Strengthening Trade Unions in the Textile and Apparel Sectors in Haiti | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Strengthening Trade Unions in the Textile and Apparel Sectors in Haiti."

2) Which U.S. government office is offering this funding?

The funder is the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL).

3) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is DRLA DRLAQM 12 083.

4) What is the purpose of the program?

The program is designed to strengthen trade union capacity and expand awareness of labor rights among workers and union leaders in Haiti's garment industry, so participants leave with clearer knowledge of their rights and practical skills to advocate for those rights in real workplace settings.

5) What law or policy does this program directly support?

The program is in direct support of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 (HOPE II).

6) What sector and country does the project focus on?

The focus is Haiti's textile and apparel (garment) sector.

7) What types of activities are expected under the project?

The proposed project is expected to emphasize education and hands-on capacity building around internationally recognized labor rights, with practical training aimed at improving how workers and unions operate in day-to-day workplace contexts.

8) Which labor rights topics are specifically emphasized?

The announcement highlights training on internationally recognized labor rights, with specific emphasis on freedom of association, relevant Haitian labor laws, and the purpose and responsibilities of unions.

9) What core union skills does DRL want strengthened?

DRL is looking for training that builds competencies such as worker organizing, conducting effective union meetings, engaging constructively with employers, and developing negotiation skills.

10) What outcomes does DRL want to see from participants?

A key outcome is that workers and union leaders are better prepared to participate in and influence labor relations processes, with improved knowledge of rights and usable advocacy and engagement skills.

11) Does the opportunity address dialogue between workers, employers, and government?

Yes. The program expects improved capacity to engage in labor relations processes, including bipartite dialogue (worker/union and employer engagement) and tripartite dialogue (involving government alongside labor and employers).

12) How much funding must an applicant request?

Applicants must request exactly USD 297,000 in U.S. Government funding.

13) What is the project period (duration)?

The project period is 12 months.

14) What are the stated award floor and award ceiling?

The announcement lists an award floor of USD 250,000 and an award ceiling of USD 300,000.

15) If the floor and ceiling allow a range, can applicants propose a different amount than USD 297,000?

Based on the requirement stated in the announcement, proposals should be budgeted to the exact figure of USD 297,000, even though a floor and ceiling are also listed.

16) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are not required to contribute additional funds to be eligible.

17) Beyond trainings, what does DRL expect proposals to include?

Proposals are expected to include more than a list of trainings. They should present a detailed staffing strategy explaining how the project team will be organized and how staff will be used to deliver training, outreach, and ongoing support.

18) Do applicants need to address how they will coordinate with other labor rights efforts in Haiti?

Yes. Applicants must explain how activities will complement, rather than duplicate, other labor rights initiatives already underway in Haiti, implying a need to show awareness of existing efforts, coordination plans, and a clear value-add.

19) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations (including those with and without U.S. 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education) and public or state-controlled institutions of higher education.

20) Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Public or state-controlled institutions of higher education are eligible. Nonprofit organizations are eligible as well, but nonprofit institutions of higher education are excluded under the nonprofit category described.

21) Does DRL express a preference for certain types of implementers?

Yes. DRL signals a preference for implementers with proven regional experience in trade union capacity building, specifically including demonstrated experience working in Haiti.

22) What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The funding is associated with CFDA 19.345, International Programs to Support Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

23) What activity categories or thematic areas are associated with the opportunity?

The activity categories include areas such as employment and labor training, education, and related social support themes.

24) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on October 1, 2012, and the closing date was October 15, 2012.

25) Is this opportunity still active?

No. The notice indicates it was archived on November 14, 2012.

26) Where should applicants go for help with technical issues accessing the full announcement?

For technical issues, the notice directs applicants to GrantSolutions Support at help@grantsolutions.gov, with phone support available during standard weekday business hours.