How Nonprofit Agencies Participate in the JWOD Program

Nearly 650 nonprofit agencies, also known as community rehabilitation programs, work centers, or workshops, participate in the JWOD Program. The main eligibility criteria are prescribed by the JWOD Act itself. There is no cost to the nonprofit agency in order to participate.

The JWOD Act requires that a participating nonprofit agency be structured in such a way that "precludes the inurement of the net earnings of the corporation to any individual." Also, at least 75 percent of the nonprofit agency's total direct labor hours must be performed by persons who are blind or who have other severe disabilities. The work on Federal contracts may be facility-based, such as manufacturing or packaging; or community-based, such as administrative services, food service, janitorial/custodial, or switchboard operations.

To participate in the JWOD Program, nonprofit agencies must associate with either NIB or NISH (serving persons with a wide range of disabilities.) Again, there is no cost to the nonprofit agency to join. When a Federal contract is placed in the JWOD Program for the agency to perform, NIB or NISH receives a small portion of the contract sales to help cover the cost of operations. The Committee includes resources to cover the NIB/NISH fee in the price established for supplies and services.

For more information, contact NIB or your closest NISH Regional Office.