Each year, the federal government funds reentry initiatives, but accessing these resources can be difficult for stakeholders. NRWC connects stakeholders in the reentry workforce sector, facilitating collaboration with federal agencies.
In our recent Thought Leadership session we explored state and local programs for justice-involved individuals and ways community organizations can partner with the federal government. Joined by Molly Bashay, US DOL Senior Policy Advisor and Rachel Brushett, PH.D. US DOJ Senior Advisor.
View recorded Thought Leadership session.
4 Tips for Accessing Federal Funding to Advance Reentry Workforce Programming
- Understand the Landscape: Several federal agencies release funding solicitations to support reentry workforce programming, with the Employment and Training Administration (Department of Labor) and The Office of Justice Programs (Department of Justice) administering the largest investments. Get acquainted with current and anticipated funding opportunities through Department websites, as well as The National Reentry Resource Center:
- Prepare Early: Applying for a federal grant can feel like an overwhelming process. Proposals often require many components and limited time to assemble them. Start preparing early by reviewing Department websites and past years’ solicitations to get a sense of what pieces you’ll need in place. Solicitations may vary year to year, but in many cases, there’ll be enough similarities to give yourself a head start. If an opportunity you’re planning on applying for doesn’t have an anticipated posting date yet, the past year’s solicitation timeline will often give you a ballpark idea of the timeline.
- Think Partnerships: After identifying an opportunity, get your partners on board early and make efforts to ensure you have the right relationships in place for effective and dependable program delivery. Not having the right partners can set you back in the application process as well as in service delivery once you’re awarded a federal grant. Additionally, you may find a great funding solicitation for your community that you don’t qualify for as the applicant. In those cases, ask yourself whether you have a partner who would qualify and whether it makes sense for your organization to participate as a sub-grantee or another necessary service provider.
- Take an Honest Look at Organizational Capacity: No organization wants to make a commitment to their community that they’re not prepared to follow through on. Before applying for a federal grant, assess your internal capacity for any required programmatic, fiscal, and administrative activities. The Uniform Guidance provides an important grant management resource.
