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Labor Standards outreach grant

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Objective 

This grant aims to increase worker knowledge and understanding of Minnesota’s labor standards laws through outreach, education and technical assistance.

Minnesota workers are protected by a variety of workplace laws designed to ensure fair treatment and proper compensation. These protections include:

  • Wage theft prevention

  • Child labor restrictions

  • Workplace accommodations for pregnant or nursing employees

  • Paid sick leave requirements

  • Additional labor standards promoting safe and equitable work environments

Recent legislative sessions have expanded workplace protections for Minnesota workers. However, barriers, including those related to education, income, immigration status, geographic isolation and language access can impact workers’ awareness of and ability to assert their rights. 

This grant seeks to empower workers, especially those who encounter barriers, by educating them about their workplace rights and the options available to them when their rights are violated. The grant prioritizes outreach that is community-centered, culturally relevant and accessible.

Application period

The application period for the 2026 labor standards outreach grant is now closed.

Awards

Funding was awarded to the following applicants: 

  • Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

  • Awood Center

  • Comunidades Organizando El Poder y La Accion Latina

  • Greater Minnesota Workers Center

  • Minnesota Training Partnership

  • Southern MN Regional Legal Services

  • Tri-Valley Opportunity Council

  • UNIDOS

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements in order to be considered for this grant opportunity. If an application does not fully meet these requirements, it will not be further reviewed.

Applicant eligibility for this RFP includes nonprofit organizations located in Minnesota that have demonstrated experience, connection to and relationships with workers and individuals identified in the focus populations listed for this grant program. Eligible organizations must also have a proven capacity to provide outreach, education, training, technical assistance and other support to workers.

Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to:

  • Worker advocacy nonprofit organizations

  • Culturally specific nonprofit organizations

  • Legal services nonprofit organizations

  • Domestic violence or sexual assault assistance nonprofit organizations

  • Faith-based nonprofit organizations

  • Other nonprofit organizations throughout Minnesota

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • Meet the application deadline

  • Submit a complete application with supporting documents as appropriate

  • Serve at least one of the focus populations listed for this grant program

  • Be a nonprofit organization located in Minnesota

Funding availability

A total of $200,000 in grant funding is available. The maximum award amount is $50,000 per applicant.

Questions?

For questions about the labor standards outreach grant, contact Melissa Parra-Huizar at 651-509-9315 or melissa.parra-huizar@state.mn.us.

RFP and application materials

Additional information