The Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development is seeking applications for its Community Reentry Reinvestment Grant & Pathway to Employment.
Donor Name: Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development
State: Tennessee
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/05/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The purpose of this program is to support justice-involved individuals in transitioning from workforce preparation to sustained employment. This initiative extends beyond traditional training programs by directly connecting participants to paid employment opportunities while providing the support necessary for long-term success. It emphasizes the integration of skill development, barrier reduction, and employer engagement.
Participants will receive training aligned with workforce demand and will have opportunities to enter employment, earn wages, and demonstrate their abilities in real world work environments. Additionally, the program supports employers by reducing hiring risk and assisting in the development of a reliable workforce. The objective is to promote long-term employment outcomes rather than short-term placements.
This program is designed to create a clear, structured pathway from training through employment and retention, ensuring that participants do not experience gaps between program completion and workforce entry. The program is intended to create practical pathways for individuals moving from incarceration into community-based employment services and for participants who are already in the community but continue to face barriers related to justice involvement. Program design should minimize gaps at release, align services across partners, and position participants to move rapidly into subsidized or unsubsidized employment.
Objectives
- Rapid Employment: Transition participants from training into paid employment as quickly as possible to support income generation, work experience development, and stability.
- Practical Training and Job Placement: Deliver training aligned with in-demand skills and ensure direct connections to employment opportunities in high-demand sectors.
- Barrier Reduction: Provide supportive services, including transportation, housing, childcare, and work-related necessities, to promote job retention and stability.
- Reduce Employer Risk: Use wage subsidies to offset hiring costs and encourage employer participation in hiring justice-involved individuals.
- Post-Placement Support: Maintain engagement with participants during the initial stages of employment to address challenges and support retention.
- Long-Term Employment Focus: Prioritize sustained employment and career advancement beyond initial job placement.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor outcomes, evaluate program effectiveness, and adjust strategies to improve results over time.
Funding Information
- Total Funding Available: $2,900,000
- Funding caps include:
- Up to $4,000 per participant for training and supportive services
- Up to $3,200 per participant for wage subsidies
Grant Duration
July 1 2026 – June 30th, 2027.
Allowable Costs
Allowable costs include:
- Personnel costs directly associated with program implementation
- Training and instructional expenses
- Supportive services (e.g., transportation, housing assistance, tools, uniforms
- Wage subsidies paid to employers
- Case management and job placement activities
Eligibility Criteria
This funding opportunity is open to organizations with demonstrated experience in workforce development or reentry services, or the capacity to rapidly implement such programs.
- Eligible applicants include:
- State and local government agencies
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience serving justice-involved or similar populations
- A clear understanding of workforce barriers faced by returning citizens
- Strong employer partnerships and access to viable job opportunities
- Applicants must also:
- Be in good business standing with the State of Tennessee
- Demonstrate the ability to manage grant funds and meet reporting requirements
- Collaboration with Local Workforce Development Boards and other community partners
Applicants should be prepared to implement both workforce preparation and direct employment placement components
For more information, visit Tennessee Labor & Workforce Development .
