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Women's Economic Security Act (WESA) Engagement and Education Grant

Grants awarded

WESA grants have been awarded to the following five organizations, which received and split $75,000 in funding for programs operating from Oct.1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

  • African American Babies Coalition and Projects - $22,850

  • Gender Justice - $21,854

  • Project Fine - $10,296

  • Minnesota Training Partnership - $10,000

  • Minnesota Seeds of Justice - $10,000

Objective 

Pregnant working in baby boutique store

This grant funding is to promote education, outreach, communication, engagement and training to build worker and employer understanding of Minnesota laws relating to pregnant and new parents' workplace rights to pregnancy accommodations and to express milk in the workplace, and state pregnancy and parental leave. These laws were originally passed or modified under the Women's Economic Security Act (WESA). Grant work will highlight 2023 statutory changes to WESA that broadened employee rights and employer requirements.

Minnesota workers have a variety of workplace protections to ensure they are treated fairly and compensated appropriately for their work in Minnesota. As a result of the 2023 legislative session, Minnesota workers will have even greater protections in the workplace. However, certain barriers, including those related to education, income, immigration status, geographic isolation and language access, can impact workers’ awareness of their rights and access to services that can help. This grant aims to educate employers about their workplace responsibilities under WESA and empower workers, especially those who encounter barriers, by teaching them about their workplace rights and the options available to them when their rights are violated.

Detailed information about existing and new requirements can be found at dli.mn.gov/newparents.

Application period

The application period for the grant has closed. Check back later for the next opportunity to apply.

Questions

Contact Eric Olberding at 651-284-5377 or eric.p.olberding@state.mn.us with questions or for technical assistance.

Other information