FAQs - CWOP Request For Application (RFA) Supplemental Funding
FAQ Categories
1. GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. When will the RFA be released?
A. The RFA will be open on May 12, 2026.
Q. When will the application close?
A. The RFA will close on June 12, 2026, at 5 PM PT.
Q. Where do the supplemental funds come from?
A. The supplemental funding was appropriated for CWOP 5.0/6.0 in 2025.
Q. Will the new CWOP grant opportunity be known as "CWOP-7"?
A. No. Supplemental funding will support CWOP 5.0/6.0.
Q. Is this RFA open to new applicants or only current cohort members?
A. Open to all, current grantees and new applicants.
Q. What is the time frame that we are trying to have the new RFA ready for CBOs to start working on their deliverables?
A. The work for new grantees will tentatively begin in August or the Fall of 2026. Current CWOP grantees may begin work during the same time or as early as July 1, 2026.
Q. Can a Bay Area grantee apply even if it is not a priority region?
A. Yes, although priority will be given to those fulfilling gaps and emerging needs as detailed in Section C of the RFA.
Q. Will you be posting these Q&A as an FAQ as a PDF file or on the website?
A. As an FAQ on the DIR website.
Q. Can we apply to multiple regions?
A. Yes.
Q. Are you focusing on Indigenous languages from Latin America?
A. We are focusing primarily on Indigenous languages from Mexico found in California – such as Mixteco, Triqui, Zapotec, Chatino, Amuzgo, and Purépecha – as well as some Maya languages spoken by Indigenous migrants from southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Q. Do the ‘tools’ under the new category have to automate claims processes or necessarily be some kind of digital tool in this way?
A. The proposed tool must facilitate in the State complaint or claim process. Examples are a wage theft calculator or demand letter generator.
Q. Are you saying that Outreach Tools is a tool that we could need to create? Would the Outreach Tools be a software tool that we would need to develop?
A. Yes, as part of this category, this would be something you create or develop for cohort wide use, to support the mission of CWOP. Please refer to the RFA questions to get insight into the details we would need from you regarding the proposed tool.
Q. Are there benchmarks or ranges for expected outputs by funding level? Provide clearer guidance on funding-to-deliverable expectations.
A. Following competitive review and scoring, funds for prospective grantees will be determined based on their proposed scope, in comparison to other applicants. For current grantees seeking additional funds and increased deliverables, we will look at Year 1 performance and the proposed changes.
Q. How should applicants calibrate ambitious yet realistic deliverables?
A. Applicants should set tangible deliverables that are in line with their capacity and expertise.
Q. Clarify expectations around “filling gaps and emerging needs”.
A. Please refer to section C of the DRAFT RFA.
Q. Would Legal Services be considered a new category for Legal Aid Partners for the Rural Strategic Engagement Clinics?
A. Yes.
Q. Can a current grantee apply through the survey to increase deliverables AND the RFA for a new category?
A. Yes.
Q. Where can we find the recording of this meeting?
A. The recording will be available on the CWOP webpage.
Q. Are their particular regions that are a priority for new organizations to be awarded?
A. Yes, please refer to section C of the DRAFT RFA.
Q. Is there anything Co-Regional Leads should be aware of if applying for Supplemental funding?
A. If you are a co-regional lead not directly funded by DIR, you will need to apply through the RFA.
Q. Will legal services be considered as a new category for partners that are part of RSE?
A. Yes.
2. FUNDING ALLOCATIONS
Q. What is the total amount available for the RFA?
A. The Legislature provided an additional 13 million dollars last year to support CWOP 5.0/6.0. This RFA is intended to distribute the supplemental funding that has not yet been allocated.
Q. Will it be like the last application, where we can ask for the full amount allowed, but may only be granted part of that?
A. Yes.
Q. Will the DIR also consider partial funding of proposals?
A. Yes.
Q. What is the max funding request we could ask for the new category and for expanding the existing category?
A. The RFA outlines maximum funding for each new category. The survey has a field to enter the funding request amount; additional funds for current grantees will be determined by their proposed scope.
Q. If the co-regional lead with direct contact with DIR does not have the capacity to apply for additional funds, can the sub-contracted co-regional lead apply for the supplemental funding?
A. Subgrantees not directly funded by DIR can apply to the RFA as a new applicant. If a Regional Lead wants to request additional funds (and higher deliverables) on behalf of a co-regional lead not directly funded by DIR, they can do so through the survey.
Q. How will funding decisions balance underserved regions with high-capacity, high-performing existing grantees in non-priority regions?
A. Additional funds for new applicants will prioritize gaps and emerging needs as detailed in the RFA. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA.
Q. How many additional awards are we planning to give out? Increase transparency on how supplemental funds will be allocated.
A. Supplemental funds will be used to support grantees in the current network and to address gaps and emerging needs with new partners. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA. Exact number of awards will depend on the number of applicants.
Q. What percentage of the funding do you anticipate going to each of the categories? (For example, what percentage for activator plus, communications, legal service, etc.)
A. This is dependent on the total number of new applicants as well as requests from current grantees.
Q. I was wondering if there was some more background to this? I am not too sure about some components of the RFA, such as how much may be available in supplemental funding to augment an existing activity that we are carrying out?
A. If you are a current grantee hoping to increase deliverables under your current role, please fill out the survey. If you want to apply to one of the new categories, you will need to apply through the RFA.
Q. How are fund amounts determined? Based on the additional amount of workers reached?
A. Following competitive review and scoring, funds for prospective grantees will be determined based on their proposed scope, in comparison to other applicants. For current grantees seeking additional funds and increased deliverables, we will look at Year 1 performance and the proposed changes.
Q. Anticipated funding for existing grantees vs. new applicants?
A. This is dependent on the total number of new applicants as well as requests from current grantees. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA.
Q. It would be extremely helpful if DIR could provide some guidance on how much supplemental funding to request for a given increase in our deliverables. While we realize it may not be possible to come up with a simple formula, we would like to have some way to make sure that our request is not wildly out of line with DIR's expectations.
A. This is dependent on the total number of new applicants as well as requests from current grantees. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA.
3. PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS
Q. How will “gaps and emerging needs” be weighted relative to scaling current high-performing grantees?
A. This is dependent on the total number of new applicants as well as requests from current grantees. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA.
Q. How will regional priorities be balanced with demonstrated performance? Address regional equity vs. performance considerations?
A. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA. Following competitive review and scoring, funds for prospective grantees will be determined based on their proposed scope, in comparison to other applicants. For current grantees seeking additional funds and increased deliverables, we will look at Year 1 performance and the proposed changes.
Q. Clarify expectations for the Activator Plus role. What distinguishes a strong Activator Plus proposal from an expanded Activator scope?
A. Activators and Activator Plus applicants should consider these roles if they are interested in engaging in direct outreach to workers and/or employers and distributing existing or pre-approved DIR materials. Outreach deliverables include door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, outreach at events or high-traffic areas, and meetings (interactive, virtual, or in-person). Applicants may also supplement their two-way, high-engagement outreach with supplemental educational activities such as one-way texting, distributing flyers/mailers, posting on social media, participating in interviews or PSAs, working with ethnic media partners, and writing and distributing blogs and mass emails. The Activator Plus role has additional tactics that need to be fulfilled, which differentiates it from the Activator role. These additional tactics are coordinating and hosting small and large-scale events, providing direct support to workers, training worker leaders, and providing technical assistance. The funding cap for the Activator Plus role is higher than that of the Activator role.
Q. Expansion for Language Access Beyond Indigenous Languages: As it is currently written, the RFA’s focus is on Indigenous languages. We request more clarity on other languages that are included and that require language access, such as Khmer, Hmong, Punjabi, simplified and traditional Chinese, Urdu, Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Pashto, and Brazilian Portuguese. The funding for language access should go to CBOs with cultural and linguistic competence who work with the affected communities.
A. Language access remains a core priority, with Indigenous languages representing a significant gap in coverage within the current CWOP cohort. While the proposed supplemental funding is not limited solely to addressing this gap, Indigenous language access is one of several needs that have been identified. Through this RFA, we aim to expand communications support and develop additional materials and resources in Indigenous languages to better advance the mission of CWOP.
The original RFA has consistently prioritized language access, as demonstrated by the more than 40 languages currently supported across the CWOP 5.0/6.0 cohort. Many existing grantees already possess the expertise, experience, and cultural competency to meet language access needs for languages such as Khmer, Hmong, Punjabi, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Urdu, Arabic, Farsi/Dari, Pashto, and Brazilian Portuguese, among others, within their current grant scope and deliverables. Additionally, translation and interpretation services for these languages are generally more accessible than for Indigenous languages.
Most Indigenous farmworkers in California are from Mexico, with estimates suggesting that a large majority originate from there. As a result, the Indigenous language gap is primarily concentrated in Mexican Indigenous languages present in California, including Mixteco, Triqui, Zapotec, Chatino, Amuzgo, and Purépecha, to list a few, as well as some Maya languages spoken by Indigenous migrants from southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Q. Are there priority activities (e.g., training, technical assistance, direct worker support) that will be weighed more heavily?
A. For Activator and Activator Plus applicants, interactive tactics will be weighed more heavily than educational/promotional tactics. For Activator Plus applicants, funding will depend on the number and types of additional coordination tactics proposed (small and large-scale events, direct support to workers, trainings for worker leaders, and technical assistance).
Q. Adjust Large-Scale Event Deliverables: CWOP’s ability to meet workers where they have been a fundamental part of the program. In the current climate, workers are reluctant to attend in-person events due to fear of ongoing immigration raids throughout the state. CBOs have since adapted their outreach strategies to reach workers in ways that do not compromise security, including virtual events, hybrid meetings, and streaming on social media. This permits CBOs to provide critical resources to even more community members. The number required for large-scale events should be flexible because the turnout to in-person events is unpredictable, especially in communities that have experienced ICE activity. To reach heavily impacted workers, deliverables for large-scale events should be lowered and/or allow for virtual touchpoints. Small events with greater turnout than anticipated should be allowed to be upgraded or counted as large-scale deliverables. This two-way flexibility can encourage CBOS to focus on the quality of their event over the number of participants present.
A. We are allowing applicants and current grantees to propose 2 small-scale events instead (or in lieu) of 1 large-scale event. We heard this feedback and attempted to incorporate more flexible language in the current version of the RFA. For concerns with your deliverables, please reach out to your UC Lead and DIR at CWOP@dir.ca.gov.
Q. Given the current political climate, is there flexibility on what is considered a large-scale event? It says 125.
A. We are allowing applicants and current grantees to propose 2 small-scale events instead (or in lieu) of 1 large-scale event. We heard this feedback and attempted to incorporate more flexible language in the current version of the RFA. If one large-scale event is not feasible, please apply for 2 small-scale events, or convert your number of large-scale events to small-scale events following the 1:2 ratio.
Q. Are partnerships across regions or sectors encouraged?
A. Yes
Q. Strengthen guidance for communications and language access work?
A. Please refer to section C of the DRAFT RFA and the RFA questions.
Q. Can sample scopes or model approaches be provided?
A. There is no one‑size‑fits‑all scope. Applicants should propose tangible deliverables that align with their capacity and areas of expertise.
Q. We respectfully request that the California Department of Industrial Relations’ California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) 6.0 include funding for immigration education and legal services. Including this as a permissible use of funding in the CWOP 6.0 Supplemental Funding Request for Application (RFA) is critical towards accomplishing the CWOP objectives of promoting and educating Californians on their labor rights and benefits for workers suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses. And it will allow us to more comprehensively serve California’s low-wage, immigrant, and rural workforce populations. The draft RFA contains language referring to providing information “regardless of immigration status.” However, providing holistic and relevant information to California workers with regard to their immigration status is critical in this current environment. The inclusion of immigration education and legal services in CWOP 6.0 funding would advance the strategic components of the project that are identified in its draft Supplemental Funding RFA. For example, the inclusion would advance the CWOP 6.0 objective of rural strategic engagement that targets outreach and legal resources to support access to in-person services in under-resourced, rural areas, especially for vulnerable workers. It would also advance one of CWOP 6.0’s key focuses of reaching agricultural workers. Further, enabling CBOs to provide immigration information and legal services through CWOP 6.0 funding would help fulfill several of the gaps and emerging needs identified by the project, specifically by expanding CBOs’ ability to reach immigrant and migrant communities and more broadly serve workers in the agricultural industry, including young agricultural workers and workers in hazardous work environments, in the San Joaquin Valley and other key regions throughout California.
A. CWOP funding can be used for immigration know your rights in the workplace, a topic that we've provided training and resources for and is captured in CORD reporting. There are limitations to CWOP funding, however, as the outreach and education work must be tied back to workplace protections covered under the California Labor Code, such as:
- Labor Code 90.2 – Requires employers to notify workers when a Form I‑9 audit or inspection is noticed, or provide results of an I-9 inspection to each affected employee.
- Labor Code 244 – Prohibits employers from reporting or threatening to report a worker’s suspected or actual immigration status as a form of retaliation.
- Labor Code 1019 – Makes it unlawful to engage in unfair immigration‑related practices.
- Labor Code 1019.1 – Prohibits employers from requesting more or different work‑authorization documents than required, or refusing to accept valid documents.
- Labor Code 1019.2 – Prohibits unlawful reverification of a worker’s employment eligibility unless required by federal law.
- Labor Code 1019.4 – Prohibits employers from reverifying employment eligibility in a discriminatory or retaliatory way.
- Labor Code 1171.5 – Declares immigration status does not affect a worker’s rights under California labor law.
- Labor Code 2814 – Prohibits employers from using E‑Verify to check the work authorization status of a current employee or an applicant who has not yet received a job offer, except where federal law requires it.
With that said, 1) we added the legal services category to bring in additional capacity within the CWOP cohort, to better address some of the challenges partners have highlighted with increased immigration enforcement and immigration-related threats in the workplace, and 2) we are actively finding ways to connect other state programs to CWOP, such as the Department of Social Services' Regional Network Hubs and Immigration Services for Farmworkers program to meet gaps that CWOP cannot fill. We would like to identify more ways to connect workers to legal and social services where possible. We acknowledge that the need is much larger than the resources available.
Q. How do you plan to integrate new grantees into the network? What’s your plan?
A. The plan is to integrate new grantees in August 2026. DIR and the UC Leads will provide onboarding training to ensure new grantees receive the same information as the rest of the CWOP cohort. Please share any ideas for integrating new grantees by emailing them to CWOP@dir.ca.gov.
Q. Is the Outreach Tools category confined to automated tools, or would other types of materials be permitted (e.g., one-page fact sheets, etc.)
A. Outreach tools are different from outreach materials. Samples for tools include a wage theft calculator or demand letter generator.
4. QUESTIONS FOR CURRENT GRANTEES
Q. Can you confirm that regional leads can ask for additional funding (as long as the work fits in one of the categories provided)?
A. Regional leads can either request increased deliverables and funding through the survey once available or apply to one of the new categories through the RFA. The RFA does not have Regional Lead as a role or category because all Regional Leads for CWOP regions have already been selected for CWOP 5.0/6.0.
Q. Can orgs fill out the survey AND the RFA?
A. Yes, current grantees can fill out the survey and RFA.
Q. For existing funded organizations, how do we indicate or request consideration for funds for the three categories that were not part of the prior application (legal services, outreach tools, and communication support?
A. You will need to submit one application for each of those new categories.
Q. Do organizations that are current grantees of 5.0/6.0 need to re-apply under our currently granted role (Activator, Activator Plus), or if the amounts listed are available to just expand upon our current deliverables.
A. If you are a current grantee hoping to increase deliverables under your current role, please fill out the survey. If you want to apply to one of the new categories, you will need to apply through the RFA.
Q. If current CWOP grantees win an award, will this supplemental funding be an amendment to the current contract, or will this be treated as a new contract?
A. If awarded, current grantees will go through a grant agreement amendment.
Q. Is the survey intended to be live yet?
A. No, it will be released at the same time as the RFA.
Q. Will you be reviewing our current billing for Year 1 to determine Year 2 additional funding?
A. Yes.
Q. Could Regional Leads apply for Activator Plus in this RFA?
A. No. Please use the survey once available to request changes to your deliverables under your current agreement. Regional Lead and Activator Plus roles have overlapping tactics.
Q. Is there an opportunity to switch from Activator to Activator Plus?
A. You may request Activator Plus tactics through the survey once available for our formal review.
Q. As an Activator grantee, can we expand into a new region using the survey? Or can we only increase our deliverables in the same region?
Yes, you can expand into new regions. Please use the survey once available to request these changes.
Q. Will the service period remain the same if an organization is awarded additional funds?
A. Depends on the request. You can specify whether you would like a change in your service period in addition to higher deliverables through the survey.
Q. Can a current RSE (Rural Strategic Engagement) partner apply for additional funds around Activator or Activator Plus deliverables?
A. Yes, an RSE clinic host solely funded by RSE can submit an RFA for Activator or Activator Plus deliverables as part of CWOP.
Q. Where and when will the survey be available?
A. The survey will be released at the same time as the RFA.
Q. On the survey, if we pick an option under #3 and hit "Submit", are we able to go back and change our response later if we decide it's necessary?
A. The current survey is a draft survey – please do not submit information yet. The draft survey was made available for reference purposes only.
Q. What defines “on track or surpassing deliverables”?
A. Please refer to Exhibits C, D and E of your grant agreement to see how your deliverables are distributed for Year 1 of your service period. On track means that you are progressing and achieving your deliverables in the schedule outlined in your agreement.
Q. Will current grantees include additional funding into their existing reports for monthly reporting and for quarterly invoicing? Or is this considered a separate contract and therefore its own reporting/invoicing track?
A. Existing grantees who request to increase their CWOP deliverables in their current role will receive an amended agreement. Reporting and invoicing processes will remain the same.
Q. How should current grantees in non-priority regions position their proposals to remain competitive? Ex: Bay Area region
A. Current grantees must be on track with their deliverables and be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.
Q. What information will be required in the survey?
A. These are the draft questions:
- Are you a current CWOP 5.0/6.0 grantee?
- Enter your CWOP grant number (sample: 25CWOP-##)
- What does your request entail?
No-cost period extension: maintain the same grant amount and deliverables with an extension of contract end date.
Service period extension with increased funds and deliverables under current CWOP role.
Increased funds and deliverables with the same service period under current CWOP role. - Why are you requesting a no-cost extension?
- What is your requested service extension? Enter a proposed new grant agreement end date.
- How much are you requesting to increase your grant amount by? Enter the dollar amount of additional funds being requested.
- What interactive tactics are you planning to increase or add to your
contract? Enter the # of workers you plan to reach with these additional funds, in addition to the deliverables already in your grant agreement. If a tactic does not apply, enter 0.
Number of Workers Reached
Door to door
Phone Banking
Outreach at Events and High Traffic Areas
Meetings - What educational/promotional tactics are you planning to increase or add to
your contract? Enter the # of activities you plan to add to the deliverables already in your grant agreement. If a tactic does not apply, enter 0.
Number by Activity
Number of flyers/mailers disturbed
Number of social media posts made
Number of interviews/PSAs completed
Number if ethic media partners engaged - [AP and RL only] What coordination tactics are you planning to increase or add to your contract? Enter the # of activities you plan to add to the deliverables already in your grant agreement. If a tactic does not apply, enter 0.
Number by Activity
Number of technical hours
Number of small-scale events held
Number of large-scale events held - How is your organization prepared to receive additional funds and increase deliverables?
Q. Clarify the “survey vs. full application” pathway for current grantees?
A. If you are a current grantee hoping to increase deliverables under your current role, please fill out the survey. If you want to apply to one of the new categories, you will need to apply through the RFA.
Q. How will survey submissions be evaluated compared to full RFA applications?
A. Survey submissions will look at current performance under existing deliverables. Full RFA application will go through an extensive scoring and review process per the scoring rubric.
Q. Is there an opportunity to support both scaling existing impact and filling geographic gaps?
A. Yes, existing grantees can request an increase in their CWOP deliverables for additional funds for DIR review.
Q. If a current grantee wants to introduce a new category, are they REQUIRED to complete both the RFA and the survey, or can they submit just the survey?
A. Existing grantees who are applying to a new category will need to fill out the RFA. If you are requesting to increase your deliverables and funding under your current role, that can be done through the survey. If you want to do both -- apply for a new category AND increase your current deliverables, you'll need to fill out the RFA and survey, respectively.
Q. Finally, as we discussed, we were wondering if there would be an opportunity to rebalance some of our deliverables. As I mentioned, we are far ahead in some of our deliverables (for example, direct support to workers) and have a little way to go on others (for example, small events and media interviews). We do *not* anticipate any difficulties meeting our current deliverables by the end of the grant period; however, if there were an opportunity to decrease some deliverables and correspondingly increase others, we would likely take advantage of that. If that is possible, it would be helpful to have some guidance on how to convert between different deliverable types.
A. If you are requesting an increase in funding and deliverables only, you can do that through the survey once available. If you are requesting changes to your current deliverables -- a combination of decreasing some and increasing others, please reach out to us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov for guidance.
Q. If an existing grantee fills out the RFA, will that also be treated as an amendment like the survey?
A. If you are a current grantee hoping to increase deliverables under your current role, please fill out the survey. If you want to apply to one of the new categories, you will need to apply through the RFA. If awarded, current grantees will go through a grant agreement amendment.
Q. We'd like to confirm we understand the process as a current grantee. Did we understand correctly that we would not need to submit another application since our current grant is for 2 years, and that if we want to request an increase in an already awarded category, there will be a survey available for that?
A. If you are a current grantee hoping to increase deliverables under your current role, please fill out the survey. If you want to apply to one of the new categories, you will need to apply through the RFA.
Q. Increase Regional Lead Funding to Meet Workload and Make Existing CBO’s Whole: CBOs with prior experience in previous CWOP iterations should receive additional points on their application. These CBOs have a proven track record of reaching communities to provide vital information and solutions when it comes to workplace violations. With increased supplemental funding for CWOP 6.0, we expect there to be new CBOs that were not initially included in the 5.0 cohort. This will increase the workload for Regional Leads to check in and support the programmatic success of new participants. There is no option to request additional funding to reflect this increase in capacity in the current survey. We request that DIR include guidance for Regional Leads to help aid the new CBO transitions. In addition, CBOs received decreased funding in this iteration of CWOP. We request that priority be given to making the existing CBO’s whole.
A. Thank you for the feedback. Based on the scoring rubric, previous CWOP grantees will get additional points during review and scoring. Regional leads can request supplemental funding for increased deliverables through the survey. We don't expect to bring on too many new grantees due to the limited supplemental funding available. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA. DIR and its UC technical assistance providers will support the onboarding and integration of any new partners.
Q. If new grantees get funded to a region, how do you plan to support funding for regional leads?
A. Regional leads can request supplemental funding for increased deliverables through the survey. We don't expect to bring on too many new grantees due to the limited supplemental funding available. DIR and its UC technical assistance providers will support the onboarding and integration of any new partners.
Q. Criteria Needed for Increase in Funding: We are requesting that the RFA provide criteria for existing grantees, such as outreach, flyering, large events, small events, etc., and new categories, such as clinics, to understand the additional deliverables needed for increased supplemental funding levels.
A. Existing CBOs can complete a survey to request additional funds and deliverables. Through the survey, they can specify which tactics to add or increase. Q. For existing grantees who are doing legal services as part of their existing contract, can those deliverables be increased through the survey, or does that need to be submitted via the RFA application?
A. Existing grantees who are conducting legal services as part of their existing grant agreement and role can complete the survey to request an increase in deliverables.
Q. If you are part of RSE for a certain geographical area, can you apply for CWOP funds for legal clinics in a totally different geographical area that is also one of the priority areas?
A. Yes.
5. EVALUATION
Q. Can you share who will be reviewing applications?
A. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a diverse team of DIR and division staff, as well as staff from other agencies within the Labor Workforce and Development Agency.Q. What are the selection criteria? Will DIR be prioritizing existing grantees or new grantees?
A. The selection criteria is listed in the Evaluation section of the RFA. Funding allocations will be dependent on the total pool of new applicants as well as requests from current grantees. We are currently considering a 60%/40% split – with 60% going to current grantees that want to increase their deliverables and 40% to new grantees filling gaps and emerging needs as outlined in the RFA.
Q. So, not all current partners will receive supplemental funds?
A. No. Current partners interested in additional funds must fill out the survey once available. For current grantees seeking additional funds and increased deliverables, we will look at Year 1 performance and the proposed changes.
6. EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENTS
Q. Will preliminary award notifications or planning guidance be shared earlier?
A. Notice of Grant Awards will be issued before grant agreements are finalized.
Q. Considering that we may not be able to roll out new contracts until August. The 2026-2027 CWOP 6.0 starts, I think, on July 1st. Will we be able to start work in July before the new contract?
A. The work for new grantees will tentatively begin in August or the Fall of 2026.
7. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL/NON-RFA FEEDBACK
Q. As an RSE, we find that people respond much better and engage more when an attorney can appear in person, rather than via online. Would it be possible to amend the agreement to request additional funds for attorney travel?
A. Please reach out to your UC Lead and DIR at CWOP@dir.ca.gov to discuss.
Q. Helping workers to fill out the Medi-Cal applications for renewal could be an activity supported with this funding?
A. No, CWOP work must be tied back to workplace protections covered under the California Labor Code.
Q. Recommendation to expand public comment period to end of April?
A. The Department of Industrial Relations extended the public comment period for the draft Supplemental Funding Request for Application (RFA) to April 20, 2026.
Q. Recommendation to edit/soften this language: Recipients will be required to submit monthly activity reports on the CORD platform and quarterly invoices with supporting narrative and reporting information. The first reporting period will be one (1) month into the grant period, at which time grantees must provide progress towards contracted deliverables through the CORD platform. Quarterly invoices will not be approved and processed unless the recipient is in compliance with monthly reporting and is showing process towards completing their grant deliverables.
A. Thank you for your feedback. DIR will consider the recommendation.
Q. Opportunities to standardize metrics or share tools across the CWOP network could increase overall impact.
A. Thank you for the feedback we will review it and take it into consideration. Please email us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov for non-RFA related questions.
Q. Can you confirm what data elements are required versus optional for an interaction to be considered “complete” (under the current cycle) and therefore reportable? (noting there has been some inconsistency in prior guidance)
A. Please refer to the Reporting onboarding on CORD DAL and reach out to your UC Lead for further questions on reporting.
Q. We'd like to also underscore how this funding is necessary to reach underserved populations, and that the in-language resources in South Asian languages have been instrumental for community members seeking support and guidance.
A. Thank you for your feedback.
Q. Is there a plan for shared access to materials developed through this funding?
A. Yes
Q. Encourage continued cohort coordination and learning.
A. We encourage cohort coordination and learning. Please email us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov for non-RFA related questions.
Q. Consider formal structures for cross-grantee collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment of outreach strategies?
A. Thank you for the feedback. These are all components of the current model. Please email us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov for non-RFA related questions.
Q. Under Outreach Tools (p.6) consider adding referrals and linkages to legal services for workers who may have a legal case?
A. Thank you for your feedback. DIR will consider the recommendation when reporting details are developed.
Q. Monthly reporting plus quarterly invoicing may be burdensome for smaller awards. Is there an opportunity to streamline or scale reporting requirements based on grant size Evaluate reporting requirements relative to funding size?
A. For CWOP 5.0/6.0, monthly reporting and quarterly invoicing are required. These are standardized by role across the cohort.
Q. Looking ahead to the upcoming cycle, is there any openness to distinguishing lighter-touch engagement (e.g., sharing materials or flyers) as a form of interaction, provided we can still capture key fields such as location, language, and topic covered?
A. While educational/promotional tactics such as flyering are included as potential tactics under this RFA, we encourage and value interactive, two-way engagement with workers. If you have feedback about current cohort reporting and other non-RFA questions, please email us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov or contact your UC Lead.
Q. Given the May application deadline and August start, is there flexibility for ramp-up and staffing?
A. Yes, in the first quarter of the service period.
Q. Per our university’s Office of Contracts and Grants Administration, we request the following language be added to the RFA and survey to confirm eligibility of university-based programs to participate in this initiative: “Eligible applicants also include public universities such as CSU and The Regents of the University of California. If a CSU or a campus under The Regents is selected for funding, the California Model Agreement will be used as the award mechanism.”
A. Applicants must have active and approved tax‑exempt 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(5) status, or be classified as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the Internal Revenue Code. We will use the agreed‑upon standard grant agreement between DIR and the campuses.
Q. Assess timeline feasibility.
A. Thank you for the feedback. Please email us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov for non-RFA-related questions.
Q. Work Collaboratively with CBOs to Address Invoicing Issues to Avoid Payment Delays: Remove the language on page 7 that states “Quarterly invoices will not be approved and processed unless the recipient is in compliance with monthly reporting and is showing progress towards completing their grant deliverable.” DIR should create a collaborative process to aid CBOs with reporting without tying it to invoicing. Small trusted messenger CBOs often lack administrative staff and have more challenges complying with invoicing, despite their ability to reach underserved communities identified by the state as a high priority. Prompt payment is essential to avoid staff disruptions for CBOs that lack the resources to advance salaries.
A. Thank you for your feedback. We encourage you to engage with your UC Lead, Regional Lead and the DIR team on reporting and invoicing challenges. Please email us at CWOP@dir.ca.gov for non-RFA-related questions.
Q. Conduct a Q&A Session for RFA: In previous CWOP iterations, CBO’s have had the opportunity to participate in Q & A sessions. CBOs found the info sessions conducted for previous CWOP iterations to be helpful in understanding the proposals and requirements in the application. Given that the current RFA proposes new categories like Outreach Tools and Legal Clinics, we request that DIR conduct info sessions for the final RFA to ensure that there is a shared understanding of these new categories for new applicants. The brunt of the responsibility to answer questions from CBO’s will be on the Regional Leads, and, therefore, the Regional Leads who need to provide accurate information will benefit from Q & A sessions.
A. Thank you for the feedback. We hosted a live Q&A on Friday, 4/17, before the public comment period closed, and plan to hold RFA informational sessions once the RFA is live on 5/18 and 6/1.
Q. Aside from the Supplemental Funds RFA, when will the 7.0 application be released?
A. CWOP 7.0 is dependent on future budget appropriations.
May 2026
