The 2025 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative is a grant program administered by the Office of Grants and Research, a state agency within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in Massachusetts. The initiative aims to allocate up to $5.9 million in funding for reentry programming designed to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety for young adults who are currently incarcerated or have recently been released. The funding is intended to support community-based reentry programs that provide essential pre- and post-release services to these individuals, fostering collaboration with correctional facilities to effectively identify and monitor program participants.

The primary purpose of the Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative is to facilitate the successful reintegration of young adults into society after incarceration. The program seeks to achieve this by funding nonprofit organizations that can deliver comprehensive support services, including counseling, job training, and educational opportunities. Each funded program will work closely with a designated correctional partner, ensuring that participants receive the necessary resources and guidance throughout their transition. Additionally, a Technical Assistance Provider will be assigned to each program site to offer strategic and analytical support, further enhancing the effectiveness of the funded initiatives.

Funding from this initiative will be available for a one-year project period, commencing on January 1, 2025, and concluding on December 31, 2025. The total amount of approximately $5.9 million will be distributed among no more than six nonprofit organizations. Each organization is expected to utilize the funds to implement programs that serve individuals from Massachusetts Department of Correction facilities or local Sheriff’s offices. It is important to note that organizations providing pre-release services must focus on inmates who have one year or less remaining until their release date.

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. Each organization is permitted to submit only one application and must include a memorandum of understanding from the relevant Sheriff’s Office or the Massachusetts Department of Correction. This memorandum should validate the collaborative relationship between the applicant and the correctional facility, including any previous partnerships. Applications that do not include this documentation will not be considered for funding.

The application process will require organizations to respond to specific questions that assess their capacity to deliver the proposed services and their plans for collaboration with correctional partners. Evaluation criteria will focus on the organization’s experience, the feasibility of the proposed program, and the potential impact on reducing recidivism among participants. The deadline for submitting applications is October 11, 2024.

In summary, the 2025 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative represents a significant opportunity for nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts to secure funding for programs aimed at supporting young adults in their reentry journey. By fostering collaboration with correctional facilities and providing essential services, these organizations can play a crucial role in enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism rates among this vulnerable population. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the detailed requirements and prepare their applications in advance of the submission deadline. For further information, potential applicants can visit the Office of Grants and Research website.