SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL logo

Steward Member Leadership Development Program (MLDP)

SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL

Foundation Annual Workforce Development GrantsProfessional Development Grants
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Paid program at replacement wages or $18.00/hour (whichever is greater), plus COBRA reimbursements and pension contributions

Deadline

July 11, 2026

94 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Steward Member Leadership Development Program (MLDP)

Overview: A six-week paid program where active member stewards temporarily leave their represented positions to work for SEIU Local 503, developing critical contract enforcement and leadership skills.

Geographic Scope: Oregon (SEIU Local 503 jurisdiction); training held in Salem or Portland

Program Focus:

  • Contract enforcement support and training

  • Arbitration case preparation

  • Training new stewards

  • Grievance and arbitration work

  • Member support through workplace and union issues

  • Work with the Member Resource Center (MRC)

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be an active steward not eligible for Contract Specialist positions

  • Must have a reliable automobile, valid driver's license, and auto insurance

  • Must be able to work full 40 scheduled hours per week (primarily Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM)

  • Must be able to work independently and effectively

  • Must accurately track and report work activities

  • Must participate in all scheduled trainings, meetings, and conference calls

  • Home care and personal support workers must arrange their own client coverage and respite care

    • Compensation:

  • Paid at replacement wages or $18.00/hour, whichever is greater

  • COBRA reimbursements for work-related health care coverage (full duration)

  • Pension contribution equivalent paid by SEIU-represented employer

  • Mileage reimbursement at full IRS rate for all non-commute miles driven

  • Lodging provided for participants outside Salem/Portland area

    • Program Details:

  • Duration: 6 weeks

  • Work schedule: Primarily Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (first week largely classroom-based and field training)

  • Training locations: Salem or Portland field offices

  • Participants receive daily check-ins with an organizer and additional one-on-one field training throughout the program

  • Priority given to first-time participants and stewards not eligible for Contract Specialist positions

  • Past MLDP participants welcome to apply

  • Program is competitive; not all applicants selected

  • Not a pathway to union staff employment

    • Contact: Call Member Assistance Center at 1-844-503-SEIU (7348) or visit seiu503.org

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Deadline: July 11th

    Required Materials:
    1. Completed SEIU 503 Steward Member Leadership Development Program (MLDP) Application

    Application Form Fields:

  • First Name

  • Last Name

  • Employer/Worksite

  • Home Email

  • Best Phone

  • Home City

  • Best Time to Reach You

  • Languages spoken fluently (multiple options including Amharic, ASL, Cantonese, English, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, Toishanese, Vietnamese)

  • Preferred/primary language

    • Required Confirmations:

  • Confirmation of reading and ability to meet all participation requirements (Yes/No)

  • Confirmation of having driver's license, car insurance, and reliable vehicle (Yes/No)

  • Technology proficiency self-assessment (scale 1-10)

    • Essay Questions:
    1. Please describe your current union roles and activities
    2. How do you see your role as a steward?
    3. Why would you like to participate in the Member Leader Development Program?

    Additional Information:

  • Select preferred program wave from available options

  • Indicate how you heard about the MLDP (Email, Text, Union Website, Facebook, Phone Call, My Organizer, Another SEIU Member)

  • Request any needed accommodations

    • Submission Format: Online form

    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    workforce-developmentprofessional-development

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Workforce Development GrantsProfessional Development Grants

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    AARP Foundation Grantmaking Program

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    ABNY Foundation Grant Program

    Amount

    $10,000

    Deadline

    May 31, 2026

    Semi-annual
    Foundation

    National Scholarship and Trades Stipend Program

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual
    Foundation

    2026 Capacity Building Grants

    Amount

    Up to $10,000

    Deadline

    November 14, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Reimbursement

    Amount

    Full reimbursement

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Rolling (Quarterly)
    Foundation

    Advocate Bethany Community Health Fund

    Amount

    $1,000,000 per year

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual

    Ready to apply for Steward Member Leadership Development Program (MLDP)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more