Government agencies and community organisations helping young people transition successfully from juvenile confinement back into their communities can now apply for the OJJDP FY2026 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program.

OJJDP expects to make approximately 16 awards, with each recipient eligible for up to $750,000.

The programme has approximately $12.44 million in total available funding.

The federal application uses a two-stage process.

Grants.gov deadline: November 2, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

JustGrants deadline: November 9, 2026 at 8:59pm ET.

What Is the Youth Reentry Program?

Young people leaving juvenile residential or correctional facilities can face major obstacles when they return home.

These may include:

• Education disruption;
• Housing instability;
• Behavioral-health needs;
• Substance use;
• Family challenges;
• Lack of employment opportunities;
• Weak community support.

The programme funds coordinated reentry services that begin before release and continue during the young person’s transition back into the community.

Two Funding Categories

Category 1: Improving Youth Reentry

This category is primarily designed for government-led reentry systems.

Eligible organisations include:

• State governments;
• County governments;
• City and township governments;
• Federally recognised Tribal governments;
• Other qualifying units of local government.

OJJDP expects approximately five Category 1 awards.

Category 2: Strengthening Community-Based Youth Reentry Programs

This category supports community-based organisations delivering reentry services.

Approximately 11 awards are expected.

Qualifying nonprofit organisations can apply subject to the detailed NOFO requirements.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Total programme funding: approximately $12,440,720

Maximum award: $750,000

Expected awards: 16

Expected award period: approximately 36 months

No matching funds are required.

What Services Can Be Supported?

Projects can provide coordinated services before, during and after release.

Activities may include:

• Case management;
• Education;
• Employment preparation;
• Mental-health support;
• Substance-use services;
• Family engagement;
• Mentoring;
• Housing support;
• Community transition planning.

The goal is to reduce recidivism and improve long-term reintegration.

Collaboration Matters

Successful reentry rarely depends on one organisation.

A strong application should show how agencies and community organisations work together.

Potential partners might include:

• Juvenile justice agencies;
• Probation;
• Schools;
• Behavioral-health providers;
• Employers;
• Community organisations;
• Families.

The proposal should clearly define responsibilities and referral pathways.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Use local data.

Explain:

• How many young people return from confinement;
• Their risk levels;
• Existing service gaps;
• Current recidivism challenges;
• Which intervention you will deliver;
• How outcomes will be measured.

The strongest proposal should show a complete reentry pathway rather than a collection of unrelated services.

Official Application Link

Opportunity Number: O-OJJDP-2026-172751

Step 1: Grants.gov

Apply through the official Grants.gov opportunity

Step 2: JustGrants

Complete the full application in JustGrants

View the official OJJDP programme page

Both submission stages must be completed.