NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR MARKS TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK BY ANNOUNCING $1 MILLION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Interested Organizations Can Apply Here

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced a $1 million workforce development grant opportunity for organizations that serve transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) individuals. The release of this funding opportunity marks Transgender Awareness Week, which runs November 13 through 19. This grant, first announced in Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State Agenda, is part of the Governor's $12.25 million investment for the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund, continuing to build upon the state’s commitment to the TGNCNB community.

“Transgender Awareness Week is an opportunity to honor the lives and contributions of the TGNCNB community across New York State,” said New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “This new funding allows us to continue to raise up those important voices throughout the year by supporting vital workforce training programs that truly understand their needs.”

Funding through this grant will support organizations that demonstrate the capacity to increase access to employment for TGNCNB individuals, promote employment equity for TGNCNB individuals through full and equal access to training services, and eliminate bias and discrimination based on gender identity and expression in the workplace. Funds can be used for organizations to develop and enhance comprehensive workforce development services and expenses, including:

• Occupational skills training
• Career development services
• Supportive services

These funds seek to help TGNCNB individuals enter the workforce, qualify for employment, achieve full employment, or increase wages through skill development. Interested organizations can learn more and apply for funding here. Grant submissions are due January 17, 2025. Grant awards will range between $50,000 and $250,000 per year.

In June, the Department announced plans for this grant and encouraged interested organizations to come forward so staff could provide technical assistance to help them prepare for the application process. Since that time, dozens of organizations were engaged, many of which took part in related grant process training webinars.

This program also follows the release of NYSDOL's 2023 TGNCNB Employment Report, which found that community relationships and skill development are key to enhancing TGNCNB individuals' economic mobility.