DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Award Range
- $1,000,000 to $8,000,000
- Deadline
- Paused
- Time Remaining
- Applications are paused: no Apprenticeship Building America round has run since April 2024.
- CFDA Number
- 17.285
The DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Labor (DOL). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the program reopens.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
State and local workforce development boards, educational institutions, nonprofits, labor organizations, and industry associations. Projects must expand registered apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Workforce programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the program reopens; late applications are usually rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant |
| Funding Agency | Department of Labor (DOL) |
| CFDA Number | 17.285 |
| Award Minimum | $1,000,000 |
| Award Maximum | $8,000,000 |
| Deadline | Paused |
| Category | Workforce |
| Matching Required | No matching funds required, but leveraged resources are scored favorably |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Workforce grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant?
State and local workforce development boards, educational institutions, nonprofits, labor organizations, and industry associations. Projects must expand registered apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant?
The current deadline is paused: no Apprenticeship Building America round has run since April 2024. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does DOL Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant require matching funds?
No matching funds required, but leveraged resources are scored favorably. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.