OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program

The Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program, administered by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, is a federal initiative aimed at improving reentry outcomes for moderate- to high-risk youth returning to communities from juvenile residential facilities. The program aligns with broader goals to uphold the rule of law, enhance public safety, protect children, and support victims. Through this program, OJJDP seeks to reduce recidivism and support the long-term reintegration of youth offenders into society by funding comprehensive reentry strategies and transitional services. This program offers two distinct categories of funding. Category 1, “Improving Youth Reentry,” supports state, local, and Tribal governments in developing comprehensive reentry programs that begin pre-release and extend through post-release phases. These programs must be implemented in partnership with federal correctional or supervision agencies, service providers, and nonprofit organizations. Category 2, “Strengthening Community-Based Youth Reentry Programs,” is directed at nonprofit organizations and aims to provide transitional services that assist youth in reintegrating into their communities. Eligible applicants under each category must demonstrate coordination with correctional agencies and must provide evidence of access to confined youth at least 90 days prior to release. The total funding available under this opportunity is $13.65 million, with an anticipated maximum of 18 awards—7 under Category 1 and 11 under Category 2. Each award may be up to $750,000, and the period of performance is expected to be 36 months beginning October 1, 2025. A 50% match is required for Category 1 awards, meaning applicants must contribute non-federal funds equal to half the amount of the federal request. In contrast, Category 2 does not require a match. Allowable costs are detailed in the Application Resource Guide and may include services such as case management, education, job training, mental health care, and housing support, among others. Applications are submitted via a two-step process. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form in Grants.gov by March 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by the full application submission in JustGrants by April 6, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. SAM.gov registration is a prerequisite for submission, and applicants are encouraged to initiate registration by March 6, 2026. Application components include a proposal abstract, narrative, budget detail form, performance measures, and attachments such as resumes, MOUs, and letters of support. Category 2 applicants, in particular, must provide a draft or executed MOU with the correctional agencies overseeing the reentering population. Applications will be assessed based on responsiveness to the NOFO requirements, technical merit, and alignment with program priorities. Peer reviewers will evaluate key elements such as statement of need, goals and objectives, design and implementation strategy, organizational capacity, and budget. Priority consideration will be given to projects that incorporate community partnerships, target high-risk populations, utilize validated assessment tools, and implement evidence-based programming. Successful applicants will be notified through JustGrants and must accept awards within 45 days. Post-award, grantees will be responsible for regular financial and performance reporting, including semi-annual and final reports, and may be subject to additional conditions depending on risk assessments. The program is authorized under the Second Chance Act of 2007, with Category 1 governed by Section 101 and Category 2 by Section 211. It is designed to recur annually, with the next anticipated cycle likely to open in February 2027. For further assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center by phone or email. A detailed help desk is also available for Grants.gov and JustGrants systems, ensuring applicants can access technical support throughout the application process.

Submit full applications at least 48 hours before deadline. For Category 2, MOUs are required to access over $50,000.