In a July 1, 2026 News Release, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of more than $12.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to support the delivery of instructor-led training on workplace hazard recognition and control, as well as the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses.
The grant program, administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), began in 1978 under the name New Directions. It was renamed in 1997 in honor of the late Susan Harwood, a former director of OSHA’s Office of Risk Assessment. During her 17 years with the agency, Ms. Harwood helped develop workplace safety standards for benzene, formaldehyde, bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, and lead.
The grant program aims to improve workplace safety by funding instructor-led training for small businesses with 250 or fewer employees, with a particular focus on industries with high rates of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Grants are available to a variety of organizations including nonprofits, trade associations, labor unions, joint labor-management associations, and public and state colleges and universities, across general industry, construction, and other sectors.
Applicants may apply for funding in the following categories:
- Targeted Topic Training: This grant funds educational programs that help identify and prevent workplace hazards. Applicants must conduct training on one of the 22 FY 2026 OSHA-targeted topics listed in Appendix A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (SHTG-FY-26-01). These priority subjects are based on workplace fatality data, national safety emphasis programs, and pending regulations. Topics include chemical hazards and hazard communication, personal protective equipment, fire safety, confined spaces, and lockout/tagout.
- Training and Educational Materials Development: This grant supports the development of new classroom safety training and educational materials for instructor-led training on workplace hazard identification and prevention. Materials must address one of the OSHA-targeted topics listed in Appendix A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (SHTG-FY-26-02) for this grant category. (These are the same topics identified above for the Targeted Topic Training Grant.) Required deliverables include training goals and objectives, course matrices, PowerPoint presentations with speaker notes, and pre- and post-assessments.
For organizations interested in applying, the deadline is approaching quickly. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on July 31, 2026. Applicants must register with Grants.gov and SAM.gov to apply. Questions about the application can be directed to [email protected] or Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726. Applicant Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except on federal holidays.
Eligible organizations may apply for up to $95,000 for a Training and Educational Materials Development Grant or up to $215,000 for a Targeted Topic Training Grant. Awards are typically announced by the end of the federal fiscal year (September 30, 2026), and funding is provided for a 12-month period.
For additional information about the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program or for assistance with the application process, contact us!
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Director of Quality, Research, and Training at Safety Partners.
