'Preparedness' grants to help workers gain and retain employment

Be Noble Inc., Noble County's local economic development organization, is pleased to announce the launch of the Workplace Preparedness Grant. Eligible individuals who work or live in Noble County may now apply to receive up to $1,000 for the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to gain or retain employment in their chosen occupation.

The grant is made possible as part of Ignite Your Future, a funding initiative of the Community Foundation of Noble County made possible by a grant from the Don Wood Foundation. Ignite Your Future is designed to create opportunities for those in Noble County who seek to advance their education in occupations in high demand locally.

The Workplace Preparedness Grant has been allocated $5,000 to help local learners who are enrolled in or have recently completed a workforce certification program, and those who have earned a degree within the last year, to gain or retain employment. Funds may be used exclusively for the purpose of purchasing equipment or supplies required to do the job for which they have skilled up when their employers do not cover those expenses for them. Examples of eligible purchases include steel-toe boots, welding helmets and gloves, stethoscopes, scrubs, and specialty maintenance tools.

Full eligibility information and the grant application can be found at onenobleco.com/workforce-readiness on the Be Noble Inc. website. Application deadline is February 16, 2024.

Questions about the Workplace Readiness Grant may be directed to Tara Streb at Be Noble Inc. at (260) 636-3800 or [email protected].

Information about Ignite Your Future scholarships for students and educators, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each, can be found at cfnoble.org/scholarships. Inquiries about scholarship opportunities should be directed to the Community Foundation at (260) 894-3335.