ANNOUNCING VIRGINIA’S
RETURNSHIP PROGRAM
Investing in Seasoned Professionals.
Funds Available:
$420,000 to support employers to leverage the talent of experienced professionals
Applications are
now closed.
Virginia Works is proud to launch a new initiative to connect seasoned professionals (aged 40+) returning to the workforce after an absence or mid-career pivot with employers that value their experience, insight, and potential. For employers, returnships offer access to new talent, higher potential, and lower risk hiring.
Employers can receive up to $30,000 in reimbursed costs to hire experienced individuals in project-based, advisory, training, and operational support roles.
Check out our FAQs below and be sure to review the application below for more guidance.
Eligibility
All employers operating in the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible to apply. One employer per each Local Workforce Devlopment Area (LWDA) will be selected for either skilled or un-skilled trades.
Find your LWDA using the interactive map here.
Total Funds
$420,000
Funds Available per Employer
$30,000 for each employer selected to participate.
Application Period
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
The application period was October 8, 2025 – October 22, 20205 by 5:00 PM
Period of Performance
November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026
Selection Criteria
Employers must hire one or more individuals who are 40 years or older, who are re-entering the workforce after a two-year or longer gap.
Applications are scored by the program design and strength of program metrics as outlined in the application guidelines.
FAQS
When will awards be announced?
We estimate the awards will be announced in early to mid-November.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/15/25
If I am unable to combine my documents due to technical difficulty, can I still submit an application?
Due to the technical difficulty, you may submit the application in separate documents to this email address.
Updated 4:05 PM, 10/22/25
Is there a form for the proposal narrative?
There is no specific form for the proposal narrative. Please follow the narrative elements guidance outlined on the “Request for Proposal” to ensure that you have all included elements.
Updated 2:05 PM, 10/22/25
How do we fill in the block WIOA Title I State Set Aside Budget Item? We do not currently utilize any WIOA funds for our program, so would this be $0?
This opportunity is funded by WIOA Title I State set aside budget. Under column two, please identify each budget item that will be requested for reimbursement from the award funded by WIOA Title I State Set Aside Budget. Please enter amounts requested for each item in column three and a description of each item in column four.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
I am a job seeker who would like to get involved in these opportunities.
These opportunities are targeted at Employers. If you are a job seeker, please explore some of the following resources:
- Visit/contact your Local Workforce Center for in-person assistance: https://virginiaworks.gov/locations/
- Register with Virginia Workforce Connection: https://vawc.virginia.gov/vosnet/default.aspx
- Find a Job Fair near you: https://virginiaworks.gov/job-fairs/
- Learn about regional and industry specific opportunities: https://virginiahasjobs.com/
- Resources for impacted Federal Workers: https://virginiaworks.gov/resources-for-impacted-federal-workers/
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
I would like to request an extension to submit the grant application.
No extensions will be provided. Any changes to the grant opportunities will be updated via website.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
Can I call you about this grant opportunity and the access to WIOA dollars and the disbursement of finds?
Please submit all Questions via email. Q&As will be posted for all applicants to review.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
What are the key metrics the state will be using to evaluate performance?
Performance will, at minimum, be evaluated by the milestones identified in each individual project plan, and through the achievement of requirements and outcomes identified in the Request for Application.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
Are there any specifics needed in the letter of support? Do you have any examples?
You must receive a letter of support from your Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB). You can identify your LWDB using this map and contact them directly. Your LWDB will develop their own letters of support and the content of them.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
How do I obtain a letter of support from a local workforce development board? Or do you have a list of providers to assist?
You can identify your Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) using this map. After identifying your LWDB, you may contact them directly.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/22/25
Is there any allowability for admin costs in the budget given the need to manage both financial and performance reporting?
No. There is no allowability for administration costs.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/21/25
Do I need to fully register my entity on SAM.gov to get a qualifying UEI number?
No. While a UEI number is required to qualify for reimbursement, full registration on SAM.gov is not required for this opportunity.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/20/25
What is the definition of a transitional role?
For the purposes of this opportunity, transitional roles refer to time limited, non-permanent roles.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/20/25
What do I need to include in my application?
As defined by the Request for Application, the following elements must be included for your application to be considered:
- Signature Page (a completed signature page will satisfy the Certification and Assurances requirement)
- Narrative Element B1
- Narrative Element B2
- Narrative Element B3
- Narrative Element B4 (budget narrative and line-item budget)
- Letter of Support from your Local Workforce Development Board (LWDA). Identify yours here.
Please refer to the Request for Application for further detail on each required element.
The completed application should be submitted in a single pdf document to grantapplications@virginiaworks.gov.The application must arrive by 5 PM ET on October 22, 2025.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/17/25
How can I find my UEI number?
You may visit SAM.gov to receive a UEI number.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/17/25
Will the government shutdown impact my ability to get a UEI number for this application?
We understand that the current government shutdown may hinder your ability to obtain a UEI number. You are still welcome to submit a proposal, however, please remember that to be eligible for reimbursements, applicants must have a UEI number.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/17/25
I already have a UEI number, do I need to apply for a new one for this opportunity?
An active and existing UEI number may be used for the purposes of this application.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/17/25
What form should the “Certification and Assurances statement” take in my application?
The Certification and Assurances statement can be found on the signature page (page 2) of the Request for Application. Successful completion of the signature page will fulfil the Certification and Assurances requirement.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/17/25
Is there a list of qualifying expenditures and cash?
There is no list of qualifying expenditures and cash. You may reference the Allowable Uses of Funds section found in the Request for Applications for guidance. If there is a more specific question regarding a particular item, please clarify and resubmit the question.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/17/25
Are indirect costs an allowable expense?
No. Indirect costs are not an allowable expense under this funding opportunity.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/16/25
How many applications will be awarded?
Virginia Works will award funding to select seven employers with mentors needed in skilled trades and seven employers with mentors needed in unskilled trades to receive this funding.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/16/25
What is the source of funding for this grant?
The source of funding for this opportunity is WIOA Title I funds that the state receives from the federal government. There is no requirement for a match with this funding opportunity. The period of performance for this opportunity is November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/16/25
Can an organization, that is an employer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, apply on behalf of another employer, to receive the grant?
No. The applicant cannot be a third-party entity, the applicant must be the employer that is conducting the required grant activities first-hand.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/15/25
Do the employers need to be ETPL?
No, employers do not need to be on the ETPL to qualify.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/15/25
Is there an age-requirement for hiring?
Yes. Individuals who employers commit to employ must be 40 + years old, have experience in the workforce, and are re-entering the workforce after a 2+ year gap.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/15/25
What is the gap in employment that qualifies for the grant?
The qualifying gap in employment must consist of at least two years of unemployment before returning to employment. This does not include individuals who worked part time during their employment gap.
Updated 1:00 PM, 10/15/25
How do I register/apply for funding?
Click the APPLY HERE button above.
How do I confirm my registration/application?
All questions about the application process can be sent to Virginia Works at grantapplications@virginiaworks.gov
Is there a cap on funds?
Yes. Each employer may receive up to $30,000 in reimbursed costs.
View a recording of our Q&A session from October 14th, 2025.
Find it on our YouTube channel here.
Virginia Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Department of Workforce Development and Advancement | Virginia Works is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Employment and Training Administration (ETA) through the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Award FAIN #24A55AT000085, 24A55AW000090, 24A55AY000108, 25A55AT000120, 25A55AW000121, 25A55AY000162) totaling $34,582,877. The dollar amount of Federal funds for this project equal $ 500,000, which constitutes 100 percent of the project cost. Zero costs and zero percent of this project were financed by non-governmental source.
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