BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program (U.S.) Grant: $500,000–$1 Million for Community Development

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is offering a grant opportunity under the Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program to support community-based organizations and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. The program funds mentoring and transitional services for people returning to communities from adult correctional facilities who are assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism, with services provided pre- and/or post-release. The application deadline is 30 October 2026. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) supports community-based organizations and tribal governments to provide mentoring and transitional services for individuals returning to communities from adult correctional facilities. The individuals served must be assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism. Services may be delivered pre-release and/or post-release, depending on the project design described in the official NOFO. Additional details on what costs are allowable, whether there are specific budget categories, and any other funding restrictions are not specified in the source. Applicants should review the full NOFO at the official link provided below.

Eligible applicants include:

Additional eligibility details are not specified in the source. Applicants should confirm any further requirements in the official announcement. This opportunity supports projects that provide: The source does not list additional priority areas beyond these reentry-focused services. Community-based reentry programming can help bridge the transition from incarceration back to community life. This opportunity specifically targets mentoring and transitional services for individuals assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism, supporting organizations and tribal governments working on reentry needs before and/or after release. If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, the source provides this contact:

1) What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The funding opportunity number is O-BJA-2026-172717.

2) Who offers this grant opportunity?

It is offered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice.

3) What is the grant size range?

The grant size is $500,000 to $1 million, with an award ceiling of $1,000,000.

4) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 30-Oct-2026. The source does not specify a time or time zone—check the official NOFO for the exact submission deadline details.

5) Which organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments and nonprofits without IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education).

6) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The source states Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No.

7) What types of services does the program support?

The program supports mentoring and transitional services for people returning to communities from adult correctional facilities who are moderate to high risk for recidivism, with services provided pre- and/or post-release. Applicants should read the full BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program NOFO on the official BJA page to confirm all application requirements, submission instructions, and any additional eligibility or documentation details not included in the Grants.gov listing.