DOJ Opens Spring Grant Cycle for $111M in Reentry Program Funding
March 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Arthur Griffin
The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance has opened applications for multiple Second Chance Act reentry grant programs, with deadlines stretching from late March through early May 2026. Congress appropriated $111 million for Second Chance Act programs in FY2026—a $6 million decrease from FY2025, but still the federal government's primary investment in reducing recidivism through community-based reentry services.
Programs Accepting Applications Now
Several programs carry imminent deadlines. The FY25 Smart Reentry Demonstration Program and Strengthening Community Supervision Agency Operations Program have a Grants.gov deadline of March 19, with JustGrants submissions due March 26.
Programs with March 30 Grants.gov deadlines include the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative, the Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative, and Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program. JustGrants submissions for these are due April 6.
Later in the cycle, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program—State Formula opens with an April 7 Grants.gov deadline. Additional programs accepting applications through late April and early May include the Veterans Treatment Court Program, Adult Treatment Court Program, Family Treatment Court Program, and the Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative.
The Broader Justice Funding Landscape
The FY2026 DOJ budget maintains $446 million for the Byrne JAG program overall and $40 million for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. Together with the Second Chance Act appropriation, these represent the federal government's largest commitment to state and local justice reform.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is also accepting applications for programs addressing incarcerated parents and their minor children, as well as training and technical assistance for child abuse prosecutors.
Why Reentry Organizations Should Move Quickly
All applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration—a process that can take up to 30 days. Organizations considering a first-time federal application should begin registration immediately to meet the spring deadlines.
The concentrated six-week application window means preparation time is limited. Priority areas include evidence-based recidivism reduction, treatment court models, and programs serving justice-involved families. Explore these and other justice funding opportunities at grantedai.com.
For in-depth federal grant application guidance, visit the Granted blog.