FY25 Domestic Workers Employment Rights Grant

The Domestic Workers Employment Rights Grant Program is administered by the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General and was established under the Domestic Worker Employment Rights Amendment Act of 2022. The program is designed to support organizations that provide education, outreach, and guidance related to the rights of domestic workers and the responsibilities of hiring entities. The initiative reflects a broader effort by the District to ensure fair labor practices, improve workplace safety, and increase awareness of legal protections for domestic workers. According to the background information presented in the pre solicitation conference materials, the program focuses specifically on equipping workers and employers with knowledge of workplace rights and safety standards. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund nonprofit community based organizations that can develop educational materials and conduct outreach activities. These materials must address key issues such as workplace hazards, safety practices, and legal rights under District law. Organizations may also conduct public education campaigns aimed at domestic workers, hiring entities, and the general public. The program emphasizes the involvement of subject matter experts in health and safety to ensure that guidance materials are accurate and relevant to the real conditions faced by domestic workers. This dual focus on education and outreach underscores the program commitment to both prevention and empowerment. Funding for the fiscal year covered by this opportunity allows for awards of up to seventy five thousand dollars per organization, with total program funding not exceeding one hundred fifty thousand dollars. This structure indicates that multiple awards may be issued, depending on applicant quality and available funding. Grant funds may be used for a variety of allowable expenses including personnel, program supplies, marketing materials, operating costs such as rent and utilities, and participant related costs. However, the program imposes clear restrictions on expenditures, prohibiting use of funds for lobbying, major equipment purchases, debt payments, fundraising, or activities not directly related to the program objectives. Eligibility for the grant is limited to nonprofit community based organizations that are headquartered in the District of Columbia and have demonstrated at least two years of experience working on behalf of domestic workers. Applicants must hold a valid tax exempt designation under section 501c3 or 501c4 of the Internal Revenue Code and must be in good standing with both the District government and the Internal Revenue Service. Additional requirements include demonstrating financial capacity to sustain operations in the event of delayed payments, as well as the ability to collect and report detailed program data. These requirements ensure that funded organizations have both the experience and infrastructure necessary to effectively manage grant funds and deliver program outcomes. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal through either a paper or electronic system. Electronic submissions must be made through the official grants portal, while paper submissions are accepted at the Office of the Attorney General physical address. Applications must adhere to strict formatting guidelines, including page limits, font requirements, and document structure. Required components include a cover page with organizational details, a proposal narrative outlining the project plan, a detailed budget and justification, and a set of administrative documents such as financial statements, proof of nonprofit status, and compliance certifications. These requirements are intended to standardize submissions and facilitate fair evaluation. Applications are evaluated by an external review panel using a structured scoring system totaling one hundred points. Evaluation criteria include organizational overview, capacity and staffing, description of proposed services, timeline and deliverables, and budget justification. Each section is assigned a specific point value, and reviewers assess how well applicants address the required elements. Final award decisions are made by the Attorney General based on panel recommendations. Applicants are notified of funding decisions within thirty to forty five days after the application deadline, and successful applicants receive detailed information about award amounts and any conditions. The application deadline for this funding cycle is July 12, 2024 at two pm Eastern Time, for both paper and electronic submissions. Following submission, applicants can expect a review period and notification within approximately one to one and a half months. Funded organizations are required to comply with ongoing reporting and monitoring requirements, including monthly reports detailing program activities, participant demographics, and outcomes. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis, with the option to request an advance of up to twenty five percent of the award. The program does not explicitly state recurrence, but as a fiscal year based initiative tied to legislation, it may be offered again in future cycles subject to funding availability.