BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- O-BJA-2026-172717
- Agency
-
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice
- Applications due
- Award size
- Up to $1,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Law, Justice and Legal Services
- Eligible applicants
-
- Non-501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
- Points of contact
-
- OJP Response Center ojp.responsecenter@usdoj.gov (800) 851-3420
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applicants for the FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program, which will distribute up to $12.5 million across approximately 13 grants of up to $1 million each, with an SF-424 completion deadline of October 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET and full application submission due November 6, 2026 at 8:59 PM ET in JustGrants. No cost share is required. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
The program funds mentoring and transitional services for individuals assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism who are returning to communities from adult correctional facilities, with services provided pre-release and/or post-release. Services must include a Memorandum of Understanding with correctional partner agencies demonstrating pre-release access. Award period runs 36 months beginning January 1, 2027.
Allowable uses of funds include validated assessment tools, educational and vocational services, substance use and mental health treatment, mentoring, family reunification services, service coordination, and transitional jobs strategies. Unallowable costs include prizes, client stipends, gift cards, vehicle purchases, and food or beverages, as well as programs or activities violating federal immigration law or civil rights statutes.
Applicants must complete a 10-page proposal narrative addressing need (5%), project goals and objectives (15%), project design and implementation (35%), organizational capabilities and competencies (30%), and budget (15%). A mandatory Chief Executive Assurance certifying commitment to collect and report recidivism indicator data is required. Applicants must register on SAM.gov no later than September 30, 2026. Priority consideration is given to evidence-based activities and rigorous evaluation designs including random assignment. The program operates under CFDA 16.812, authorized by the Second Chance Act of 2007 and the First Step Act of 2018.
Synopsis
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program. This opportunity will support community-based organizations and tribal governments to provide mentoring and transitional services for people returning to communities from adult correctional facilities and who are assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism. Services may be provided pre-and/or post-release.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| PKG00294235.pdf | ||
| PKG00294178.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar grant opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity