Community Outreach and Education Fund 2026-2028 RFP

The goal of the COEF is for OLS to build capacity among, and partnership with, community-based organizations who can increase workers' knowledge of Seattle labor standards rights through methods that are community centered, culturally relevant and accessible, and language specific. Partners also provide intake, counseling, complaint resolution, and referral services. In particular, the Community Outreach and Education Fund focuses on workers who are at high risk for labor standards violations. While all workers are at risk, data shows that low-wage workers experience the highest rates of workplace violations. The workers that are most likely to occupy low-wage jobs and experience workplace violations include female workers, workers of color, immigrant and refugee workers, LGBTQ workers, workers with disabilities, veterans and youth workers. This is why the Department seeks partnerships that support culturally relevant, accessible, and language-specific outreach, education, and support services. The Department also seeks partnership with community organizations who have strong ties to vulnerable workers in specific industries with high violations but low complaints due to multiple factors including fear of job loss or lack of trust in government resources. Through a competitive selection process, the Office of Labor Standards will contract out $2.44 million to between 5 and 10 organizations for 24-month contracts. The contract period will run from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. The total amount available for these contracts us subject to approval from Seattle City Council. Organizations can put forward proposals to focus on specific outreach service strategies to ensure effective outreach and education to particular industries of focus.