California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) Supplemental Request for Applications (RFA) Program Year (PY) 2026-2027
🏛 Department of Industrial Relations (California)
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based organizations and entities implementing tire-derived aggregate (TDA) projects. Eligible applicants include local governments, special districts, public school districts, state agencies, universities, for-profit businesses with California operations, nonprofits (501c3/c4/c6/c10), and qualifying tribal entities. Projects must fall into one of five categories: mechanically stabilized TDA for retaining walls, low-impact stormwater development, lightweight fill and slope stabilization, vibration mitigation under rail lines, or landfill applications. Geographic scope is limited to California.
Program description
Strategic Components of CWOP 5.0/6.0: Comprehensive Education on Workplace Protections: Expanding the scope included workplace protections to improve workplace safety and health conditions for workers, combat wage theft and protection from retaliation, and provide workers with information on their rights to benefits and medical care for work-related illnesses and injuries. Language: Continuing the commitment to diversity, outreach materials will be accessible in multiple languages, addressing the needs of California’s diverse workforce. Outreach: Utilizing interactive activities to engage workers and employers in meaningful discussions about safety practices, rights, and resources regardless of immigration status. This includes workshops, seminars, and direct outreach efforts. Collaboration: Strengthen ties with CBOs, labor, occupational health centers, and agricultural associations to enhance the reach and impact of the program. Rural Strategic Engagement: Targeted outreach and legal resources to support access to in-person services in under-resourced, rural areas for especially vulnerable workers. Priority Topics: workplace health and safety and hazards such as heat illness, paid sick leave, wage theft, Workers ’Compensation, anti-retaliation protections, worker-related complaints, claim filing processes and procedures, and support filing complaints for workplace non-compliance. High-risk industries: agriculture, car wash, food processing, including meatpacking, food service, including restaurants, grocery, and retail, janitorial and hospitality, warehouse/logistics, manufacturing, garment, residential care, and others as identified by DIR.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form or cover letter
- Project description and scope
- Project budget and cost estimate
- Project timeline
- Evidence of eligibility (registration documents for nonprofits; operational proof for for-profits; tribal recognition for tribal entities)
Program contact
- 📧 cwop@dir.ca.gov
- 📞 1-510-507-0217
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
California local governments, state agencies, schools, universities, for-profit businesses with CA operations, nonprofits, and tribal entities are eligible. Each applicant type has specific requirements.
What projects qualify for funding?
Five project categories are eligible: mechanically stabilized TDA retaining walls, stormwater/LID projects, lightweight fill and slope stabilization, rail vibration mitigation, and landfill applications.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing is required. The grant covers 100% of eligible project costs.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically reach up to $375,000 per project. The total program pool is $750,000.
When is the deadline?
Applications are due July 16, 2026. This appears to be a one-time deadline for this funding cycle.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the five eligible project categories early to confirm your project matches. Misalignment with project categories is a common rejection reason.
- Demonstrate clear environmental or engineering benefits of using TDA. Funders prioritize projects showing cost savings and superior performance versus conventional materials.
- Include detailed project plans, timelines, and budget justification. Vague scope or unrealistic budgets weaken competitiveness.
- If you are a for-profit business, document your California operational presence thoroughly. Out-of-state applicants face stricter verification requirements.
- Connect your project to regional stormwater or waste reduction goals where applicable. Strong alignment with California's broader sustainability objectives increases funding chances.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects that don't clearly fall within the five eligible categories. Incomplete documentation of California operational presence for out-of-state businesses. Weak cost-benefit analysis showing TDA advantages versus conventional aggregates.
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