U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of $3.3 Million To Fund Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of $3.3 million to fund Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants to states and outlying areas to expand their Federal Bonding Programs for individuals with criminal records, including those recovering from opioid and other drug addictions.

Administered by the Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the grants will encourage states and workforce development partners to provide fidelity bonds to employers as a hiring tool for persons with criminal records. By doing so, ETA aims to improve employment outcomes and decrease recidivism for such individuals. The grants will also serve to educate employers and the public on fidelity bonds’ availability and benefits.

“Employers want to hire talent, and these Fidelity Bonding Grants will give them the peace of mind they need to hire new employees,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John Pallasch. “Federal bonding will assist states in their efforts to motivate businesses to provide opportunities to people who often face uncertainty as they seek to reenter the workforce.”

Eligible applicants for funding under this opportunity are the State Workforce Agencies for the states and outlying areas that did not receive grants last year. 

Learn more about the Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants. Submit applications by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 2, 2021.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.