Opportunity Information: Apply for NOI ILAB 21 15
The grant opportunity titled "Building a comprehensive government approach to combating child labor and forced labor in Mexico" is a Notice of Intent (NOI) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB). An NOI is essentially an advance public notice describing the government s plan to make an award, but it is not a competitive solicitation and it is not inviting applications. In this case, ILAB indicates it intends to make a single Cooperative Agreement award and, importantly, that the intended recipient is the International Labor Organization (ILO). The funding is listed under CFDA 17.401 and the total anticipated award amount (award ceiling) is up to $18,000,000, with one expected award.
The core purpose of the planned project is to strengthen the Government of Mexico s ability to fight child labor and forced labor by improving how the government gathers and uses information. The emphasis is on building capacity to collect, process, and analyze actionable data that can directly inform public policy decisions. In practical terms, this signals a focus on better measurement and evidence: improving data systems, strengthening analytical tools and workflows, and ensuring that government actors can turn raw information into usable insights that guide prevention strategies, target enforcement, and shape reforms. Because the notice highlights "actionable data," the intention is not just academic research, but information that can drive operational decisions, resource allocation, and accountability.
Another major goal is strengthening labor enforcement. The project is described as supporting Mexico s efforts to reinforce the ability of relevant authorities to detect, investigate, and respond to child labor and forced labor risks. While the notice does not list specific activities, this type of objective typically involves improving inspection and case identification capacity, strengthening procedures and protocols, and enhancing the use of data for risk-based targeting and follow-up. The intended outcome is a more effective enforcement environment where authorities can better identify violations, prioritize high-risk sectors or regions, and respond consistently.
A third central theme is improving coordination across governments and agencies responsible for preventing and prosecuting child labor and forced labor. The notice explicitly mentions coordination "across governments and agencies," which suggests work that connects institutions that may operate at different levels (for example, federal, state, and local) and across mandates (labor inspection, social services, migration authorities, prosecutors, and other relevant entities). The goal is to reduce gaps where cases fall through the cracks, align responsibilities and information sharing, and ensure that prevention and prosecution efforts reinforce each other rather than working in isolation.
The scope specifically includes vulnerable populations, including migrants. By calling out migrants, the notice indicates the project is expected to consider the ways migration status, mobility, limited access to services, and exposure to exploitative recruitment or employment arrangements can increase the risk of forced labor and the worst forms of child labor. This inclusion implies the project will likely address identification and referral challenges for migrant workers and migrant children, and the need for coordination among agencies that interact with migrant populations.
Finally, the NOI explains why ILAB plans to award directly to the ILO rather than run an open competition. The authority cited (DLMS 2-836 G.3) is a justification for a sole-source approach, meaning the agency believes "services are available from only one responsible source and no substitute will suffice" or that the recipient has unique qualifications necessary for the funded activity. In plain terms, USDOL is stating that the ILO is uniquely positioned to carry out this work, so it intends to proceed with a single, targeted Cooperative Agreement rather than solicit proposals from multiple applicants.
Key details at a glance: the issuing agency is the Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs; the funding instrument is a Cooperative Agreement (which generally implies substantial involvement by the funding agency during implementation compared to a standard grant); the opportunity category is discretionary; the estimated maximum funding is $18 million; the expected number of awards is one; and because this is an NOI, there is no application deadline and no open call for submissions.Apply for NOI ILAB 21 15
- The Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Building a comprehensive government approach to combating child labor and forced labor in Mexico" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 17.401.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 05, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by This is a Notice of Intent (NOI) and not a request for funding applications.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $18,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Environmental Education Local Grants Program for Region 4 -- Solicitation Notice for 2021
Previous opportunity: DoD Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Translational Research Award
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for NOI ILAB 21 15
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NOI ILAB 21 15) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Africa Regional Services Paris Statement of Interest: Small Grants for International Visitors Leadership Program Alumni Apply for AF PDPA FY21 04 Funding Number: AF PDPA FY21 04 Agency: Department of State, Africa Regional Services Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Improving Gender Equity in the Mexican Workplace Apply for FOA ILAB 21 13 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 13 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Strengthening Decent Work in the Fishing Sector in South America Apply for FOA ILAB 21 08 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 08 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| 2022/2023 Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Apply for NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2022 2006947 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2022 2006947 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Improving Respect for Workers' Rights in Agricultural Supply Chains in Honduras and Guatemala, and the Maquila Sector in El Salvador Apply for FOA ILAB 21 12 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 12 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| FY22 Cooperative Research Program (CRP) Apply for NOAA NMFS SE 2022 2006998 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS SE 2022 2006998 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Small Grant Opportunity for Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Alumni Apply for AFADD 21 04 Funding Number: AFADD 21 04 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Ethiopia Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000 |
| Mexico Travel and Logistics Program for Training Support Apply for INL21CA0052 WHPMEX TRVLLOGISTICS 081921 Funding Number: INL21CA0052 WHPMEX TRVLLOGISTICS 081921 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| FY 2022 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Enhancement Program Apply for SFOP0008349 Funding Number: SFOP0008349 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,250,000 |
| Project to Reduce Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Other Forms of Labor Exploitation of Workers in the Chile Pepper and Tomato Sectors in Mexico Apply for NOI ILAB 21 16 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 16 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Climate Adaptation and Landscape-Scale Ecosystem Restoration for Military Installation Resilience Apply for HQ003421NOFOECO0002 Funding Number: HQ003421NOFOECO0002 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $77,000,000 |
| Strengthening Mexican Inspectorate for Labor Enforcement Apply for FOA ILAB 21 14 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 14 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Catalyzing Civil Society Movement to Achieve SDG 8.7: Ending Child Labor Apply for NOI ILAB 21 03 Funding Number: NOI ILAB 21 03 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Conservation and Climate Resilience Partnerships with Land Trust Alliance Apply for HQ0034 21 NOFO LAN 0003 Funding Number: HQ0034 21 NOFO LAN 0003 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $196,000 |
| DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement Apply for SFOP0008351 Funding Number: SFOP0008351 Agency: Department of State, Office of Global Criminal Justice Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Environmental Natural Resource Technical Support OASN Apply for W9126G 21 2 SOI 5630 Funding Number: W9126G 21 2 SOI 5630 Agency: Department of Defense, Fort Worth District Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,033 |
| DRL Internet Freedom Annual Program Statement Apply for SFOP0008370 Funding Number: SFOP0008370 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Request for Information - Regional Central and Eastern Europe Democracy Support Program Apply for 7200AA21R00087 Funding Number: 7200AA21R00087 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $65,000,000 |
| Project to Reduce Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Other Forms of Labor Exploitation of Workers in the Chile Pepper and Tomato Sectors in Mexico Apply for FOA ILAB 21 16 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 21 16 Agency: Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Library of Congress - Of the People: Widening the Path: CCDI – Libraries, Archives and Museums Apply for 030ADV21R0215 Funding Number: 030ADV21R0215 Agency: Library of Congress Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $60,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "NOI ILAB 21 15", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.