Grants for Released Prisoners

Grants for reentry support help formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives through employment, housing, education, and behavioral health services. The Department of Justice's Second Chance Act is the primary federal funding source, with additional support from DOL, HHS, and foundations committed to criminal justice reform.

111 grants
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
College Unbound · Rolling / Open Foundation

Francie Heller Scholarships Geographic Scope: Rhode Island Eligibility: - Formerly incarcerated students enrolled at College Unbound - Must have been incarcerated in Rhode Island within the last ten…

DSLBD Current Funding · April 30, 2026 State

Program for DC residents who are returning citizens and/or justice-involved, starting a DC-based microbusiness without an active DC basic business license. For individuals in business concept or…

GARDINER HOWLAND SHAW FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Last Updated: December 24, 2025 Summary The Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Grant, established in 1959,…

California Workforce Development Board · Rolling / Open Foundation

Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0 Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: California Workforce Development Board Amount: US $200,000 - US $400,000 Last Updated: February 25, 2026 Summary The…

Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service · Rolling / Open Foundation

HI AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service Last Updated: March 24, 2026 Summary The HI AmeriCorps State and…

$319,000
THE CHAMBER OF THE CHINO VALLEY · Rolling / Open Foundation

HIRE Grant – Expanding Second-Chance Employment Overview: The HIRE Grant Program is designed to help businesses hire and train justice-involved individuals while reducing employment costs. Through…

Serve Idaho · Rolling / Open Foundation

Idaho AmeriCorps Formula Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Serve Idaho Last Updated: February 27, 2026 Summary The ID AmeriCorps Formula Grant, funded by Serve Idaho, aims to support organizations…

San Diego County Bar Foundation · August 1, 2026 · Annual Foundation

Indigent Criminal Defense Fund Funder: San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California (serves North County, Central/Downtown San Diego, and East County)…

EPISCOPAL CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview Our mission: To be among the most capable, trusted, and impactful non-profit organizations in New York, responding to acute need in the communities we serve. Episcopal Charities provides…

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview The Jewish Community Foundation was established in 1967 by dedicated leaders who envisioned a sustained future for the San Diego Jewish community. During the Foundation’s long and…

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

Job Opportunities for Building Success Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Amount: Up to US $1,000,000 Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Summary…

JACQUES PEPIN FOUNDATION THE · Rolling / Open Foundation

JPF Principal Grant Program RFP Status: ACTIVE Funder: Jacques Pepin Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: March 16, 2026 Summary The Jacques Pepin Foundation (JPF) is dedicated to…

The Education Trust Inc · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Justice Fellows Policy Program Organization: The Education Trust Inc Program Start: 2021 Overview: The Justice Policy Fellowship elevates the voices of individuals directly impacted by the legal…

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF EASTERN · Rolling / Open Foundation

Justice Fund Geographic Scope: Eastern Connecticut (service area) Focus Areas: Fighting discrimination; women's rights; immigration advocacy; racial justice; criminal justice reform Overview:…

THE COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP INC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

L.I.T.T.Y. Book & Writers Club Organization: College & Community Fellowship (NY, US) Full Name: Literature Inspires Teaches & Transforms You Overview A transformative writing program designed to help…

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do reentry grants typically fund?
Common funded services include job training and placement, transitional housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, family reunification services, education and GED programs, mentoring, legal services, and transportation assistance. The most effective grants fund comprehensive, wrap-around services rather than single interventions.
Can faith-based organizations get reentry grants?
Yes. Faith-based organizations are major providers of reentry services and are eligible for federal Second Chance Act grants and DOL reentry programs. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships supports this work. Many faith-based organizations partner with government-funded programs to provide mentoring, housing, and support services.
What foundations fund criminal justice reform?
Major funders include Arnold Ventures, the Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Charles Koch Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation (Safety and Justice Challenge). The Vera Institute of Justice and the Council of State Governments Justice Center are both funders and technical assistance providers in the reentry space.

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