The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) is an initiative of the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) aimed at enhancing workplace safety and providing education on workers' rights under California labor laws. Initially launched in 2020 to address workplace challenges arising from COVID-19, the program has evolved to focus on broader worker protections, including workplace health and safety and benefits for those injured or ill due to work-related incidents. The program seeks to empower employees by providing the tools and knowledge necessary to act when their rights are violated, and it leverages community-based organizations (CBOs) as key partners in disseminating critical information.
In its fifth iteration, CWOP has combined two years of funding to ensure sustained program continuity and effectiveness. This phase builds on the program’s established foundation, reinforcing its commitment to improving workplace safety and fostering awareness of labor protections. By focusing on education and outreach, CWOP aims to make workplaces safer and ensure workers are informed about their rights and benefits.
The Request for Application (RFA) for the current CWOP cycle was initially published on November 18, 2024. An amendment to the RFA was posted on December 11, 2024. Interested applicants are responsible for monitoring the DIR CWOP webpage for updates to the RFA or Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to the CWOP 5.0/6.0 Grant.
Details about eligibility, funding amounts, application requirements, deadlines, and the scope of activities eligible for funding under the CWOP will likely be specified in the RFA and accompanying documents. For the most accurate and comprehensive information, applicants are encouraged to review the RFA and amendment in full and check the DIR CWOP webpage regularly.
