The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is making $1M available in furtherance of the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund (TWEF) through this Request for Proposals (RFP). Funding will support organizations that demonstrate the capacity to increase access to employment for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals (TGNCNB); promote employment equity for TGNCNB individuals through full and equal access to training services; and eliminate bias and discrimination based on gender identity and expression in the workplace.In accordance with NYS Public Health Law, Section 244, TWEF funds shall be used to provide funding for educational and vocational training programs developed by, or in consultation with, TGNCNB individuals to increase the employment status and educational attainment level of TGNCNB residents of NYS. Funds can be used for organizations to develop and enhance comprehensive workforce development services and expenses for TGNCNB individuals within NYS, including occupational skills training, career development services, and supportive services. Additionally, the funding aims to support the implementation of proven strategies or innovative interventions to address issues related to the key employment barriers impacting TGNCNB communities including, but not limited to, economic stability, education, and social and community factors. These funds seek to help TGNCNB individuals enter the workforce, qualify for employment, achieve full employment, or increase wages through skill development. In line with the goal of this RFP to develop the TGNCNB workforce, and in recognition that the TGNCNB community is best situated to do this work with cultural competence, funding priority will be given to TGNCNB-led and staffed organizations through points awarded only to organizations that are TGNCNB-led and staffed.
