CT Paid Leave Authority seeks community partners for outreach; $365,000 available in 2026 grants

The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority on an online information session outlined a Request for Proposals for a Community Education Coordinators Initiative to expand outreach and application assistance for Connecticut paid leave benefits.

The Authority said total funding for the initiative is $365,000 and it expects to award approximately five to seven contracts for the 2026 contract term, which would run Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026. "We anticipate divvying up the $365,000 between the number of awards we decide on," the presenter said, noting actual award sizes will depend on the scope and quality of proposals.

Why it matters: Connecticut paid leave has paid more than $1,200,000,000 in income-replacement benefits to over 165,000 workers across the state since implementation, the Authority said. The program provides income replacement for qualifying family and medical leaves; job protection is governed separately by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Who may apply: The RFP is open to nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), faith-based organizations, and municipal government entities. Applicants must demonstrate experience in community outreach and education, culturally and linguistically appropriate communications and translation, and providing application assistance or similar direct services.

Scope and expected activities: Awarded organizations will provide direct application assistance to workers applying for Connecticut paid leave, distribute materials online and in person, host workshops and trainings, attend community events, and report progress to the Authority. Optional activities include collecting testimonials, developing marketing materials, and collaborating on social media interviews or events. Materials are expected to be available in English, Spanish and additional languages as appropriate.

Target populations: The Authority emphasized outreach to workers who face access barriers, including low-wage, part-time, seasonal, multi-job, self-employed and sole-proprietor workers; women; Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Native American, immigrant and refugee, and LGBTQ+ workers; workers with disabilities; veterans; young and older workers; survivors of domestic violence; and military families.

Budget and allowable costs: The RFP disallows equipment purchases. Allowable costs include personnel directly supporting project activities, supplies with a unit cost under $5,000 (for printing and outreach materials), in-state travel (reimbursed at the federal mileage rate—presenter stated approximately $0.70 per mile), translation and marketing services, subcontractor costs for bona fide community organizations, and other necessary expenses. Administrative or indirect costs may not exceed 5% of a proposer's total budget. The presenter said prior contracted budgets have ranged roughly from $60,000 to $80,000.

Timeline and submission: Questions must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2025, to Amber Forrest (contact email provided during the session). Official answers will be posted Sept. 22, 2025. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF to Amber Forrest by 5 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2025. Proposer interviews are anticipated between Oct. 29 and Nov. 3, selections are expected the week of Nov. 14, and contract negotiations are estimated to begin in mid-October ahead of a Jan. 1, 2026 contract start.

Evaluation criteria: Reviewers will rate proposals on organizational qualifications and experience, proposed scope and ability to deliver project deliverables, prior similar-project experience, cost, commitment to team diversity, operational efficiency, and accountability.

Question from an attendee and guidance: One participant asked whether applicants should target a per-award amount based on dividing the total by seven. The participant said, "If you do the math of, you know, 365 divided by 7, it's in the ballpark of what, 52,000 per award. I mean, is that kind of the target?" The presenter replied, "I would not determine your proposal amount based on dividing it by the number of potential applicants. I would say, as you're completing your scope of services, determine the amount that you think would be needed to conduct your activities," and noted past award sizes typically ranged about $60,000 to $80,000.

Next steps: The Authority will post the recording and slides to its website and the CTSource bid board after the session. Interested proposers should review the RFP materials on the Authority's site and submit questions by Sept. 15 to Amber Forrest before preparing proposals for the Oct. 16 deadline.

Notes: This was an informational procurement presentation; no formal actions or awards were made during the session.