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.