Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

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Policy Update: 02-09

Sectarian Training Programs

Sectarian Training Programs are not eligible for listing on the Workforce Investment Act’s State List of Eligible Training Programs and Providers. The reason is WIA Section 188 (a)(3) prohibits payments for religious training. Any federal funds spent in violation of Act would be subject to disallowance and must be paid back.

Sectarian or "faith based" organizations are eligible to be listed on the State List provided their training program is nonsectarian. The Workforce Programs Guide, Part 1 –Administration of Workforce Programs (II)(E)(9), establishes the guidelines for doing this. It says, "funds may not be used to attempt to support either religious or anti-religious activities. Grants that are issued to "faith based" organizations must document the nonsectarian nature of the activity."

Additional WIA References: Regulations 20CFR 667.266 (b)(1), Regulations 29 CFR 37.6(f).

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