The BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program is a grant opportunity aimed at helping community organizations and tribal governments provide support for people leaving adult correctional facilities. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of them returning to prison by offering mentoring and transitional services before and after their release.
Who it's for: This grant is for community-based organizations and tribal governments that are looking to support individuals transitioning from adult correctional facilities back into the community. Specifically, it's for those who can provide mentoring and transitional services to individuals assessed as moderate to high risk for reoffending.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status
- Not a private institution of higher education
- Lack of experience in providing reentry services
- Inability to demonstrate capacity to serve moderate to high-risk individuals
- Failure to submit a complete application by the deadline
What You May Need
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Organizational capacity statement
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Evaluation plan
- Resumes of key personnel
- Evidence of past performance in similar projects
- Risk assessment strategy
- Registration with the System for Award Management (SAM)
Cautions
- Ensure your organization is eligible before applying
- Prepare to demonstrate experience in reentry services
- Be aware of the tight application deadline
- Make sure all required documents are complete and accurate
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants for this grant are nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and private institutions of higher education. These organizations must be capable of providing mentoring and transitional services to individuals assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism, both before and after their release from adult correctional facilities.
Overview
This grant is for community-based organizations and tribal governments that are looking to support individuals transitioning from adult correctional facilities back into the community. Specifically, it's for those who can provide mentoring and transitional services to individuals assessed as moderate to high risk for reoffending.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status
- Not a private institution of higher education
- Lack of experience in providing reentry services
- Inability to demonstrate capacity to serve moderate to high-risk individuals
- Failure to submit a complete application by the deadline
Use of Funds
Funds from this grant can be used to develop and implement mentoring and transitional services for individuals leaving adult correctional facilities. This includes both pre-release and post-release services aimed at reducing recidivism.
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 21, 2026
- Deadline
- Oct 30, 2026(38 days)
Application Checklist
- Verify 501(c)(3) status or private institution eligibility
- Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal
- Create a detailed budget plan
- Gather letters of support or partnership agreements
- Prepare an evaluation plan
- Compile resumes of key personnel
- Document past performance in similar projects
- Outline a risk assessment strategy
- Submit the application by October 30, 2026