Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) grant for Program Year 2026-27
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations (CBOs) serving workers in California. Eligible recipients include labor organizations, occupational health centers, agricultural associations, and similar entities committed to workplace education and outreach.
The program funds organizations conducting education and outreach on workplace protections. This includes safety, wage theft prevention, workers' compensation, and anti-retaliation rights.
Geographic scope is California only. The program prioritizes rural and underserved areas. It serves workers regardless of immigration status across high-risk industries like agriculture, food processing, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Organizations must demonstrate capacity to deliver multilingual outreach and collaborate with community partners to reach vulnerable workers.
Program description
The Employment Development Department (EDD) announces the availability of up to $2.7 million in Wagner-Peyser 10 percent Governor’s Discretionary funds for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program Year 2026-27 (PY 26-27) grant. This program provides deaf and hard of hearing individuals with enhanced employment services in select America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) locations throughout California. The program will ensure effective communication and increased service opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing individuals by providing specialized counseling, interpretation services, job placement, follow-up services, advocacy that ensures deaf and hard of hearing individuals receive equal access to public and private employment services, and specialized employment preparation services to assist them in becoming job-ready. Eligible applicants for DHH PY 26-27 SFP include public agencies or private non-profit organizations. Individuals are not eligible apply. Leveraged funds are not required for this project, but applicants are encouraged to maximize impact by leveraging other resources; These may include funds, human capital, and other resources from various sources, such as businesses, industry associations, labor organizations, and government programs. Leveraged funds and in-kind resources must be consistent with allowable project activities and may be used by the awardee. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PT on June 18, 2026. An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please refer to the EDD’s Workforce Development Solicitation for Proposals website link below for pre-register instructions: https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/WDSFP_Workforce_Development_Solicitations_for_Proposals The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by June 12, 2026 at noon PT to WSBSFP2@edd.ca.gov. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Detailed project narrative describing outreach activities and target populations
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation (staff qualifications, past experience)
- Letters of support from community partners and collaborating organizations
- Proof of nonprofit or eligible organization status
- Plan for multilingual materials and accessibility
Program contact
- 📧 brandon.raveling@edd.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-891-9189
FAQ
Who can apply for CWOP funding?
Nonprofits, CBOs, labor organizations, occupational health centers, and agricultural associations. You must serve workers in California and demonstrate outreach capacity.
What activities are eligible?
Workshops, seminars, and direct outreach on workplace protections. Eligible topics include safety hazards, wage theft, workers' compensation, paid leave, and anti-retaliation rights.
Is this program California-only?
Yes. The program serves California workers and prioritizes rural and underserved areas within the state.
What is the typical award range?
Grants range from $200,000 to $500,000 for the project period. No cost sharing is required.
Are multilingual materials required?
Yes. The program requires outreach materials in multiple languages to serve California's diverse workforce.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on reaching workers in high-risk industries identified by the state (agriculture, food processing, hospitality, warehouse, garment, manufacturing, residential care).
- Emphasize multilingual capacity and partnerships with CBOs, labor groups, and occupational health centers in your proposal.
- Highlight experience with underserved and rural worker populations, including undocumented workers.
- Document specific workplace protection topics your organization will prioritize (wage theft, heat illness, workers' compensation, etc.).
- Show concrete plans for interactive outreach: workshops, seminars, and direct engagement activities rather than education materials alone.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations lack demonstrated partnerships with CBOs, labor groups, or other community agencies. Proposals without clear multilingual outreach capacity or experience serving immigrant workers are weaker. Applicants without specific focus on identified high-risk industries or rural underserved areas miss the program's core priorities.
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