Deadline: 26-Sep-2025
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs is launching a new initiative titled “Leveling the Field for American Workers in U.S.–Mexico Trade.”
The initiative focuses on strengthening protections for workers’ rights, improving compliance with labor laws, and fostering sustainable labor practices. By supporting targeted projects, this program seeks to enhance workplace conditions and empower workers while encouraging collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities.
This opportunity is structured to support impactful initiatives through a cooperative agreement. A total of approximately $10,000,000 is available, with the intent to fund one award. Applicants may request up to the ceiling amount of $10,000,000, and all awards are subject to the availability of federal funds. If additional funds are secured, the Department of Labor may increase the awarded amount or select additional recipients from the existing pool of applicants.
The performance period for funded projects is 54 months from the date of the award. This timeline includes all necessary start-up and implementation activities, giving recipients ample opportunity to deliver meaningful results within Mexico’s labor sector. Applicants are expected to design comprehensive strategies that can create long-term improvements in the protection of labor rights and the promotion of fair employment practices.
Eligibility for this program is broad, opening the door for a diverse range of applicants. U.S. organizations may apply, including nonprofits, community-based and faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and Native American tribal organizations. For-profit entities are also eligible. Non-U.S. organizations may apply as well, including public international organizations as defined under federal regulations.
This funding opportunity represents a major step toward supporting labor reforms and building strong protections for workers in Mexico. By fostering international collaboration and empowering organizations to take action, the program is positioned to deliver tangible benefits for both workers and labor systems at large.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
