Brown seeks to fund initiatives that expand workforce development programs in Rhode Island in areas aligned with Brown’s mission and for which there is excess or growing demand for skilled workers. A central focus will be on programs that strengthen Rhode Island's health care sector. Other areas with an undersupply of workers may also be supported, including, but not limited to, occupations in the K-12 and early education sectors, advanced manufacturing, and building and construction trades.

The grants build on Brown’s commitment to local workforce development initiatives as part of the University’s mission and community engagement agenda. It also fulfills a pledge to which Brown committed in its July 2025 voluntary resolution agreement with the federal government, which restored funding for federally sponsored medical and health sciences research at Brown.

2026 Cycle

• Building Futures
• Community College of Rhode Island

2027 Cycle

• To be announced

Grant Types and Amounts

In providing grants to fund local workforce development initiatives, Brown will award two types of grants. Both will be awarded following a formal request for proposal process, which starts by submitting a letter of interest. 

• Anchor Grants of up to $1.5 million are intended to expand established and successful workforce development programs to provide services to more people. Funding will be awarded over a two or three-year grant term, based on recipient applications. Brown anticipates awarding two to three Anchor Grants in each annual funding cycle.
• Innovation Grants of up to $200,000 will support innovative, proven or promising workforce development programming. Funding will be awarded over a one-year grant term. Brown anticipates awarding two to three Innovation Grants per cycle.

The 2027 grant cycle is now closed. We look forward to publishing the dates for future grant cycles.

Questions may be directed to workforce-investments@brown.edu.