The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Children and Family Services, is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for the SNAP Next Step Employment and Training (E&T) Program. This initiative aims to provide job training and educational opportunities to low-income adults, including those currently receiving or eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The funding will be awarded as subawards to eligible entities that can support employment and training services, assisting participants in gaining skills necessary to secure stable employment and transition off public assistance.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand workforce development initiatives for SNAP recipients across Nebraska. The SNAP Next Step E&T program partners with various organizations, including educational institutions, non-profits, and community-based organizations, to deliver employment training. This program supports activities such as job search training, career and technical education, basic education, on-the-job training, and job retention services. The goal is to align participants with training that matches their career interests, thereby improving employment outcomes and reducing reliance on public assistance.

Funding under this program is provided through a cost-sharing model where subrecipients must initially fund 100% of program costs using non-federal sources. They will then receive a 50% reimbursement from DHHS for allowable and eligible costs. These non-federal sources may include state, county, local funds, private foundation grants, employer-sponsored training, and support for low-income students. The funds must be used strictly for services provided to SNAP E&T participants and cannot be used as a match for other federal programs.

Eligible applicants include local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities with an interest in providing employment and training services. No subawards will be structured as fee-for-service contracts, and recipients may not earn a profit from the award. The program is currently operating in select locations across Nebraska, with plans for expansion into new regions. Eligible subrecipients must be prepared to track and report on participant engagement, services provided, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.

Applications for this opportunity are accepted on a rolling basis, with performance periods beginning either in March or October each year. Subrecipients must submit a complete application detailing their organization, proposed work plan, and budget. Applications are reviewed and scored based on organizational capacity, alignment with program goals, and financial feasibility. Successful applicants will be required to provide additional documentation, including a presentation on their employment and training programs.

The evaluation process involves an assessment of the applicant’s ability to offer employment and training services, adherence to reporting requirements, and financial management capacity. Organizations must demonstrate the ability to manage non-federal funding, document expenditures, and comply with all federal and state regulations governing the use of grant funds. The program is committed to expanding employment opportunities for SNAP recipients, supporting their journey towards self-sufficiency and economic stability.