A practical guide to grants for community colleges, federal workforce and Perkins funding, ED programs, and foundation support for workforce and student success.
Community colleges access substantial federal funding through Title programs, Perkins, DOL workforce programs, and competitive ED grants, plus growing foundation interest in workforce, student success, and equity.
TL;DR: Quick Answers
- Who funds community colleges? ED, DOL, NSF, foundations (Lumina, Gates, Ascendium, Walton).
- What gets funded? Workforce alignment, student success, equity, completion, transfer, technology, capital.
- What’s the biggest opportunity? ED Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, DOL workforce competitions, plus major foundation initiatives.
Federal Funding
ED Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants.
DOL Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) (historic; check current versions).
DOL Apprenticeship Building America.
Perkins V for career and technical education (state pass-through).
NSF ATE (Advanced Technological Education), see NSF and NIH grants.
Title III, Title V institutional development for HBCUs, HSIs, and other minority-serving institutions.
Foundation Funders
- Lumina Foundation (postsecondary attainment).
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Ascendium Education Group.
- Walmart Foundation, Walton Family Foundation.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation (workforce).
- ECMC Foundation.
- Joyce Foundation, Kresge Foundation.
- Community foundations.
What Gets Funded
- Workforce-aligned programs.
- Student success and completion.
- Equity-focused student supports.
- Transfer and articulation.
- Guided pathways.
- Technology and online learning.
- Wraparound services (basic needs, childcare, transportation).
- Capital and infrastructure.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Show employer partnerships. Industry alignment is critical.
- Address student equity authentically.
- Use evidence-based student success practices.
- Demonstrate institutional capacity for grant management.
How Grantboost Helps
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Read next:
- Department of Education Grants
- DOL Grants: A Guide to Department of Labor Funding
- NSF & NIH Grants: A Guide to Federal Research Funding
Further Reading
- U.S. Department of Education
- American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
- DOL Strengthening Community Colleges
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.