Second Chance Act Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors | BJA 2016 8990

Opportunity Information: Apply for BJA 2016 8990

The Second Chance Act Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors (Funding Opportunity Number: BJA 2016 8990) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under CFDA 16.812. Its purpose is to fund community-based reentry efforts that help adults returning from incarceration successfully transition back into the community, with a strong emphasis on serving people who are assessed as having a moderate to high risk of reoffending. The core idea is to reduce recidivism and improve public safety by combining practical reentry supports with structured mentoring relationships that can help participants stay engaged, navigate barriers, and build stability after release.

Funding is designed to support comprehensive, evidence-based reentry services delivered in the community, meaning the program expects applicants to offer more than a single service or short-term assistance. While the opportunity summary does not list specific required service categories, the language "comprehensive" and "evidence-based" typically signals an expectation of coordinated supports that address multiple reentry needs, such as case management and service planning, connections to employment and education, housing assistance, behavioral health or substance use treatment linkages, and other stabilization services that are commonly tied to successful reentry outcomes. A defining requirement in this opportunity is the inclusion of a mentoring component, integrating mentors into the overall service model rather than treating mentoring as an optional add-on. This suggests BJA is looking for programs that pair returning individuals with trained mentors who can provide consistent guidance, accountability, and pro-social support throughout the reentry process.

The total anticipated award structure is up to $1,000,000 per award over a three-year project period, with an award ceiling of $1,000,000. BJA expected to make approximately 10 awards under this solicitation. The opportunity was created on February 18, 2016, with an original application closing date of April 12, 2016. As a grant (the listed funding instrument type), the program funds allowable project activities proposed by successful applicants and carried out over the multi-year period, typically with performance measurement and reporting expectations aligned to federal justice assistance grant standards.

Eligibility is limited and targeted to organizations that already have demonstrated capacity in adult reentry. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, including tribal nonprofit organizations, that can document a history of delivering comprehensive, evidence-based reentry services. In addition, federally recognized Indian tribal governments (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) are eligible to apply. This eligibility restriction indicates the program is not intended for new or untested providers; instead, it is aimed at established reentry organizations and tribal governments that can show experience, credible program models, and the ability to implement structured mentoring alongside a broader service continuum.

Overall, this opportunity supports community-based organizations and tribal governments in building or expanding adult reentry programs that blend proven reentry interventions with mentoring to help formerly incarcerated adults at higher risk of recidivism successfully reintegrate, access needed supports, and maintain law-abiding, stable lives in the community.

• The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Second Chance Act Comprehensive Community-Based Adult Reentry Program Utilizing Mentors" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.812.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-02-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2016-04-12. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for BJA 2016 8990

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