Funding Sources

     
State and federal agencies, along with private foundations, offer grant programs to support workplace literacy training and improve employee skills.  Two of the best grant opportunities for Indiana employers are the state TAG and SEF grants described below. Please click on links to the agency websites for specific guidelines and procedures.
 
Available through Indiana Department of Workforce Development:
Provides financial assistance to companies and organizations committed to expanding the skills of their existing workforce through training that results in transferable and industry recognized credentials. General Description:  The four objectives of the program are:  increasing personal income for Hoosier workers, fostering job retention and expansion, promoting small businesses, and training to address WorkKeys skill gaps.  Trainees must be full-time current workers, not contract or temporary workers.  Funds are available to provide training for jobs at facilities that reside in the state of Indiana only.  Requests should be limited to an average of $3,500 per employee per year or $7,000 over two years; requests over $200,000 must demonstrate and justify need.  Small businesses have a sliding match scale based on number of employees. Companies with more than 100 employees must provide 1:1 cash or in-kind match. 


Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF)

Available through Indiana Economic Development Corporation: 
General Description:  Companies may claim reimbursement for training expenses that result in improved basic skills, company specific skills, transferable skills, or quality assurance skills.  Employers must commit to continue their operations at the location where the SEF training assistance is provided for at least five years after the date that the training grant is completed.  The maximum amount awarded through the SEF program typically does not exceed 50% of a company’s training budget. Companies can receive reimbursement up to $200,000 for retraining existing workers.
 
For a more complete list of Indiana’s employer grants and tax credits visit http://www.in.gov/dwd/employers/grants_credits.html and http://www.in.gov/iedc/incentives/
 
In addition to these state sources, check out federal funding sources at www.grants.gov and private sources athttp://www.indianagrantmakers.org/