Apply now for Community Reentry Settings Initiative (United States)

Deadline: 04-May-2026

The Community Reentry Settings Initiative provides a $100,000 grant for a 12-month evaluation of how correctional agencies make release decisions for incarcerated individuals entering halfway houses. The project examines decision-making criteria, coordination with community partners, and available reentry services to improve reintegration outcomes.

Program Overview

The Community Reentry Settings Initiative is a process evaluation effort designed to study the decision-making mechanisms correctional agencies use when placing incarcerated individuals in halfway houses and reentry centers. The initiative focuses on identifying how policies, tools, and community resources influence release and transition processes.

Objectives

• Analyze operational mechanisms and criteria used in release decisions

• Examine the role of risk assessments, protective factors, and RNR (Risk, Needs, Responsivity) principles

• Evaluate the coordination between prisons, halfway houses, and community partners

• Assess services provided during reentry, including employment, life skills, mental health, and substance use support

• Identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen reentry planning and decision-making

Funding Details

• Total Funding: $100,000

• Project Duration: 12 months

• Number of Awards: One award expected

• Eligible Applicants:

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • For-profit organizations that waive profit or service fees

  • Institutions of higher education

• Ineligible Applicants: State, county, or city government agencies

• Collaborations: Encouraged, provided one eligible organization serves as primary applicant

Scope of Evaluation

The initiative is focused on studying existing processes rather than funding halfway house operations. Key evaluation areas include:

• Decision-Making Criteria: How correctional agencies apply assessments, protective factors, and RNR principles in placement decisions

• Case Management Practices: Role of case managers in preparing incarcerated individuals for transition

• Transition Coordination: Hand-off between prison officials and halfway house providers

• Community Partnerships: Involvement of businesses, education providers, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in reentry

• Service Continuum: Availability and integration of employment support, life skills development, mental health care, and substance use treatment

Expected Outcomes

• Clear understanding of current placement decision processes

• Identification of factors affecting release and transition to community settings

• Insights into coordination and collaboration between correctional and community-based entities

• Recommendations to enhance reentry planning and improve successful reintegration

How to Apply

1. Confirm organization eligibility as a nonprofit, for-profit (with waived fees), or higher education institution

2. Develop a detailed evaluation plan addressing objectives, scope, and methodology

3. Include a timeline and budget aligned with the $100,000 funding limit

4. Identify potential collaborative partners and define roles

5. Submit a complete application through the initiative’s portal before the deadline

Why This Initiative Matters

• Improves transparency and consistency in halfway house placement decisions

• Enhances public safety and individual reintegration outcomes

• Supports evidence-based practices within correctional systems

• Strengthens collaboration between correctional agencies and community partners

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to apply? Nonprofits, for-profits that waive profit, and higher education institutions; government agencies are not eligible.

2. How much funding is available? $100,000 for one 12-month project.

3. Can organizations collaborate? Yes, partnerships are encouraged if one eligible organization serves as the primary applicant.

4. Is this funding for operating halfway houses? No, it is solely for evaluation of release decision processes.

5. What areas will the evaluation focus on? Decision criteria, case management, coordination, community partnerships, and reentry services.

6. How long is the project period? 12 months.

7. Can for-profit entities apply? Yes, if they agree to waive any profit or service fees.

Conclusion

The Community Reentry Settings Initiative strengthens understanding of halfway house placement processes and reentry support systems. By evaluating decision-making practices, coordination, and available services, the initiative seeks to improve reintegration outcomes and guide evidence-based improvements in correctional reentry planning.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.