Community Reentry Settings Initiative

The Community Reentry Settings Initiative is a federal funding opportunity offered by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), part of the U.S. Department of Justice. NIC specializes in providing training, technical assistance, and policy development support for corrections agencies across the United States. This grant opportunity, announced under Assistance Listing Number 16.602, aims to improve the decision-making processes within state Departments of Corrections (DOCs) concerning the placement of individuals into halfway houses and reentry centers. Rather than funding the development or staffing of such facilities, this initiative focuses on conducting a comprehensive process evaluation to identify the operational factors and systemic challenges that influence reentry decisions. At its core, this initiative seeks to address how incarcerated individuals are transitioned to community-based reentry settings. The project will examine the underlying policies, discretionary practices, formal procedures, and informal norms that affect release decisions to halfway houses. Particular attention will be paid to the decision-making points within DOCs, involving wardens, community corrections staff, and case managers. The evaluation will investigate how discretion is applied, whether policies are consistently implemented, and whether there are disparities or inefficiencies in halfway house placements. This work aims to generate evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes and ensure more consistent, fair, and informed decisions in correctional systems. The award will be structured as a cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from NIC. The awardee will collaborate closely with NIC’s program manager to develop methodologies, conduct data collection, perform on-site visits to up to five selected DOCs, and lead working groups in the second year to formulate national-level recommendations. Year one focuses on data gathering, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and site visits; year two involves synthesizing findings and facilitating working groups composed of subject matter experts. The deliverables include a comprehensive report summarizing data from all participating states and recommendations for standardized decision-making criteria. The total available funding for this opportunity is $100,000 for a 12-month performance period. One award will be made, and NIC will not consider applications that exceed this amount. There is no cost share or matching requirement unless voluntarily proposed and approved, in which case it becomes mandatory. Foreign entities and U.S. government organizations are ineligible. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations (including faith-based, community, and tribal organizations), for-profit entities (which must waive profit), and institutions of higher education. Applicants must submit proof of 501(c)(3) status or tribal resolution as applicable. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 4, 2026. A successful validation message from Grants.gov is required for consideration. NIC strongly encourages submission at least 72 hours prior to the deadline. Required components of the application include the SF-424 series forms, a program narrative (30-page limit), a project abstract, budget detail and narrative, logic model, timeline, résumés of all key personnel, and an Accessibility Conformance Report (VPAT). Additional attachments include evidence of nonprofit/for-profit status, letters of support if applicable, and disclosures regarding high-risk status or pending federal applications. Evaluation of applications will be based on three weighted criteria: programmatic design (40%), organizational capacity (35%), and management/administrative quality (25%). Successful applicants will be notified by June 5, 2026, with project activities expected to begin shortly thereafter. NIC emphasizes evidence-based practices, Section 508 compliance, and adherence to the Plain Writing Act. Awardees will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and adhere to all federal and NIC-specific post-award requirements, including whistleblower protections, conflict of interest safeguards, and adherence to federal grant regulations.

Submit 72 hours before deadline; follow formatting and validation requirements strictly; include all critical elements to avoid rejection.