Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project (OGEPP) Proposal for FY 2026 for Law Schools or Legal Advocacy Organizations

The Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, referred to as OGEPP, is a state-funded initiative designed to enhance and expedite the formal pardon process available under Ohio law. The purpose of this project is to reduce challenges faced by individuals applying for clemency who meet specific criteria. It prioritizes applicants with exceptional rehabilitation stories and demonstrable positive contributions to their communities after serving their sentences. The program supports collaborative partnerships between law schools and legal advocacy organizations to expand access to expedited pardons for eligible Ohio residents. Funding for OGEPP totals up to $700,000, with awards divided among multiple recipients and a maximum of $175,000 available for any single grantee. These funds are designated to support the provision of direct legal assistance to qualified applicants, ensuring they can successfully complete the application process and prepare for clemency hearings. Successful recipients are expected to engage in promotion, outreach, client preparation, and representation before the Ohio Parole Board as part of their funded activities. The grant funding period runs through June 30, 2026. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted to law schools and legal advocacy organizations that provide assistance to underserved populations within the state of Ohio. Applicants are expected to demonstrate relevant experience or the capacity to meet project requirements. These requirements include promoting the OGEPP initiative, adhering to program materials and brand guidelines, participating in required trainings and meetings, maintaining case management systems, and working directly with clients assigned through the project. Organizations must also commit to representing clients throughout the clemency process, including preparation and in-person representation at hearings. Applicants must submit an electronic proposal by September 20, 2025. Required submission components include the name of the law school or advocacy organization, the name of a primary contact person, phone number, and email address. Selected organizations must also provide timely quarterly performance reports that include data on training participation, new clients, completed application packets, clemency hearing representations, and county-level service information. In addition, an end-of-year fiscal report must be submitted to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) at the close of the grant period. Applications will be evaluated on an organization’s experience, capacity to meet the outlined program requirements, and commitment to OGEPP goals. Reporting accuracy, training participation, and client support outcomes will be critical for accountability throughout the funding period. By funding legal support networks, the project seeks to ensure that qualified applicants are provided with a fair and accessible path to a gubernatorial pardon. Proposals should be submitted electronically to Juliet Oberle at the ODRC. The required email for submission is juliet.oberle@odrc.state.oh.us. No phone contact is provided in the program guidance. The proposal deadline is fixed for September 20, 2025, and no pre-application deadlines or rolling submission opportunities are specified. The grant closes with the award period ending June 30, 2026.

Organizations should be prepared to commit to quarterly reporting, training participation, and representation in clemency hearings.