The BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act grant aims to help state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, provide education and job training programs for people leaving prison and jail. The goal is to improve their skills and job prospects, reduce the chances of them returning to prison, and help them succeed in the workforce.
Who it's for: This grant is for state, local, and tribal governments, community-based organizations, and educational institutions that want to create or improve education and employment programs for adults and youth leaving prison or jail.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of alignment with local job market needs
- Failure to demonstrate capacity to engage in the digital economy
- Proposals that do not focus on education or employment outcomes
- Applications from entities not listed as eligible
- Incomplete application submission
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan up to $1,000,000
- Proof of eligibility
- Partnership agreements (if applicable)
- Plan for measuring outcomes
- Community needs assessment
- Letters of support
- Organizational capacity statement
- Timeline of project activities
- Registration with federal grant systems
Cautions
- Ensure your project aligns with local job market needs
- Be prepared to demonstrate how your program will reduce recidivism
- Make sure to register with necessary federal systems before applying
- Carefully follow application instructions to avoid disqualification
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include independent school districts, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, individuals, public and state institutions of higher education, city or township governments, private institutions of higher education, state governments, county governments, special district governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and for-profit organizations. This means a wide range of entities, from educational institutions to local governments and private businesses, can apply as long as they meet the specific requirements.
Overview
This grant is for state, local, and tribal governments, community-based organizations, and educational institutions that want to create or improve education and employment programs for adults and youth leaving prison or jail.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of alignment with local job market needs
- Failure to demonstrate capacity to engage in the digital economy
- Proposals that do not focus on education or employment outcomes
- Applications from entities not listed as eligible
- Incomplete application submission
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to develop and enhance educational and vocational programs, create workforce development initiatives, and improve job readiness and employment retention for individuals leaving prison or jail.
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Aug 17, 2026
- Deadline
- Sep 24, 2026(28 days)
Application Checklist
- Register with federal grant systems (e.g., SAM.gov)
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal
- Prepare a detailed budget plan
- Gather letters of support from partners
- Complete a community needs assessment
- Draft a plan for measuring program outcomes
- Submit proof of eligibility
- Ensure all documents are complete and submitted by the deadline