The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The purpose of this project is to pilot the master trainer course for current public information officers (PIOs) and communication directors for federal, state, local, and tribal correctional agencies under NIC’s Enhanced Correctional Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Initiative.
Donor Name: National Institute of Corrections (NIC)
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 01/03/2023
Size of the Grant: $240,000
Grant Duration: 12-month
Details:
Public information officers (PIOs) and communication directors play an important role in correctional agencies. The public’s perception and/or lack of understanding of correctional operations can influence public safety, funding, elections, appointments, and other events. The most successful agencies in the field of corrections are those whose leadership address the expectations that stakeholders demand. Consistency, transparency, and the ability to communicate an agency’s mission effectively inside and outside of the organization is paramount.
In the absence of effective communication, misperception and misinformation often supersede the truth. Myths arise in the absence of facts and this void of information impedes the agency’s ability to take charge and manage the outcome. Many correctional agencies engage with the media and stakeholders only when critical situations occur. Opportunities to share the good work, positive stories, and life-changing efforts of the agency are missed. Not building effective relationships with the media through positive stories before bad things happen can be detrimental.
Effective organizations will have a clear purpose and goals that define their communication strategies. Building a positive rapport with the media, taking control of their message, humanizing the field of corrections, and engaging the community are just a few of the priorities that PIOs and communication directors should address.
Goal
The goal of this project is to advance public safety by shaping and enhancing correctional communications staff and practices through leadership, learning, and innovation.
Objectives
The tasks to be performed under this cooperative agreement will include the following:
- Pilot the master trainer course to expand the role, competencies, skills, and functions of PIOs and communication directors.
- Pilot the curriculum.
- Revise the curriculum upon completion of the pilot.
- Develop a resource guide for PIOs and communication directors.
Funding Information
NIC expects to make one award for as much as $240,000.00 for a 12-month project period, beginning on January 31, 2023.
Eligibility Criteria
- NIC invites applications from nonprofit organizations (including faith-based, community, and tribal organizations), for-profit organizations (including tribal for-profit organizations), and institutions of higher education (including tribal institutions of higher education). Recipients, including for-profit organizations, must agree to waive any profit or fee for services.
- Proof of 501(c) (3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service or an authorizing tribal resolution is required.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
