Apply Now: Grants for Reentry Programs United States

Sarini MadeFebruary 27, 2026

0 11 17 minutes read

Every year, more than 600,000 individuals are released from federal and state prisons across the United States. Millions more transition out of local jails. Without real support, many of these returning citizens face unemployment, housing instability, untreated mental health conditions, and the very real risk of cycling back into the criminal justice system. Reentry programs exist to break that cycle, and grants are what keep most of them running.

If you run a nonprofit, community-based organization, workforce development program, school, government agency, or faith-based initiative that supports formerly incarcerated individuals, this guide is for you. In it, we cover the most important grants for reentry programs in 2026 in the USA, who qualifies, how the application process works, and practical tips to improve your chances of securing funding.

This is one of the most active funding landscapes in the country right now. Federal agencies, state governments, and private foundations are all putting money into reintegration services, second chance employment, transitional housing, behavioral health, and recidivism reduction programs. The opportunities are real, and with the right preparation, your organization can access them.

What Are Reentry Program Grants?

Reentry program grants are financial awards provided by federal agencies, state governments, and private foundations to support programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals transition successfully back into society. These grants are specifically designed to fund services that address the major barriers returning citizens face, including unemployment, housing instability, substance use disorders, lack of education, and family disconnection.

In 2026, the term “reentry” covers a broad range of services and program types. Grants in this category may fund job training and workforce development, transitional and supportive housing, mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment, education and vocational training inside correctional facilities, mentoring and peer support, family reunification services, legal aid and record expungement, and case management and community supervision support.

The organizations that receive these grants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, state and local government agencies, tribal governments, faith-based organizations, workforce investment boards, community colleges, and correctional agencies. The funding landscape in 2026 is broad, and understanding the different sources available is the first step toward building a sustainable funding strategy for your program.

Why Reentry Funding Matters More in 2026

The case for investing in reentry programs is backed by decades of research and data. When returning citizens have access to stable employment, safe housing, healthcare, and community support, they are significantly less likely to reoffend. This reduces the enormous financial and social cost of incarceration for communities across the country. For every dollar invested in effective reentry programming, multiple dollars are saved in criminal justice costs alone.

In 2026, the funding environment reflects a growing national consensus around the idea of second chances. Both major federal funding agencies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Labor (DOL), have announced major new funding initiatives. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, signed into law on February 3, 2026, maintained steady funding for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, rejecting a proposed consolidation that would have cut reentry-specific funding. This means that existing grant programs remain intact, and new ones are launching alongside them.

Federal Grants for Reentry Programs 2026

Federal funding is the single largest source of financial support for reentry programs in the United States. Multiple agencies within the federal government provide grants for this population, each with its own focus area, eligibility rules, and application process. Below are the most important federal grant opportunities for reentry programs in 2026.

1. Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program (BJA)

The Second Chance Act is the cornerstone of federal reentry funding in the United States and one of the most well-known grant programs for organizations working with justice-involved individuals. The Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to award grants through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for adult reentry services and through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) for youth reentry services.

Since 2009, the BJA and OJJDP have made more than 800 awards to grantees across 49 states. The program is designed to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning from incarceration by supporting state, local, and tribal governments as well as nonprofit organizations.

The FY25 Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program solicitation is currently open with a Grants.gov deadline of May 4, 2026, and a JustGrants application deadline of May 11, 2026. Individual awards range from $500,000 to $1 million. The program funds community-based organizations and tribal governments to provide mentoring and transitional services for adults returning to communities after incarceration who are assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism. Services may be provided before and after release.

Supported services under this grant include service coordination, connections to physical healthcare, referrals to safe and affordable housing, continuity of substance use and mental health care, and programs that help people build skills and overcome employment barriers.

To apply or view the current solicitation, visit the Bureau of Justice Assistance Second Chance Act Programs page.

2. Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes (BJA)

This is a separate BJA funding opportunity under the Second Chance Act umbrella specifically focused on education and employment inside correctional facilities. The FY25 solicitation is currently open with the same application deadlines as the community-based program: May 4, 2026 on Grants.gov and May 11, 2026 on JustGrants.

The program offers $19.8 million in total funding with grants of up to $900,000 per project over a 36-month period starting June 1, 2026. The two categories within this grant are Category 1, focused on education outcomes, and Category 2, focused on employment outcomes. Funded programs support prison-based education, vocational training, workforce development, career pathway development, and technology-based learning tools that comply with correctional facility safety rules.

The goal is to improve academic and vocational credentials for people nearing release from correctional facilities, expand structured career pathways, and enhance job readiness and employment retention. Priority industries include construction, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and information technology.

Access the current solicitation through the BJA FY25 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes funding page.

3. DOL RESTART Initiative (Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training)

This is one of the biggest and most exciting new reentry funding announcements of 2026. On February 25, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor announced approximately $81 million in competitive grant funding under its newly launched RESTART initiative, administered by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA).

RESTART is designed to connect formerly incarcerated individuals and those with prior criminal justice involvement to training and employment pathways in skilled trades and other high-demand sectors, including shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and registered apprenticeships. The DOL intends to fund up to 20 projects nationwide.

Approximately $30 million of the total is reserved for national or regional intermediary organizations serving youth and young adults, with individual project awards capped at approximately $5.1 million. The remaining funds will be distributed to states, territories, and tribal governments to support projects that integrate RESTART activities with existing WIOA workforce infrastructure.

RESTART supports three population groups: youth ages 15 to 17, young adults ages 18 to 24, and adults 25 and older. National or regional intermediaries applying must be nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status and must demonstrate a national or regional scope. Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply.

To find the full solicitation and application guidance, visit the RESTART Initiative funding opportunity on Grants.gov.

4. Youth Reentry Support and Recidivism Prevention Program (OJJDP)

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention runs its own dedicated reentry funding stream for youth. The current solicitation has a deadline of March 30, 2026, and provides grants of up to $750,000 per award.

This program has two categories. Category 1, called Improving Youth Reentry, provides funding to states, local governments, and tribal governments in partnership with service providers and community-based organizations to deliver comprehensive reentry services for moderate to high risk youth before, during, and after release from confinement. Category 2, called Strengthening Community-Based Youth Reentry Programs, provides funding directly to nonprofit organizations to support transitional services for youth successfully reintegrating into the community.

This is one of the few federal programs that provides direct funding to nonprofits without requiring a government agency as the lead applicant, making it particularly valuable for community organizations focused on youth justice.

Check the current status and apply through the OJJDP Grants and Funding page.

5. SAMHSA Grants for Reentry Behavioral Health Services

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) plays a critical role in funding reentry programs that address behavioral health, substance use disorders, and mental health treatment for justice-involved populations. A disproportionate number of people in the criminal justice system struggle with untreated substance use disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses, and SAMHSA grants exist specifically to address this gap.

SAMHSA funds programs that provide therapy, peer support, recovery services, and crisis intervention for formerly incarcerated individuals. An anticipated 2026 initiative, the Improving Reentry Substance Use Disorder Outcomes program, is expected to offer awards in the range of $400,000 and above for organizations working at the intersection of behavioral health and reintegration.

Current and forecasted SAMHSA grant opportunities for FY2026 can be monitored through the SAMHSA Grants page, which includes the official FY2026 NOFO Forecast Dashboard.

6. HUD Reentry and Housing Assistance Grants

Housing instability is one of the greatest barriers to successful reentry. Without a safe and stable place to live, everything else, from employment to healthcare to family relationships, becomes significantly harder. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports reentry through housing assistance and homelessness prevention grants.

HUD programs relevant to reentry include the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which funds transitional housing and permanent supportive housing, and various homelessness prevention initiatives that often explicitly include justice-involved individuals as a priority population. HUD funding is often awarded to local governments or housing authorities, but nonprofits can participate as subrecipients or partner organizations on applications.

Explore current HUD grant listings through the HUD Grants page.

7. ACF Responsible Fatherhood and Family Stabilization Grants (HHS)

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), offers funding opportunities that support family reunification, responsible fatherhood programs, and economic stability for justice-involved parents. Many returning citizens are parents, and supporting family stability is a key factor in successful reintegration and lower recidivism.

These grants support programs that help justice-involved parents rebuild family relationships, access childcare, and stabilize household finances. Current ACF grant opportunities can be found through the ACF Grants listings page.

State-Level Grants for Reentry Programs 2026

Beyond federal funding, state governments across the country administer their own reentry grant programs. These are typically funded through a combination of state appropriations, federal pass-through funding from programs like the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) formula grants, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act allocations.

State-level reentry grants vary significantly from one state to the next. Some states have dedicated reentry grant programs administered by their state departments of corrections, workforce agencies, or criminal justice planning agencies. Others fund reentry services through broader community development or workforce development grant streams.

California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida all have active state-level funding programs that support community-based reentry services. States like New York, through the Division of Criminal Justice Services, maintain dedicated grant portals for organizations working with returning citizens.

To find reentry grants in your state, check your state’s department of corrections website, state workforce development agency, and criminal justice advisory board. The National Criminal Justice Reference Service also provides a regularly updated newsletter with state and federal funding announcements that you can subscribe to for free.

For a regularly updated list of state-level reentry funding, use the federal Grants.gov portal and filter by agency and keyword to find both federal and federally administered state formula grants open for application.

Private Foundation Grants for Reentry Programs 2026

Private foundations and corporate philanthropy programs play a vital role in the reentry funding landscape. Unlike government grants, private foundation funding often comes with greater flexibility, fewer reporting requirements, and the ability to support innovation and pilot programs that government funders may not yet be willing to back.

In 2026, several major national foundations are actively investing in criminal justice reform, workforce equity, and community reintegration. Below are some of the most significant private funders supporting reentry programs this year.

Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation is one of the country’s most prominent funders of criminal justice reform. Its grantmaking focuses on systemic change, including policies and programs that reduce over-criminalization and mass incarceration. Organizations working on advocacy, legal reform, and direct service for justice-impacted communities may be eligible for Ford Foundation support. Explore funding through the Ford Foundation grantmaking page.

MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge

The MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge is a multi-year initiative focused on reducing the size of local jail populations and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system. While primarily focused on diversion and pre-trial reform, many Safety and Justice Challenge community partners also fund or support reentry services. Organizations can learn more through the MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge page.

Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations fund human rights, justice reform, and community empowerment initiatives across the United States and globally. Their U.S. Programs include significant investment in criminal justice reform, reentry services, and advocacy for the rights of formerly incarcerated individuals. To explore current grantmaking priorities, visit the Open Society Foundations Grants page.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures focuses on evidence-based policy and practice in criminal justice. They fund research, advocacy, and direct programs that demonstrate measurable impact on recidivism reduction, employment outcomes, and systemic reform. Organizations with strong data collection and evidence-based models are well positioned to pursue Arnold Ventures funding. Learn more at the Arnold Ventures criminal justice grantmaking page.

JPMorgan Chase Workforce and Reentry Programs

JPMorgan Chase has made a significant corporate commitment to reentry and second chance hiring through its workforce development philanthropy. The company funds workforce development initiatives designed to help justice-impacted individuals access employment opportunities and financial stability. Funding amounts vary but often range from $100,000 to several million dollars across multiple program initiatives. Visit the JPMorgan Chase workforce development page for more information.

Who Qualifies for Reentry Program Grants in 2026?

Eligibility requirements vary by funding source, but here is a general overview of the types of organizations that typically qualify for reentry program grants in 2026.

Nonprofit organizations: 501(c)(3) nonprofits are the most common applicants for reentry grants. Most federal and private foundation programs require or strongly prefer nonprofit status. For many DOJ and DOL grants, nonprofit applicants must demonstrate at least two to three years of operational experience working with justice-involved populations.

Government entities: State, local, county, and tribal governments are eligible for most federal reentry grants. Many large federal grant programs, including the Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program, accept both government entities and nonprofits. Federal agencies are generally not eligible to apply as primary applicants.

Faith-based organizations: Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply for many federal reentry grants, including the RESTART initiative. The DOL has stated clearly that it will not discriminate against organizations based on religious character or affiliation in the grant selection process, as long as program services are accessible to all eligible individuals regardless of faith.

Workforce investment boards: Local workforce investment boards and American Job Centers are frequent applicants and recipients of DOL reentry funding, particularly under the WIOA framework and the RESTART initiative.

Institutions of higher education: Colleges and universities may apply for some reentry grants, particularly those focused on postsecondary education access for incarcerated individuals. Note that for the RESTART initiative, institutions of higher education are specifically excluded from the national or regional intermediary category.

Correctional agencies: State and local departments of corrections may apply for some federal reentry grants, particularly those focused on in-prison programming or pre-release preparation.

Grants for Reentry Programs 2026

How to Apply for Reentry Program Grants in 2026

The application process for reentry program grants varies depending on the funding source. Here is a general roadmap for navigating the process successfully.

Step 1: Register on Grants.gov and SAM.gov

For any federal grant, your organization must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and on Grants.gov before you can submit an application. SAM.gov registration requires a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and can take several days to complete, so start this process well in advance of any deadline. Without an active SAM.gov registration, your federal grant application will not be accepted.

Step 2: Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Every federal grant is published as a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), sometimes also called a solicitation or Request for Proposals (RFP). The NOFO contains everything you need to know about the grant: the purpose, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, application instructions, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. Read the NOFO thoroughly before starting your application. Misreading or skipping sections of the NOFO is one of the most common reasons strong applications are disqualified.

Step 3: Establish Your Program Model and Logic

Competitive reentry grant applications require a clear program model. You need to be able to describe the specific population you are serving, the services you will provide, the evidence base behind your approach, the measurable outcomes you expect to achieve, and how you will track and report data. Federal funders in 2026 expect evidence-based practices, data-informed programming, and outcome-driven approaches. Programs that integrate employment, housing, and behavioral health services are often rated more favorably because of their holistic approach.

Step 4: Build Your Budget Carefully

Federal reentry grants come with strict financial oversight requirements. Grantees must maintain separate accounting records for grant funds, submit regular financial reports, and often undergo audits. Your budget narrative should clearly tie every line item to a specific program activity. Indirect cost rates should match your organization’s approved rate or the grant’s cap on indirect costs. Errors or inconsistencies in the budget are a common red flag for reviewers.

Step 5: Gather Your Required Documentation

Most federal grant applications require supporting documents such as your organization’s IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status, your most recent audited financial statements, organizational chart, board member list, letters of support or partnership agreements from key collaborators, and a resume or CV for key project staff. Gather these in advance so you are not scrambling at the last minute.

Step 6: Submit Through JustGrants or Grants.gov

DOJ grants, including Second Chance Act programs, are submitted through the JustGrants online application system. DOL grants are typically submitted through Grants.gov. Make sure you are familiar with the system required for the specific grant you are applying for, and note that JustGrants deadlines are typically a week after the Grants.gov deadline for the same opportunity. Missing a deadline is an automatic disqualification in most cases.

Tips to Strengthen Your Reentry Grant Application

The competition for reentry grants has grown more intense as the field has matured. Here are practical strategies to help your application stand out.

Connect your program to the funder’s stated priorities: Every NOFO lists specific priorities and preferences. If the funder highlights shipbuilding, healthcare, or manufacturing as priority sectors, and your program already works in those sectors or can adapt to include them, make that connection explicit. Alignment with funder priorities can move your application from competitive to highly competitive.

Cite evidence-based practices: Funders want to know that the model you are using has worked elsewhere. Reference specific evidence-based programs, cite peer-reviewed research, or point to your own outcome data from previous program years. If you are a newer organization, align your model with a recognized evidence-based framework and explain how you will implement it with fidelity.

Demonstrate community partnerships: Solo applications rarely win large reentry grants. Show that your organization has built relationships with local employers, housing providers, courts, correctional facilities, workforce development boards, and other community resources. Letters of support from credible partners add significant weight to your application.

Be specific about your target population: Vague applications lose. Specify who you will serve, how you will recruit participants, what your eligibility criteria are, and what barriers your specific target population faces. Data on the local need, such as incarceration rates, recidivism rates, or unemployment rates for the population you serve, strengthens your case for funding.

Show your data infrastructure: Funders increasingly require grantees to submit data on participant outcomes. If your organization does not yet have a solid data tracking system, invest in one before you apply. Applications that describe a clear data collection plan with specific metrics, such as employment retention at 30, 60, and 90 days, are viewed much more favorably than those that treat data as an afterthought.

Combine federal and private funding strategically: Many strong reentry programs layer multiple funding streams. A federal grant for core program operations can be complemented by private foundation support for program innovation, capacity building, or advocacy. Showing funders that you have a diversified funding strategy and are not entirely dependent on a single grant improves both your application and your long-term sustainability.

Where to Find More Reentry Grant Opportunities

The grant landscape changes frequently, with new opportunities opening and closing throughout the year. Here are the best resources for staying up to date on grants for reentry programs in 2026.

The Grants.gov portal is the central hub for all federal grant opportunities. You can search by keyword such as “reentry,” “recidivism,” or “justice-involved,” filter by agency, and set up email alerts for new postings in categories you care about.

The National Reentry Resource Center, operated by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, maintains a directory of all current Second Chance Act grantees and provides updates on new funding opportunities and technical assistance resources.

The CSG Justice Center publishes regular funding roundups that cover both DOJ and DOL reentry grant announcements. Their recent post highlighted over $155 million in federal funding opportunities for reentry, community supervision, behavioral health, youth, and incarcerated parents, with application deadlines ranging from March through April 2026.

The BJA Funding Opportunities page lists all currently open solicitations from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, including all Second Chance Act programs. This should be bookmarked by anyone seeking DOJ reentry funding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reentry Program Grants 2026

Can individuals apply directly for reentry program grants?

No. Reentry program grants from federal agencies and most private foundations are awarded to organizations, not individuals. If you are a formerly incarcerated individual looking for direct financial assistance, you should reach out to local reentry service providers who can connect you with support programs funded by these grants.

Do reentry grants require matching funds?

Some federal reentry grants do require a matching contribution from the applicant organization, while others do not. The matching requirement, if any, will be clearly stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Private foundation grants rarely require matching funds. Always read the NOFO carefully before assuming whether matching is required.

How long does it take to hear back after applying for a federal reentry grant?

The review process for federal grants typically takes several months. For Second Chance Act programs with May 2026 deadlines, organizations should expect to receive award notifications sometime in the fall of 2026. DOL RESTART awards, announced February 25, 2026, will have their own review timeline. Always plan your program calendar with this timeline in mind.

Can faith-based organizations apply for federal reentry grants?

Yes. Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply for most federal reentry grant programs, including the DOL RESTART initiative. Federal law requires that grant programs do not discriminate against applicants based on religious affiliation. However, program services funded by federal grants must be available to all eligible participants regardless of their religious beliefs.

What is JustGrants and how is it different from Grants.gov?

Grants.gov is the federal portal where all grant opportunities are posted and where most agencies receive initial applications. JustGrants is the Department of Justice’s internal grants management system where DOJ applicants submit their full application packages. For Second Chance Act grants, you typically register on Grants.gov, but the actual application is submitted through JustGrants. Both portals require advance registration, so plan ahead.

What is a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and do I need one?

A Unique Entity ID is a 12-character identifier assigned by SAM.gov to organizations doing business with the federal government. As of 2022, all federal grant applicants must have a UEI. It replaced the previous DUNS number system. If your organization does not already have a UEI, you can register for free through SAM.gov.

Final Thoughts

2026 is genuinely one of the most active years in recent memory for reentry program funding in the United States. With over $81 million from the DOL RESTART initiative, nearly $20 million from BJA Second Chance Act education and employment grants, billions more available through SAMHSA, HUD, ACF, and state-level programs, and robust private foundation support from organizations like the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Arnold Ventures, the opportunities for organizations working with formerly incarcerated individuals have never been wider.

The key to accessing this funding is preparation. Register on SAM.gov and Grants.gov now if you have not already. Study the NOFOs carefully. Build a program model grounded in evidence. Develop strong community partnerships. Invest in your data systems. And apply as early as possible within each funding cycle.

For ongoing updates on new reentry grant opportunities, visit the National Reentry Resource Center and monitor the BJA Funding Opportunities page regularly. The resources are there. The only question is whether your organization is ready to pursue them.