The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the "235 Successful Reentry" grant opportunity aimed at supporting programs that assist individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. The primary goal of this funding is to reduce recidivism by providing services that address barriers to reentry, including mental health support, employment assistance, housing stability, and community integration. This initiative is part of the state's broader effort to improve public safety and support justice-involved individuals.

This funding opportunity, administered through the Illinois DHS Division of Mental Health, provides a total of $1,000,000 in grant funding. The anticipated number of awards is two, with funding amounts ranging between $500,000 and $1,000,000 per award. The grant is state-funded and does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants. Indirect costs are allowed with no specific restrictions.

Eligible applicants for this opportunity are organizations that provide services related to reentry programs, including nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, public housing authorities, and institutions working with formerly incarcerated individuals. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide comprehensive reentry support within Illinois and align with the state's reentry objectives.

The application period runs from March 11, 2025, to April 9, 2025, with a deadline at 12:00 PM CST on April 9, 2025. Additionally, a technical assistance session is scheduled for March 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM. While attendance at this session is not mandatory, it is recommended for applicants seeking guidance on the application process. The registration link for this session is available in the official grant documentation.

Applications must be submitted via the Illinois DHS grant application portal. The evaluation criteria include program effectiveness, organizational capacity, alignment with state reentry objectives, and demonstrated impact on recidivism reduction. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the full funding announcement to ensure compliance with all requirements.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact Robert Putnam at DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. Additional information, including application submission details, is available on the Illinois DHS website.