Monthly Newsletter | May 2026

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We have been proud to partner with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and the West Virginia Council on Community and Technical Education (WVCCTE) in the development of several major federal grant applications, including Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (SCC6), Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), and Talent Search proposals.

A key part of this work has been the highly collaborative approach taken throughout the grants development process. Over the past month, our team has worked closely with system leadership, college partners, program staff, and stakeholders across West Virginia to shape competitive proposals grounded in shared priorities, institutional goals, and student needs.

Through planning sessions, strategy discussions, writing development, and cross-team coordination, this partnership has brought together perspectives from across the system to strengthen each application. That collaborative process has helped ensure proposals reflect both statewide priorities and the unique strengths of individual institutions and communities.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support HEPC and WVCCTE in this work and proud to contribute to efforts that expand educational access, strengthen workforce pathways, and create new opportunities for students across the state.

Warm regards,

Mason

GRANT OPPORTUNITY

FIPSE—Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program

The U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, has announced the Fiscal Year 2026 FIPSE—Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program (ALN 84.116N).

This funding opportunity supports institutions and organizations working to advance systemic and sustainable solutions to student basic needs insecurity. The program is designed to strengthen support services that address students’ essential needs while improving student outcomes and sharing effective practices across the field.

The FY 2026 competition priorities include Returning Education to the States, Basic Needs Security, and Connecting Students to Work-Based Learning.

Awards of up to $5 million are available for a 48-month project period. The application deadline is June 23, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Reach out to us if we can help with your application.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS

New Employer Toolkit Released with Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board

WorkED Consulting is excited to share the release of the Employer Toolkit, developed in partnership with the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board through the Career Advancement and Resource Education (CARE) Initiative.

Over the past year, our team worked alongside BCWDB leadership, employers, and regional partners to create a practical resource designed to help businesses address today’s workforce challenges and opportunities.

Built from employer feedback and regional labor market data, the toolkit offers actionable strategies for recruiting talent, supporting employee development, strengthening retention, and connecting employers to workforce resources across Virginia.

We’re proud to have supported this effort and look forward to seeing how businesses across the Bay Consortium region use the toolkit to recruit, develop, and retain the talent they need to succeed.

For more information, click here.

Partnering with CareerSource Central Florida at Upcoming Strategic Planning Session

On July 1, TGC will head down to Orlando to partner with CareerSource Central Florida for a training session focused on strategic grants development and resource planning.

This session is part of TGC’s broader support of CareerSource Central Florida’s full-cycle grants development and management efforts, designed to align funding strategies with organizational priorities and long-term operational goals. During the training, we will work with leadership and staff to explore approaches to grant development that strengthen capacity, support workforce programming, and position the organization to pursue new funding opportunities.

OUR REACH

Upcoming Event Spotlight: Land of Opportunity: Advancing the American Dream

Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET

AEI, Auditorium | 1789 Massachusetts Ave. NW | Washington, DC 20036

TGC is pleased to share that owner, Mason Bishop, will be participating in the second panel, "Driving Growth and Economic Opportunity in America," at 5:10 p.m. as part of the event Land of Opportunity: Advancing the American Dream.

The event will explore policy solutions aimed at strengthening prosperity, economic mobility, and opportunity for future generations. Based on the new policy handbook, the discussion will focus on key pillars of the American Dream—including economic growth, workforce resilience, educational opportunity, and strong communities.

Learn more or RSVP here.

TEAM HIGHLIGHT

Matt Earns Recognition!

We’re proud to recognize Matt McKinney for recent client feedback on the Employer Toolkit developed with the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board. Following its presentation at a Board of Directors meeting, the toolkit received strong praise for its quality and impact, with special recognition for Matt’s leadership and work on the project. We’re grateful for the thoughtful feedback and proud to celebrate Matt’s contribution to this successful partnership.

Reach out to us today to work with Matt or other TGC team members!

The Grants Clearinghouse

P.O. Box 12191

Burke, VA 22009

info@grantsclearinghouse.com