US Department of Labor announces online tools for grant applicants

Suite of resources to level playing field for those applying for employment and training funds

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today launched an online suite of resources for grant applicants. Created by the department s Employment and Training Administration, the new site will introduce potential grantees to ETA grants and provide examples to guide people through the process of applying.

"Success begins with knowledge. In that spirit, the Department of Labor is committed to ensuring all eligible groups – especially smaller community-based organizations and those that have never submitted an application for a federal grant – know how to apply for funding," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Our new site explains the factors that are at the core of a successful application, and it helps those applicants who are new to applying for federal funds better understand the requirements of the grant process."

Included in the new site is an annotated sample solicitation for grant applications. It is an actual solicitation that was published in the summer of 2009. The document includes advice on how to respond to particular sections; hints on areas of solicitations that can be particularly challenging; suggestions for avoiding common pitfalls; and links to direct applicants to helpful Web sites and additional outside resources.

Additionally, the site includes "Grant Applications 101," an interactive, self-paced tutorial on the ETA grant-making process. The tutorial is designed specifically for small community organizations and first-time applicants. A compilation of resources that may help prospective applicants develop competitive grant applications is also available.

Visit the new site at http://www.workforce3one.org/page/grants_toolkit. To learn more about the range of Department of Labor employment and training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.