.
The last Q&A posting for this period will be Tuesday, October 22. Questions must be received by Monday, October 21, at 3:00 PM to receive an answer. Questions submitted after the deadline will not be included in the Q&A.
Cal-E-Grant Resources