Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program - Workforce Development & Adult Learning

In 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed “Labor and Employment – Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program,” which established the Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program. The purpose of the program is to provide matching grants to eligible entities that create and expand upon successful recruitment and retention strategies in an effort to increase the number and availability of direct care workers across Maryland.

New! The Department released a call for proposals on January 30, 2026. Applications are due on April 3, 2026 and grants will begin on June 1, 2026. A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. To register for the pre-proposal conference, please email Maggie Tagliaferro.

Be sure to check back regularly for updates.

The application, budget template, and policy are available below.

Resources:

Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program Application (Word)

Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program Budget Template (XLSX)

PI 2024-01, Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program Policy (PDF)

Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program 2024 Annual Report (PDF)

For additional information, contact:
Maggie Tagliaferro
Specials Grants Program Manager
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Maryland Department of Labor