SFY2026 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative Availability of Grant Funds

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) is providing funding for the Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative, which aims to reduce recidivism among individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. The initiative will provide approximately $5.95 million in grant funds for continuation funding to support programs that serve participants from one or more MA Department of Correction (DOC) and/or Sheriff’s facilities. The grant is open to current nonprofit recipients of the SFY25 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative who have a current contract ending on December 31, 2025. Key requirements for applicants include: * Providing pre- and post-release reentry services for emerging adults * Having a demonstrated commitment from the MA DOC and/or Sheriff’s Office to work collaboratively * Providing a continuum of programming from the state prison and/or county correctional facility into the community * Providing pre-release services that include transition plans, education programs, workforce readiness and life skills programs, and counseling * Providing post-release services that include case management for not less than 12 months after participating individuals have been released * Providing a plan for ensuring that proposed programs shall be implemented with adherence to a research-based or evidence-based program design. Some of the key performance measures for this grant include: * Number of participants who secured employment at program exit * Number of participants who obtained stable housing at program exit * Number of participants who earned their high school diploma, GED, or HiSET at program exit * Recidivism rates of program participants.