Juvenile Community Alternatives Grant Program

The Juvenile Community Alternatives Planning Grant Program for 2025–2026 is administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). This initiative is grounded in Indiana Code § 31-40-5-6 and is supported by the biennial state budget. It aims to provide public and nonprofit entities with funding to develop community-based alternatives to the detention or out-of-home placement of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The overarching goals of the program are to reduce secure confinement and recidivism, and to promote improved outcomes for youth through research-based, cost-effective strategies. The award period spans from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and applications must be submitted through the IntelliGrants system by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 18, 2025. The program supports planning activities for the implementation of community-based youth justice alternatives. Applicants may use grant funds to assess needs, plan services, and build local collaborations, especially through their local or regional Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) or other relevant juvenile justice stakeholder groups. Activities can include travel to observe effective programs, hosting collaborative planning meetings, and obtaining technical assistance. The planning phase is intended to prepare recipients for future program implementation grants. Notably, awards are disbursed up front, not as reimbursements, but require monthly or quarterly verification of expenses and proof of payment. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public entities, nonprofits, and nongovernmental organizations that serve youth involved in the juvenile justice system. However, eligibility is contingent upon prequalification checks through the Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development, and Secretary of State. Non-governmental entities must also have a collaboration agreement with the referring entity before funds are received. Entities may apply to serve more than one county but must submit individualized collaborative plans for each. Funding for this cycle is capped at $20,000 per county for a one-year planning effort, particularly aimed at supporting rural counties with limited service capacity. Funds may be used for personnel, supplies, and travel associated with planning activities. Administrative costs are allowable but may not exceed 10% of the total grant budget and must be included within specific personnel time allocations. Direct financial assistance to clients, lobbying, construction, and vehicle purchases are among the unallowable expenses. Consultant fees are capped at $81.25/hour or $650/day, and all contractors must go through a documented procurement process. Application review will be conducted by ICJI and the Youth Justice Oversight Committee’s Grants work group. Applications will be evaluated on completeness, eligibility, budget alignment, risk, compliance, and the ability to pass required clearances. Awarded grants will be monitored through desk reviews, site visits, and regular reporting. Grantees must provide monthly or quarterly reports, including stakeholder meeting details and documentation of expenditures. Final fiscal reports and proof of all expenses are due within 30 days after the grant period ends on September 30, 2026. A webinar providing an overview of the RFP and an opportunity for Q&A will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. For technical assistance during the application process, applicants can contact the ICJI Helpdesk at CJiHelpDesk@cji.in.gov or by phone at 317-232-1233 during business hours. More information, training materials, and required forms can be accessed through the ICJI website and the IntelliGrants portal. All applicants are advised to submit their applications at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Submit early; review IntelliGrants training before applying.