DOL Seeks Ideas to Boost Faith Groups in Funding Programs
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to make it easier for faith organizations to join in on job training and employment programs. They’re asking these groups and anyone interested to share ideas on removing barriers and protecting religious freedom. Comments are open until February 9, 2026, so faith groups can help shape how DOL works with them—and maybe unlock new funding and support!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
DOL Affirms Level Playing Field Goal
DOL states it believes faith groups should, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be able to compete on a level playing field for grants, contracts, and other federal funding opportunities. The Department ties this policy direction to Executive Order 14291 (May 1, 2025) and Executive Order 14205 (February 2025) and says it will consider aligning regulations, policies, and practices with those principles.
DOL Seeks Faith-Group Feedback
The Department of Labor is asking faith organizations and interested individuals to submit comments about barriers to participating in DOL-funded programs (for example, job training, workforce development, and employment services). Comments must be received no later than February 9, 2026, and can be submitted at https://www.regulations.gov under RIN 1290-AA52.
Possible Religious Accommodations Considered
DOL requests examples of reasonable religious accommodations and asks whether additional guidance or regulatory changes would help faith organizations participate in DOL-funded programs without undue restrictions on religious liberty. The RFI asks for specific accommodations, outreach strategies, metrics, and non-funding supports (for example, technical assistance) that DOL could develop or provide.
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