Performance Incentive Grant Fund

The Performance Incentive Grant Fund (PIGF) is a state-funded initiative administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland. Originating from savings accrued through the Justice Reinvestment Act (JRA), this grant program aims to reduce incarceration rates across Maryland by supporting community and government-based efforts to divert individuals from the justice system and to bolster reentry and recidivism reduction programs. The JRA itself is a data-driven strategy focused on safely reducing the prison population, enhancing public safety, and reinvesting correctional savings into evidence-based services and supports. The PIGF reflects these principles by funding both state-level and county-level initiatives that further these goals. The SFY 2027 cycle of the PIGF program offers a total of $11,546,482.00 in grant funding. Funding is divided into two categories: Category A for state agencies and nonprofit organizations, and Category B for local government agencies and community-based nonprofits. Each category supports a distinct set of initiatives. Category A applicants may receive up to $450,000 for state agencies and up to $200,000 for nonprofits. Category B local government entities may request up to $350,000, while nonprofits may apply for up to $200,000. Nonprofits may not request more than 40% of their annual operating budget in grant funds, and all award amounts are subject to review for compliance with these limits. A minimum of $595,824 is reserved specifically for projects aligned with Initiative 3 under each funding category—focused on restitution and victims' rights. Funding supports a wide range of initiatives, including reentry programming, behavioral health treatment, restitution and victim services, pretrial services, deflection and diversion programs, and training for justice system decision-makers. Eligible expenditures include personnel, travel, operating expenses, contractual services, equipment, and other direct costs, with specific thresholds and caps on fringe benefits and consultant fees. Funding cannot be used for juvenile justice programs, lobbying, meals (except for clients), or capital expenses, among other restrictions. Eligible applicants include Maryland-based state and local government agencies, local courts, detention centers, health departments, and nonprofit organizations including faith-based and community groups. Nonprofits must submit IRS documentation for 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) status. Faith-based organizations may apply but must ensure that grant-supported activities remain secular and separate from religious programming. All applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration and UEI. Each eligible entity may submit only one application but may be listed as a partner on others. Applications must be submitted online through the Grants Management System (GMS) by April 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Interested applicants must first request a GMS User ID by March 27, 2026. The application must include a detailed narrative covering organizational information, problem statement, program purpose, design, goals and objectives, data collection plan, personnel, sustainability plan, budget justification, and disclosures of other pending applications. Required attachments include proof of eligibility, organizational charts, W-9s, and other financial documentation. Evaluation will consider organizational background, alignment with PIGF goals, clarity of project design, budget justification, and plans for sustainability and performance measurement. A technical assistance session is scheduled for March 12, 2026, via Google Meet. Applicants are encouraged to review the GMS Application Instructions and recorded training videos prior to submission. Awards will be announced in June 2026, with the grant performance period running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis following the timely submission of quarterly reports. The program emphasizes accountability and transparency, and recipients must track and report progress on identified outcomes throughout the grant lifecycle.

Applications must be complete, on-budget, and follow all narrative formatting rules to pass technical review.