Cultivating Access, Rights, and Equity (CARE)

The Cultivating Access, Rights & Equity (CARE) Grant Program is a funding initiative administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). Its primary objective is to support community-based outreach and education that enhances awareness and access to work rights, paid family and medical leave, unemployment benefits, and protections under the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. The grant targets New Jersey workers, particularly from underserved, marginalized, and disproportionately impacted communities. It emphasizes improved access to these programs and collaboration with organizations that serve workers most likely to face barriers due to socioeconomic, racial, linguistic, or employment status. The program focuses on expanding knowledge and use of key labor rights and benefits among workers and employers. Funded activities may include direct assistance with applications and complaints, hosting informational events, developing multilingual materials, launching local media campaigns, and offering technical assistance and trainings. Specific outreach themes include Earned Sick Leave, minimum wage and wage theft laws, family and medical leave insurance, unemployment benefits, and new protections for domestic workers. Each topic area has dedicated funding streams, and grantees must track and report spending separately if applying for multiple areas. Eligibility is open to public and private nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, government entities at all levels, state-recognized tribal governments with 501(c)(3) status, and fiscally sponsored organizations. Out-of-state entities are also eligible if their proposed activities solely serve New Jersey workers. Organizations seeking funds for Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights outreach must have at least five years of experience working with domestic workers or their employers. Collaborative applications are permitted, with a lead agency responsible for fund management and reporting. Applications must be submitted through the SAGE IGX system by November 21, 2025, with a required interest form due by November 20. A virtual information session will be held on November 12, and applicant questions must be submitted by November 13. Required components include a tax clearance certificate, detailed work plan, budget, and responses to narrative prompts covering organizational background, equity approach, proposed strategies, and qualifications specific to either collaboratives or domestic worker funding. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The evaluation criteria include a weighted rubric totaling 100 points, assessing the work plan, narrative responses, and budget detail. Successful applicants will be notified by December 17, 2025, and awards will be issued for the 12-month period from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. The program is anticipated to recur annually. Reporting expectations include monthly financial statements, quarterly progress reports, and a final closeout report. All grantees must also participate in quarterly meetings, post-award training, and may be asked to contribute to NJDOL-led research, testing, and policy feedback efforts.

Attend the virtual information session; tailor the work plan to specific target populations; demonstrate experience with multilingual outreach; align activities with NJDOL goals; avoid vague outcomes; submit all required documentation or risk disqualification.