New Jersey Grants $3 Million for Worker Rights Education and Support Services

On June 16, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced a significant investment of $3 million through its Cultivating Access, Rights, and Equity (CARE) grant program. This funding has been awarded to 31 community organizations across the state, focusing on improving outreach, education, and support services related to worker rights and benefits.

The CARE grant initiative, which began in March 2022, specifically targets the dissemination of information regarding crucial worker rights, such as paid family and medical leave, unemployment insurance, and protections against wage theft and misclassification. By doing so, the NJDOL aims to bolster awareness among workers about their entitlements and ensure that this critical information reaches historically underserved communities, including those in Trenton, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Lakewood.

Acting Commissioner Jarvis emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, "The partnerships NJDOL has built through the CARE grant program demonstrates our commitment to making it a reality that every New Jersey worker knows their work rights and how to exercise these rights in every community across our state." This initiative is not just a funding opportunity; it is part of a larger strategy aimed at equitable workforce development.

The CARE grant program serves to empower local organizations—such as worker centers, social service providers, libraries, and faith-based groups—by equipping them with resources to educate and assist workers regarding their rights. Grantees will engage in extensive outreach efforts, including providing one-on-one counseling, conducting training programs, and utilizing social media campaigns to inform both workers and employers about their rights and obligations under New Jersey law. This potentially expands the contractor base for local firms specializing in education and outreach services.

Significantly, this round of funding emphasizes NJDOL's commitment to connecting with core demographic groups—such as low-wage workers, immigrants, and survivors of domestic violence—who are often the most vulnerable regarding labor rights. With the momentum of the CARE grant, contractors looking to engage with communities can find fruitful collaborations by aligning with grantees to improve labor rights education and enforcement.

NJDOL's proactive approach signals a potential trend of increasing funding for workforce development, creating further opportunities for contractors that specialize in community support. Such contractors should stay alert for additional rounds of funding or related procurement opportunities that may arise as NJDOL continues to focus on outreach and education efforts concerning worker protections.

As grants are allocated, organizations involved are expected to build capacity through training from NJDOL, ensuring they can effectively navigate outreach at community events and provide the necessary counseling and application assistance to workers. In addition, the grants include funding for navigator services that specifically assist with new policies surrounding paid family and medical leave, further diversifying the services offered to affected employees.

The impactful nature of these grants not only serves immediate labor needs but also lays the groundwork for future educational initiatives and compliance checks within small businesses—making it imperative for contractors in the GovCon space to consider partnership opportunities.