Job Training and Creation

The Job Training and Creation grantmaking program supports efforts to connect low-income, low-skilled workers to training and employment opportunities that offer family sustaining wages and career advancement opportunities.

Program Goals

Although the economic recession officially ended in June 2009, the effects of the recession are still felt throughout the country. Perhaps the most recalcitrant of our current economic issues is the problem of widespread unemployment. The statewide unemployment rate of 11.4 % (compared to 8.7 % nationally during the same period) illustrates the extent the crisis has hit home for Californians*. In the Bay Area in May 2011, unemployment was estimated at 9.3%, with Alameda County at 10.2% and Contra Costa County at 10.3%**. Individuals with barriers to employment are having a particularly difficult time in the current labor market as more highly educated and skilled workers line-up for jobs previously filled by less qualified workers. This unremitting unemployment crisis in the Bay Area highlights the need for a strategic and comprehensive look at regional job training and creation strategies.

The Job Training and Creation grant program supports efforts to connect mostly low-income, low-skilled workers to training and employment opportunities that offer family sustaining wages and career advancement opportunities.  

* California Employment Development Department (EDD), http://www.calmis.ca.gov/file/lfmonth/oak$pds.pdf 

** Bureau of Labor and Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/web/metro/laummtrk.htm

Objectives and Strategies

Objective One – Accelerated job training

To support job preparation and training programs that rapidly prepare individuals for employment in industries experiencing growth and offering career advancement opportunities.

Strategies:

• Increase the capacity of existing training programs offering short term training for entry-level employment in growth sectors (such as healthcare, hospitality, green construction and retrofitting, and clean energy).
• Support job preparation services including career exploration, job search skills, work readiness, soft skills, basic skills, and case management.
• Support career coaching for low-skilled individuals searching for work or seeking to advance.

Objective Two – Job creation

To increase the supply of quality jobs that offer employment opportunities for low- to moderate-skilled workers.

Strategies:

• Promote the creation of social enterprises that offer transitional employment, entry-level placements, and skill-building for low-skilled individuals.
• Support the development of micro-enterprise training and technical assistance programs or other efforts that assist low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs to launch and grow small businesses.
• Invest in employer intermediaries that address barriers to business expansion and growth, and align employer needs with the workforce training system.
• Support the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies that lead to the creation of jobs, such as first-source/local hire ordinances, project labor agreements, and workforce provisions of community benefits agreements.

Objective Three – Strengthening the regional workforce system

To build the capacity of the regional workforce system to meet increased demand, improve program effectiveness and efficiency, and leverage sustainable funding streams.

Strategies:

• Support systems reform efforts aimed at increasing coordination of services and alignment of resources across public agencies to improve workforce practices and labor market outcomes in specific sectors.
• Provide technical assistance to position Bay Area organizations and public institutions to be competitive for state and federal funding for workforce development.
• Build the capacity of community-based organizations to scale-up proven training models through investment in program development and expansion.

Funding Criteria

Please note that is not an open call for proposals. Only invited organizations may apply.

Grant funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be evaluated based on one or more of the following criteria:

• The proposal is consistent with the Job Creation and Training objectives and strategies above.
• The program or initiative demonstrates potential for deep impact or broad scale in terms of number of people served and job placement or creation potential.
• The program or initiative targets and reaches low-income communities, communities of color, and/or populations with significant barriers to employment, such as formerly incarcerated individuals, limited-English proficiency individuals, and former foster youth.
• Geographic areas and populations served reflect those of highest need and/or most limited resources and services. Programs and initiatives must be based in and have impact in one or more of the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, or San Mateo.
• The program or initiative reflects a high degree of collaboration and integration with other nonprofits, public entities, and the private sector.
• The program description is clear and demonstrates a clear link among the proposed needs, outcomes, and activities.
• The applicant organization demonstrates capacity to successfully carry out the proposed initiative or program.

How to Apply

Please note that is not an open call for proposals. Only invited organizations may apply.

Grant funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to invited organizations. In order to be considered for funding, invited organizations must submit a full grant proposal and all of the requested materials through The San Francisco Foundation’s online grant application system, Grantee Center.

Timeline

The application cycle closed on Friday, September 9, 2011.
Applicants will be notified by November 18, 2011, and the grant start date will be December 15, 2011. Grants will range from $30,000 to $50,000.

Questions

For more information, or questions about this grantmaking process, please contact Vanitha Venugopal at vxv@sff.org or 415.733.8522.