How to Secure Up to $1 Million in Aviation Workforce Grants for 2025

Overview of Aviation Workforce Development Grants in 2025

The FAA’s Aviation Workforce Development Grants program is authorized through fiscal year 2028 by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The initiative aims to support the creation of a workforce pipeline in several aviation areas:

• Aircraft pilots (including unmanned aircraft systems operators)
• Aviation maintenance technicians
• Aerospace engineers
• Aviation manufacturing workers

Funding for 2025 grants ranges from $25,000 to $1 million per project each fiscal year. This range accommodates various project scales, from smaller community efforts to larger training programs.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The eligibility requirements for the 2025 Aviation Workforce Development Grants include:

• Holders of Part 147 aviation maintenance technician certificates, regardless of accreditation status
• Nonprofit organizations involved in aviation workforce growth
• Educational institutions, community colleges, technical schools, and aviation-related training providers
• Other organizations proposing projects focused on recruitment, education, outreach, or career transitions in aviation

Applicants should ensure their proposals align with FAA priorities and show how their projects contribute to workforce development in pilot training, maintenance, engineering, or manufacturing.

How to Apply for the Grants in 2025

Step 1: Create an Account on Grants.gov

All applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, the official federal grants portal. Before applying, you must:

• Register an applicant account on Grants.gov
• Obtain necessary authorizations such as a DUNS number (or unique entity ID)
• Complete all required profile details

Allow sufficient time for registration and system setup, which can take several weeks.

Step 2: Review the FAA’s Current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Each year, the FAA releases a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) specific to the Aviation Workforce Development Grants. The NOFO usually includes:

• Application instructions and mandatory forms
• Evaluation criteria
• Eligibility rules
• Submission deadlines

For the 2025 cycle, regularly check the FAA and Grants.gov websites to download the most current NOFO and ensure your application meets all up-to-date requirements.

Step 3: Prepare a Grant Application Package

Your application should generally include:

• A project narrative outlining goals, activities, and anticipated outcomes aligned with FAA priorities
• A detailed budget explaining how grant funds will be used
• Proof of eligibility, such as relevant certificates or accreditation
• Letters of support or partnership agreements, if applicable
• Evidence of your organization’s capacity to implement the proposed project

Emphasize how your project tackles workforce gaps in pilot recruitment, technician training, engineering, or manufacturing.

Step 4: Attend FAA Workshops for Application Guidance

The FAA offers workshops to aid applicants in preparing their submissions:

• Hybrid Aviation Workforce Development Workshops in November 2024:Scheduled for November 14 at the University of the District of Columbia and November 21 at Texas Southern University, these sessions will be available both in-person and online.The workshops provide in-depth guidance on application requirements and offer chances to ask questions directly to FAA representatives.

Participating in these sessions can help clarify application steps and improve your preparation.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Electronically by the Deadline

Once your application is complete, submit it through Grants.gov before the specified deadline. While the exact 2025 deadline has not yet been announced, applicants should regularly consult:

• The FAA Aviation Workforce Grants webpage
• Grants.gov notifications

Timely submission is crucial, as late applications are generally not accepted.

Step 6: Stay Informed and Maintain Communication

Because program details and priorities may change, keep updated by:

• Subscribing to FAA updates on workforce development grants
• Monitoring any alterations to the application process or NOFO announcements
• Contacting FAA grant program staff for clarifications if necessary

Regular monitoring helps ensure your application complies with all current criteria.

Additional Important Considerations

Cost and Funding Use

• Grant amounts range from $25,000 to $1 million per project annually.
• Funds must be used exclusively for activities that support aviation workforce recruitment, education, training, or career transitions.
• Projects are expected to show how they address workforce needs, with measurable outcomes.

Planning and Preparation Suggestions

• Begin preparing your application well ahead of the deadline.
• Review related FAA legislation and previous awardees to guide your proposal.
• Join available FAA workshops and webinars.
• Ensure your application is clear, complete, and compliant.
• Seek partnerships with other aviation or educational organizations to strengthen your proposal.

Information About Program Transition After 2027

The Aviation Workforce Development Grants program will continue under FAA oversight through fiscal year 2027. Starting in 2028, the program is anticipated to transition to the Department of Transportation’s Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment Readiness (CAREER) Program, which intends to sustain federal backing for aviation workforce development.

Summary: Steps to Apply for Aviation Workforce Grants in 2025

• Register on Grants.gov early.
• Review the FAA’s latest NOFO instructions carefully.
• Participate in FAA workshops scheduled for November 2024.
• Prepare a detailed application focused on workforce development goals.
• Submit your application electronically before the official deadline.
• Stay informed on program updates through FAA communications.

Following these directions can assist your organization in preparing a competitive application for aviation workforce development funding in 2025.

Sources

• [Aviation Workforce Development Grants

  FAA](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd)

• [Aviation Workforce Development Grants - Aircraft Pilots

  FAA](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd/pilots)

• [FAA to Host Aviation Workforce Development Grant Workshops

  Aviation Technician Education Council](https://www.atec-amt.org/news/faa-to-host-aviation-workforce-development-grant-workshops)

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