Self-Sufficiency Fund Grants
The Self-Sufficiency Fund Program assists businesses and trade unions by financing the development and implementation of customized job training projects for new and current workers. Self-Sufficiency Fund grants deliver businesses customized training solutions that support workforce hiring efforts and skills upgrading for current workers.
The goal of the Self-Sufficiency Fund is to assist recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), or a parent, including a noncustodial parent whose annual wages are at or below $37,000 to obtain training, get jobs, and become independent of government financial assistance.
More information on the Self-Sufficiency Fund Program
Becoming a Partner
To be considered for a grant, the private business, business consortium or trade union must:
- Partner with an eligible grant applicant, which is a public community or technical college, state extension service, or a private, nonprofit community-based organization that is certified as a 501(c)(3).
- Be actively involved in the planning and design of the customized training project.
- Sign an agreement with the grant applicant outlining each entity’s roles and responsibilities in the training project, including reporting requirements related to trainee participation.
- Provide equal employment opportunity documentation as well as information on the occupations for training, employment benefits, wages and social security numbers for trainees.
- Use WorkinTexas.com to post openings for new workers trained under the project.
Grant Award Information
Self-Sufficiency Fund grants for projects serving a single business may be limited to $500,000. Tuition, curriculum development, instructor fees and training materials can be included in the grant. Support services such as transportation, childcare, and other work-related expenses for training participants are also eligible costs. Grants are typically 12 months in duration.
Quality Proposals
Quality training projects will align with legislative direction and match business needs with innovative training solutions. Collaboration between businesses, Local Workforce Development Boards, and training partners are required. Criteria considered in making funding recommendations include:
- A commitment to help increase the skills levels and wages of trainees.
- The provision of employment benefits, including medical insurance, for trainees.
- The level of contributions from other resources that are committed to the project, including those from the private partners.
- Positive economic impact on the local region.
- The applicant’s current and past performance on Self-Sufficiency Fund grants.
- Equitable geographic distribution of funds.
- Cost per trainee in comparison to the state average.
For more information on the Self-Sufficiency Fund, including the Proposal Submission Packet and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission website.
