Occupational Safety and Health Grant Program

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, administers the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program. This initiative, established by the Oregon Legislature in 1990 through ORS 654.191, provides funding to support the creation of innovative workplace safety and health training programs. The program is designed to augment Oregon OSHA’s existing training efforts and expand access to quality education in occupational safety and health throughout the state. For the 2025–2026 cycle, Oregon OSHA has allocated a total of $360,000 for grant funding. Grants will typically be awarded in amounts up to $40,000 per project, although larger requests may be considered with appropriate justification and approval. Funding is awarded on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon the submission and approval of quarterly reports and deliverables. All training materials developed under this program become public property and must be freely accessible to Oregon employers and workers. Eligible applicants include labor consortiums, employer consortiums, educational institutions affiliated with labor or employer groups, and other nonprofit organizations. The program does not permit for-profit activities, such as selling training materials developed with grant funds. Projects must propose new or significantly expanded training initiatives and cannot support activities required by law or already conducted as part of regular operations. Ineligible expenses include lost-time wages, lobbying, and membership drives. There are also caps on spending categories: no more than 20% of funds may be used for research, operations, or equipment, and subcontracted services are limited to 40%. The application process is rigorous and requires a completed application package including multiple forms (Forms A through D), a project director’s resume, a timeline, a detailed budget, and a summary of proposed expenditures. Proposals must clearly describe the occupational hazard or safety issue being addressed, outline the target audience, and explain how the project aligns with Oregon OSHA’s goals. Applicants must demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and a plan for evaluation. Evidence of collaboration between labor, management, and the target audience is required. Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on October 3, 2025. Applications are first reviewed by Oregon OSHA staff for completeness and compliance, and then forwarded to the Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee (SEETAC) for scoring and recommendation. Scoring is based on a 100-point matrix that includes factors such as project impact, design, management, and resource planning. Final funding decisions are made by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. Applicants may be asked to give a brief oral presentation in November 2025. Funded grantees are required to submit quarterly reports detailing project activities, class attendance, expenditures, and training summaries. Grantees must also cooperate with audits and evaluations and are responsible for maintaining a separate accounting system for grant funds. Any unused funds must be returned at the end of the project. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Theodore (Ted) Bunch, Oregon OSHA’s Grant Coordinator, at 971-375-8001 or via email at theodore.bunch@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Submit early. Clearly distinguish your project from past work if reapplying. Ensure all required documents are complete. Be ready to give a presentation if asked.