GrantsUnited States

Advancing Labor Rights in the Garment Industry

Posted August 2, 2026

Application Cycle Concluded

The listed deadline for this opening was August 27, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.

Coverage / FundingFinancial Support Available

Degree LevelOpen to Qualified Applicants

Location / ModeUnited States

DeadlineAug 27, 2026

About this opportunity

The U.S. Department of Labor is funding a single grant of $986,500 to strengthen labor rights protections for garment workers in countries where the U.S. has existing Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs). The program aims to help workers understand and exercise their labor rights, freely associate, and access timely remedies for workplace abuses without fear of retaliation. The work focuses on the garment supply chain, a sector known for widespread labor violations. Grantees will support workers and worker organizations in organizing and advocating for their rights, documenting violations, and pushing for accountability and remediation. The program also engages employers, civil society, and government stakeholders to improve compliance with labor standards and working conditions. This grant is part of a broader U.S. trade policy effort. By strengthening labor provisions in trade agreements, the program aims to create a more level playing field for responsible businesses and reinforce U.S. economic and strategic interests in key manufacturing markets. The work aligns with the current administration's trade and economic policy priorities. The U.S. Department of Labor runs this program through its Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), which has a long history of funding projects to combat child labor, forced labor, and other labor rights abuses globally. ILAB works with partners in more than 90 countries, funding research, technical assistance, and direct support to workers and communities.

Benefits

Grant amount of $986,500, awarded as a single award
Funding supports activities including worker organizing, advocacy, documentation of violations, and stakeholder engagement
Program contributes to improving labor standards and working conditions in the garment sector
Supports a level playing field for responsible businesses in global supply chains

Eligibility

U.S.-based non-profit organizations/NGOs, with or without 501(c)(3) status
Private, public, or state institutions of higher education
For-profit organizations or businesses
Foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGOs)
Public International Organizations

Required Documents

Full application package as required by the U.S. Department of Labor's grant application process
Documentation of organizational status (e.g., proof of non-profit status, incorporation documents)
Detailed project proposal outlining activities, timeline, and budget
Information on prior experience with labor rights or related programming

How to Apply

Review the full grant announcement and application instructions from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Prepare your complete application package, including all required documents and a detailed project budget.
Click the Apply button below to submit your application.

Ready to start your application?

Submit your materials before the official deadline.

Apply Now

Oppora Editorial Application Tip

Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.

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Oppora Editorial Analysis

Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools

Competitiveness Rating:Moderate

Selection Committee Priorities

•Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in United States to Department Of State's strategic goals.
•Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
•Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.

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