Open Call: Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program (US)

The Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program provides funding to ensure that Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) recipients continue to receive employment and workforce support services in states where the Refugee Support Services (RSS) program will no longer operate beginning in FY 2027. The programme funds employment training, job placement, English language instruction, and other services that help refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The programme offers an estimated $17.39 million in total funding, with grants ranging from $250,000 to $14.44 million depending on the scope and approved activities.

Overview of the Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program

The Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program is designed to ensure that Refugee Cash Assistance recipients continue to receive essential employment-related services in areas where the Refugee Support Services programme will no longer be available starting in Fiscal Year 2027.

The programme supports organizations that provide employment-focused assistance, workforce preparation, and English language training to help refugees successfully transition into employment and achieve long-term economic independence.

The programme is administered in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, ensuring continued access to employment services for eligible refugee populations.

Objectives of the Program

The main objective of the Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program is to help Refugee Cash Assistance recipients secure employment and become economically self-sufficient.

The programme aims to:

• Ensure continued access to employment services for Refugee Cash Assistance recipients
• Provide employment training and workforce preparation
• Deliver job placement and career support services
• Offer English language instruction
• Improve refugee employability and workforce readiness
• Support successful transition into long-term employment

Key Focus Areas

Employment Services

The programme funds activities that prepare refugees for employment and help them enter the workforce.

Eligible activities may include:

• Employment counselling
• Career planning
• Job readiness services
• Employment case management
• Workforce orientation

Employment Training and Placement

Projects may provide:

• Vocational training
• Workforce development programmes
• Job placement assistance
• Employer engagement
• Skills development

The goal is to help participants secure sustainable employment.

English Language Training

The programme supports English language instruction that improves workplace communication and employment opportunities.

Activities may include:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• Workplace English training
• Functional language instruction
• Employment-focused language programmes

Transition to Employment

Projects should support refugees in moving from public assistance to employment by providing:

• Individual employment plans
• Career guidance
• Employment support services
• Workforce integration assistance

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include a wide range of public, nonprofit, educational, and tribal organizations.

Eligible organizations include:

• City governments
• Township governments
• County governments
• State governments
• Special district governments
• Public housing authorities
• Indian housing authorities
• Independent school districts
• Public institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)
• Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status
• Faith-based organizations
• Community organizations that meet programme eligibility requirements

Ineligible Applicants

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Individuals
• Sole proprietorships
• Federal government entities
• Foreign entities

Applications from these entities will be disqualified.

Funding Details

Total Available Funding

The estimated total programme funding is:

$17,388,363

Grant Amount

Award amounts range from:

• Minimum: $250,000
• Maximum: $14,438,363

Funding levels will depend on:

• Approved project scope
• Proposed activities
• Organizational capacity
• Available programme funds

Eligible Project Activities

Funding may support activities such as:

Workforce Preparation

Projects may include:

• Employment readiness workshops
• Career counselling
• Resume development
• Interview preparation

Employment Services

Supported services may include:

• Job placement
• Employment referrals
• Employer partnerships
• Case management
• Follow-up employment support

English Language Education

Projects may provide:

• ESL instruction
• Workplace communication training
• Language support linked to employment goals

Support Services

Organizations may offer additional services that help participants prepare for employment, including:

• Individual employment planning
• Workforce navigation
• Career coaching
• Employment retention support

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they belong to an eligible organization category and meet all programme requirements.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

The proposal should describe:

• Target refugee population
• Employment services to be provided
• Workforce development activities
• Expected outcomes
• Project timeline
• Budget

Step 3: Demonstrate Organizational Capacity

Applicants should explain:

• Experience delivering employment services
• Staff expertise
• Community partnerships
• Programme management capability

Step 4: Prepare a Budget

The application should include:

• Detailed project costs
• Justification for requested funding
• Budget aligned with proposed activities

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted according to the official funding opportunity guidelines and within the specified deadline.

Selection Priorities

Applications are expected to be evaluated based on:

Employment Service Quality

Projects should provide comprehensive employment and workforce support for Refugee Cash Assistance recipients.

Organizational Experience

Applicants should demonstrate experience in:

• Refugee services
• Workforce development
• Employment programmes
• English language instruction

Project Design

Strong proposals should include:

• Clear objectives
• Realistic implementation plans
• Measurable outcomes
• Sustainable service delivery

Community Impact

Projects should demonstrate the potential to improve refugee employment outcomes and economic self-sufficiency.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain how employment services will support refugees
• Include measurable employment outcomes
• Demonstrate experience with workforce programmes
• Build partnerships with employers and community organizations
• Provide a realistic budget and implementation timeline
• Highlight experience delivering English language programmes where applicable

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications
• Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity
• Providing unclear employment strategies
• Requesting ineligible activities
• Applying as an ineligible individual or foreign entity

Expected Impact of the Program

Funded projects are expected to contribute to:

• Increased employment among Refugee Cash Assistance recipients
• Improved English language proficiency
• Greater workforce participation
• Enhanced economic self-sufficiency
• Stronger refugee integration into local communities
• Continued access to employment services in states affected by changes to Refugee Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program?

The programme provides funding to organizations delivering employment and workforce support services for Refugee Cash Assistance recipients in states where Refugee Support Services will no longer operate beginning in FY 2027.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, tribal governments, housing authorities, faith-based organizations, and community organizations.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides an estimated $17,388,363 in total funding.

What is the grant size?

Grant awards range from $250,000 to $14,438,363, depending on the approved project.

What services can be funded?

Funding supports employment training, job placement, workforce preparation, English language instruction, career counselling, and related employment services.

Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. Individuals, sole proprietorships, federal entities, and foreign organizations are not eligible.

What is the primary goal of the programme?

The primary goal is to help Refugee Cash Assistance recipients gain employment, improve workforce readiness, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

The Wilson Fish Bridge to Employment Program provides significant funding to ensure that Refugee Cash Assistance recipients continue to receive essential employment and workforce support services as Refugee Support Services transition in FY 2027.

By investing in employment training, job placement, English language education, and workforce development, the programme helps refugees build sustainable careers, strengthen economic independence, and successfully integrate into their new communities.