BJA FY25 Smart Reentry Demonstration Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has released the Smart Reentry Demonstration Program to assist state, local, and Tribal governments in implementing comprehensive reentry strategies. These strategies are aimed at supporting individuals who are returning to communities after incarceration in prisons, jails, or under supervision. The overarching goal of the program is to reduce recidivism by establishing or expanding interventions that address key barriers to successful reentry. This funding opportunity aligns with the statutory priorities of the Second Chance Act and supports a coordinated approach to addressing the challenges of reentry, including those related to housing, employment, substance use, and mental health. The program seeks to fund demonstration projects that identify and fill specific gaps in a jurisdiction’s reentry system. Awardees will be expected to develop a strategic reentry plan, implement a targeted intervention for a high-risk subpopulation, and conduct a rigorous evaluation of program effectiveness. The strategic plan must incorporate input from a range of stakeholders, such as service providers, government agencies, nonprofit partners, and individuals impacted by the justice system. Furthermore, applicants must show how the intervention will be sustained beyond the federal funding period. Eligible applicants include state governments, county and city governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and other), and other local government units. The application must include a signed Mandatory Chief Executive Assurance to collect and report on recidivism indicator data. Importantly, a 50% match is required, with at least 25% of the match being in cash. However, applicants experiencing fiscal hardship may submit a waiver request. The program is authorized under the Second Chance Act and related statutes. The application process involves a two-step submission. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by March 19, 2026. Then, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by March 26, 2026. The required application components include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, resumes of key staff, MOUs or letters of support from partners, and various federal forms and assurances. Specific formatting and length requirements apply, including a maximum 15-page proposal narrative. Evaluation of applications includes a basic minimum requirement check followed by a merit review. Reviewers assess the statement of the problem, project goals and objectives, project design and implementation, organizational capabilities, data collection plans, budget, and sustainability strategy. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate alignment with DOJ strategic priorities such as supporting law enforcement, addressing violent crime, and helping underserved populations. The anticipated total funding under this opportunity is $4,000,000, with an award ceiling of $1,000,000 and an expected project duration of 36 months starting October 1, 2025. Approximately four awards will be made. Grantees are required to submit regular financial and performance reports, and may be subject to post-award monitoring. While continuation funding is not guaranteed, future opportunities may be available to successful grantees who show progress in reducing recidivism by at least 10% over a two-year period. This NOFO is part of a broader set of Second Chance Act initiatives being offered in FY 2025 by the BJA.

Align with DOJ priorities; target high-risk populations; use validated assessments; document partner engagement; show sustainability beyond federal funds