(a) Eligible applicants may apply for matching funds if they are operating an eligible training program. To qualify for a matching grant, the department requires a 2:1 matching requirement of dollars coming from an eligible applicant to support its program for training diverse workers or those located in economically distressed areas of the State. Funds eligible for matching are those contributed by the eligible applicant to be used only for the eligible program. Funds deriving from State or Federal grants are not eligible to be calculated for the 2:1 matching requirement.

(b) All matching funds must be expended during the grant term and where practicable on a pro rata basis with grant funding.

(c) All items identified as matching funds will be reviewed by the department, which will approve such matching funds as the department may determine, in its sole discretion, to be reasonable as to amount and relation to the program.

(d) Grant funds will be disbursed on a quarterly reimbursement basis. Grantees shall submit invoices quarterly with supporting documentation satisfactory to the department, as work is performed and costs incurred.

(e) Grants are intended to reimburse eligible applicants for training provided directly by such applicants to its workforce, or future workforce, and shall not be contracted out to a third party for the purpose of obtaining these grant funds.

(f) Grant funds and matching funds may not be utilized to cover qualified costs pursuant to section 24 or 31 of the Tax Law.