DOL YouthBuild Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Department of Labor (DOL)
- Award Range
- $500,000 - $1,500,000
- Deadline
- May 2026 (Annual Cycle)
- CFDA Number
- 17.274
The DOL YouthBuild Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by Department of Labor (DOL). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application before the May 2026 (Annual Cycle) deadline.
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 YouthBuild Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Nonprofits, state and local government agencies, public housing authorities, Job Corps centers, and Indian tribes. Programs must serve youth ages 16-24 who are high school dropouts, foster youth, youth offenders, disabled, or low-income.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.
If you are not sure whether your organization qualifies, review our guide on best small business grants for alternative programs that may be a better fit.
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 Grants.gov. 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 Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit before the May 2026 (Annual Cycle) deadline. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
- Confirm receipt. You will receive a tracking number and confirmation email. Check back in 1-2 business days to verify your application passed the Grants.gov validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | DOL YouthBuild Program |
| Funding Agency | Department of Labor (DOL) |
| CFDA Number | 17.274 |
| Award Minimum | $500,000 |
| Award Maximum | $1,500,000 |
| Deadline | May 2026 (Annual Cycle) |
| Category | Education |
| Matching Required | Yes, 25% match required (cash or in-kind) |
| Application Link | Apply on Grants.gov |
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.
What Applicants Should Know
YouthBuild has operated for more than 30 years, first as a nonprofit initiative and then as a federal program under the Department of Labor since 2006. The program serves young people ages 16 to 24 who have left high school without a diploma or GED. Participants split their time between classroom education and hands-on construction training, building or rehabilitating affordable housing in their communities. Typical grant awards range from $700,000 to $1.1 million for a 3-year project period, and DOL funds approximately 60 to 75 new grants each cycle.
Each funded program must serve a minimum of 40 youth participants. At least 75% of program time must be dedicated to education and workforce training activities, which includes GED preparation, occupational skills training, and leadership development. The remaining time can be spent on construction and community service projects. Programs must also connect participants with follow-up services for at least 12 months after they exit.
Winning applications demonstrate strong community partnerships with local housing authorities, employers, workforce boards, and educational institutions. Reviewers score heavily on the applicant's track record of serving disconnected youth and the strength of the local labor market analysis. Common reasons for rejection include weak data on the target population, unrealistic enrollment projections, and insufficient detail on how participants will earn industry-recognized credentials. Organizations new to YouthBuild should consider partnering with an experienced YouthBuild affiliate for their first application. A 25% match (cash or in-kind) is required, and experienced applicants typically exceed this threshold significantly.
We track new federal funding weekly. Get alerts when new Education grants open.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the DOL YouthBuild Program?
Nonprofits, state and local government agencies, public housing authorities, Job Corps centers, and Indian tribes. Programs must serve youth ages 16-24 who are high school dropouts, foster youth, youth offenders, disabled, or low-income.. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.
What is the deadline for DOL YouthBuild Program?
The current deadline is May 2026 (Annual Cycle). Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check Grants.gov for the next funding opportunity.
Does DOL YouthBuild Program require matching funds?
Yes, 25% match required (cash or in-kind). Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.