Alfond Grant Funding Available for Frontline Workforce Training

• By: Maureen Booth
• On: 08/19/2025 13:39:45
• In: Education

We're excited to share a major funding opportunity to support workforce development across Maine's long term care sector. The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce has launched the third round of its grant initiative—with $75.5 million available over the next five years (2025–2030).

This grant provides up to $1,200 per employee, per calendar year to support training for frontline and incumbent workers. The goal? To help build the skills of Maine's direct care workforce and create meaningful pathways for advancement.

Who is eligible?
This funding is designed specifically for those on the front lines (not board members, volunteers, or C-suite staff). Eligible participants include:

• CNAs, LPNs, RNs
• DONs and ADONs
• Housekeeping, dietary, and maintenance staff
• Other incumbent employees working in direct care and support roles

What types of training are covered?

• Third-party or in-house training
• Skills-based programs that support career growth
• Not covered: annual compliance trainings or routine policy reviews

How it works:

• Facilities must be members of the Compact to access the funding
• Training must be approved in advance
• 100% reimbursement is provided upon submission of completion data (within 45 days post-training)
• Facilities can include a 10% administration fee (within the $1,200 total)
• Each employer is eligible for up to $250,000 per year
• A new grant management system launched in 2025 to streamline the process

*Please Note:
Facilities (or individual attendees) must pay for training upfront. Because reimbursement occurs after completion, MHCA is not able to submit on behalf of attendees for our events and conferences. Each facility will need to submit its own completion data to receive reimbursement.

Next Steps:

• Learn more at mccsworks.com
• Joining is free and open to all businesses in Maine. We strongly encourage you to sign on to access this funding opportunity
• Regional Workforce Development Coordinators are available to guide you through the process

We hope many of you will take advantage of this significant investment in Maine's direct care workforce, and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to MHCA!

Staff Contact: mbooth@mehca.org