Best grants for felons in California after release

Are there grants for felons in California after release? Yes, real financial assistance for felons in California is available through state-funded reentry grants, housing programs, job training initiatives, and education support. These include reentry grants like the Adult Reentry Grant (ARG) and Transitional Housing Program (THP), along with employment and workforce initiatives such as HIRE 2.0 and Prison to Employment (P2E).

California offers some of the best second-chance programs for formerly incarcerated individuals through Cal Grant, Project Rebound, and Rising Scholars. There are also government grants for felons in California like SNAP, Medicaid and the Federal Pell Grant. The guide sums up everything about housing, jobs, education, healthcare, and nonprofit support programs that are available for felons in California.

Housing Grants & Reentry Programs For Felons in California

Some of the well-known housing and reentry programs available for returning citizens in California include the Adult Reentry Grant (ARG), Transitional Housing Program (THP), and Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH).

Adult Reentry Grant (ARG) – California Reentry Grants for Felons

The Adult Reentry Grant (ARG) was established in the year 2018 through California Budget Act (SB 840) and administered by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). It is one of the most important California reentry grants for felons after prison release, as it offers competitive grants to help individuals successfully return to their communities. The ARG Program has funded around $114 million in the past few years towards reentry services and rental assistance in California.

Eligibility For The Adult Reentry Grant (ARG)

The ARG Program is not open for direct application by felons. ARG funds eligible non-profits that have IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, located in California and provide direct services to the felons. The non-profits then further distribute the funds to felons who are 18 years or older and have been formerly incarcerated in California state prison.

How Felons Can Apply for ARG-Funded Services?

Felons can apply for ARG-Funded services by contacting local nonprofits and agencies that receive the ARG funding. Once you find a local ARG-funded non-profit, you need to visit them or call them and know about the application procedure to apply for the grant. Remember to carry documents like your ID proof, proof of incarceration history, current housing status, proof of income and your release papers. Some of the organizations that receive ARG funds are Catholic Charities of California, CROP Organization, Starting Over Inc. etc. For general queries call on (916) 445-5073

Transitional Housing Program (THP) – Housing Assistance for Felons in California

The Transitional Housing Program (THP) in California is a housing and reintegration support initiative that is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to help out people who are on parole after incarceration. THP offers up to 180 days of transitional housing after release to the felons to reduce recidivism and help them successfully reintegrate into society. Alongside the participants also get help with case management, employment readiness, job search assistance, skill building, education and other supportive services.

Eligibility For Transitional Housing Program (THP)

To be eligible for the Transitional Housing Program (THP) in California, applicants must have active parole status under the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) or be classified as long-term offenders. Remember, individuals registered as sex offenders need to go through screening and it depends case-by-case.

How To Apply For Transitional Housing Program (THP)?

To apply for the Transitional Housing Program (THP), you need to contact your Parole Agent directly as they are the ones who determine if you are an eligible candidate who can be referred to THP.  Remember referral must be done by parolee’s Agent of Record (AOR) via a CDCR form 1502.  The program provider will further access your needs and then confirm your placement. Once accepted for the program you will get help with orientation, housing assignment and re-entry support. For general queries call on (916) 431-4490

Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)

Behavioral Health Bridge Housing is a state-funded interim housing program in California that is specially designed for individuals including felons who are facing homelessness and also struggling with serious behavioral health. The program is funded by California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) offering temporary housing and other supportive services like case management, housing navigation and behavioral health services. The funding of $1.5 billion was allocated fiscal year 2022-23 with additional funding in to 2023-24 making up the full amount to expand Bridge Housing

Eligibility For Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)

To be eligible for Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH), individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless must have serious health conditions like serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorder (SUD), or co-occurring disorder. Felons are also eligible to apply for BHBH programs, as a felony conviction generally is not an automatic disqualifier.  This program also acts as housing help for felons in California facing homelessness.

How To Apply Behavioral Health Bridge Housing?

To apply for Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, you need to find a Local Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) in your area. Most of the counties process it through referral form or you can directly contact your county behavioral health staff. The documents that are required include proof of homelessness or risk, behavioral health assessment, medical records and other documents if asked. For general queries about Behavioral Health Bridge Housing call on (916) 440-7660

CalAIM Community Supports

CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) is a statewide initiative under California’s Medi-Cal program to help out individuals with complex medical and social needs by improving health and well being. CalAIM Community Supports offers assistance with housing instability, food access, and support in daily living. CalAIM is one of the most important government assistance programs for felons in California as it offers help with housing deposits, housing transition navigation, medically supportive meals and respite & personal care.

Eligibility For CalAIM Community Supports 

To be eligible for CalAIM Community Supports, individuals must be a Medi-Cal Member and meet the criteria for specific community support. Remember the requirements for housing, medical supportive food or personal care differs. It is best to contact your Member Services and know about it.

CalAIM runs the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative where they focus on helping people who are released from jails or prisons. The eligible individuals can start their Medi-Cal enrollment before release up to 135 days and services start up to 90 days pre-release.

How To Apply For CalAIM Community Support?

To apply for CalAIM Community Support, you need to check your Medi-Cal Membership Status by calling your Managed Care Plan. Some of the plans required a CS referral form or assessment filled out by you. Work with your Care Manager or Provider and submit the required documents that proves your eligibility. For any questions regarding CalAIM community support email them at [email protected]

Workforce & Employment Grants For Felons in California

Employment and Job Training Programs for Felons in California are available through HIRE 2.0,  Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative and AB 1111.

HIRE 2.0 (Job Training Programs for Felons in California)

HIRE 2.0 is a California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) grant program designed to help out the felons by providing them with employment opportunities, training, and supportive services. The initiative has been taken from HIRE 1.0 where they target formerly incarcerated to help them re-enter the workforce by removing the existing barriers. Total available funding is around $9.5 million grants for 2026.

Note: HIRE 1.0 is closed. Current services are funded under HIRE 2.0.

Eligibility For HIRE 2.0

Individuals including felons cannot apply for the Hire 2.0 directly. Instead they need to contact organizations that receive funding from the Hire 2.0 program. The funds are offered to non-profits, public agencies and businesses that collaborate with felons. Only existing HIRE 1.0 grantees and HIRE Network subrecipients can apply for Hire 2.0

How To Apply For Hire 2.0 for Felons?

To apply for Hire 2.0 for Felons, you need to contact organizations near you that help with reentry employment services or HIRE grantees. Another way to connect is through America’s Job Centers of California as they have HIRE-funded services available for individuals. To learn more visit the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) or call on (916) 657-1440

Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative

The Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative is a California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) program that offers funding to the regional workforce and other reentry partners to help out felons and justice-involved Californians. The Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative is a key program offering employment assistance for felons in California after release.

Eligibility For Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative

To be eligible for Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative, individuals who are recently released from state prison, county jail, or on parole/probation, also for other individuals having justice-involved statuses. However the initiative prioritizes those individuals who are facing employment barriers, housing instability and required substance-use treatment.

How to Apply For Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative?

To apply for the Prison to Employment (P2E) Initiative, you need to find your local Workforce Development Board and check if they run the P2E services. The basic documents that are required are your ID proof, release papers and extra documents if asked. If you are still in custody , you need to talk to your facility reentry coordinator and get help within-prison P2E pre-release programs. For general queries email them at [email protected]

AB 1111 (Removing Barriers to Employment)

AB 1111 also known as the Removing Barriers to Employment Act, a law in California that was specially designed to offer assistance to people with criminal records in California so that they can get access to jobs. The law limits the employers on how and when to consider criminal history in the hiring process. First the applicants are judged on their skills and qualification and thus delaying the backgrounds. AB 1111 does offer the felons with second-chance employment and reduces automatic rejections from the employers.

Eligibility For AB 1111 (Removing Barriers to Employment)

To be eligible for Eligibility For AB 1111, an individual must be a job seeker with a criminal record and must be applying to those employers who are already covered by California’s Fair Chance hiring laws. Employers with five or more employees can apply, it covers both public and private sector jobs.

Remember for certain sensitive roles. A background check might be conducted by law. For basic standard employment roles, felons in California are protected from being asked about their convictions too early in the hiring process.

How To Apply For AB 1111 (Removing Barriers to Employment)?

There is no specific application that you need to complete. All you have to do is find an employer who is covered by California’s Fair Chance hiring laws. Employers need to make a condition of job offers without judging your criminal history and if they want to deny you based on conviction they need to conduct an individualized assessment. If you think your rights under AB 1111 are violated, you can file a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD). For general queries call on 800-884-1684.

Educational Grants For Felons in California

SSCG, Project Rebound, Rising Scholars Network, and USI form a strong network of California felony assistance programs focused on education.

Cal Grant & Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

Cal Grant & Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) in California is a state-funded financial aid program especially designed for justice-impacted students in California so that they can get access to general education. The grant can be used by the low income students (felons) to pay for tuition, books, and living costs while completing college or career education at California Community Colleges, CSU, UC, or eligible private schools. Cal Grant A and B can provide up to about $6,000 per year for tuition and fees.

Eligibility For Cal Grant & Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

To be eligible for Cal Grant & Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), applicants must be California residents, meet income and asset requirements and must enroll in an eligible college program.

Felons can apply for the program if they are not currently incarcerated in a state or federal prison and meet the basic requirements as stated above.  The Student Success Completion Grant is only available to those students who are already receiving the Cal Grant B or C and are enrolled full-time in an eligible college or university.

How To Apply For Cal Grant & Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)?

To apply for Cal Grant & Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), you need to submit FAFSA and check their Cal Grant GPA Verification is sent to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) before the deadline. Once approved for Cal Grant, the students can automatically be considered for the Student Success Completion Grant. To learn more about the grant visit California Student Aid Commissioner or call on (888-224-7268)

Project Rebound (CSU System)

Project Rebound is a California State University (CSU) program founded in 1967 to help out formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals to pursue higher education. They also offer help to students with preparing and enrolling in bachelor’s and graduate degree programs. Project Rebound (CSU System) helps felons to successfully reintegrate to the society through educational empowerment.

Eligibility For Project Rebound (CSU System)

To be eligible for Project Rebound (CSU System), individuals must be formerly incarcerated or justice-involved, including those who are on or off parole or probation and must be enrolled in CSU coursework. Whereas general requirements include demonstrating the ability and commitment to perform college-level work and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

How To Apply For Project Rebound (CSU System)?

To apply for Project Rebound (CSU System), students need to choose CSU campus and complete their application procedure. Project Rebound students need to complete their FAFSA to receive financial aid. It is recommended to connect with your local Project Rebound office for further guidance. To learn more visit the website of The California State University or email at [email protected].

The Rising Scholars Network

The Rising Scholars Network is a statewide program that operates within the California Community Colleges system to offer support to felons to access higher education. This network operates across multiple community college campuses in California to reduce recidivism and provide reentry support to the felons.

Eligibility for The Rising Scholars Network

To be eligible for The Rising Scholars Network, individuals must be identified as formerly incarcerated and willingly engage in academic counseling and other services to pursue degrees. Individuals with felony convictions are not automatically disqualified.

How To Apply For The Rising Scholars Network?

To apply for the Rising Scholars Network, you need to enroll in a participating California Community College and complete a Rising Scholars intake or interest form. You can use the rising scholars program directory to find a participating college. Once you get connected you will receive guidance on application. To learn more visit the official website of Rising Scholars Network

The Underground Scholars Initiative (USI)

The Underground Scholars Initiative (USI) is a University of California system-wide network and support structure that is specifically designed to help out the the felons who were formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students to access to education. The UC campuses are in various locations including UCLA, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Merced, and UC Santa Cruz.

Eligibility For Underground Scholars Initiative (USI)

To be eligible for Underground Scholars Initiative (USI), include people with incarceration histories, those on parole/probation or people directly affected by the criminal legal system. However, the standard eligibility requirements University of California must be met by the applicants.

How To Apply for Underground Scholars Initiative (USI)?

To apply for Underground Scholars Initiative (USI), you are required to apply for admission to the University of California using the UC application system. Simply connect with a program staff and they will thoroughly guide you with the application procedure. For general queries you can call on 510-841-6010 or email them at [email protected] 

Health & Emergency Assistance For Felons in California

CalAIM, Gate Money, and CARE Grant Awards offer help with health and emergency assistance for incarcerated individuals in California.

CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative

The CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative is a state program under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal or CalAIM where they offer support to the felons with health care access. This initiative allows eligible individuals who are or have been incarcerated to enroll in Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) before release (prior 90 days).

Eligibility For CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative

To be eligible for CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative, applicants must be currently or previously in county jail, state prison, or youth correctional facilities and are eligible for Medi-Cal based on their income and other eligibility requirements.

How To Apply for CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative?

To apply for CalAIM Justice-Involved Initiative, you need to enroll yourself in Medi-Cal coverage while you are still in custody prior to 90 days of release. You need to collaborate with your local health agencies and correctional facilities to boost your application process. To learn more visit on DHCS home page or call on  1-800-541-5555 

Gate Money (Section 2713)

Gate Money (Penal Code Section 2713.1) in California is a state-mandated cash payment that is offered to the people after release from state prison. The money is mainly offered to help them to easily reintegrate into society. The eligible individuals can get $200 upon release as stated in the current law by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Eligibility for Gate Money (Section 2713)

The eligibility for gate money is directly tied to release from state prison or certain incarceration terms, it does not depend on the type of conviction committed. The felons who are released from the California state prison qualify for the Gate money unless they are transferred immediately to any other jurisdiction.

How To Apply For Gate Money (Section 2713)?

There is no specific application procedure, the distribution of gate money offers during release. Felons can directly talk to their CDCR staff about the money, they will further provide guidance. For general queries you can call on (916) 324-7308

CARE Grant Awards

The California Reentry and Enrichment (CARE) Grant Awards are state-authorized grants that are mainly designed to help out felons through reentry programs and restorative justice in California correctional facilities. These cash awards are not provided directly to felons, instead offered to eligible nonprofit organizations that develop and deliver programs inside prisons.

Eligibility for CARE Grant

Individuals cannot apply for the CARE Grant directly, the funds are offered to eligible non-profit organizations that work to offer benefits to incarcerated and justice-impacted populations.

How To Apply For CARE Grant?

There is no separate application for CARE Grant. As a felon you just need to connect with or participate in a qualifying program offered by an organization that has received CARE funding. To learn more about CARE Grant Awards, visit the official website of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. For general queries give a call on 1-279-300-5976 or email them at [email protected]

National Programs That Are Available For Felons in California

Federal programs like the Federal Bonding Program, Federal Pell Grants, Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP are available nationwide and accessible to eligible felons living in California.

The Federal Bonding Program

The Federal Bonding Program is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that is administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD) in California that issues fidelity bonds to employers in California who hire job seekers with felony convictions. The main aim of the program is to protect the employers against employee dishonesty that is active for the first six months of employment. You can access through the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC). For general enquiries call on 1-877-872-5627

Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell)

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based U.S. federal financial aid that is offered to the undergraduate students. The students are required to complete the FAFSA application. However, individuals who are still in prison can apply for Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell initiative. For queries related to Federal Pell Grant or Second Chance Pell Grant for Felons call on 1-800-433-3243

CalWORKs

California’s TANF program is known as CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) offering monthly cash assistance to the eligible low income families with children including felons. The program also helps with job training, childcare, housing support, and employment services. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from CalWorks and eligibility is based on income, family size, residency and child status. To learn more visit the official page of CalWORKs or call on 1-855-832-8082

SNAP for Felons in California (CalFresh)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps, a federal program available for eligible felons in California through CalFresh. SNAP offers benefits through EBT card that can be further used to purchase grocery items

SNAP for Felons is available for felons in California through CalFresh. Recently released individuals are also eligible for SNAP benefits in California. To apply for SNAP in California visit BenefitsCal.com and submit your application. For any general queries call on 1-877-847-3663

Medicaid for Felons in California (Medi-Cal)

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that is available in California through Medi-Cal. Having a felony record will not disqualify you from receiving Medi-Cal benefits. Medicaid offers low-cost healthcare to individuals that includes doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, substance use treatment, and prescription drugs. To apply for Medicaid in California by visiting the official Medi-Cal page. For general information about the program call on 1-800-541-5555.

Non-Profit Organizations Offering Grants & Support to Felons in California

Some of the top non-profit organizations like CEO, National H.I.R.E. Network, Back on My Feet, and Prison Fellowship Academy offer support to incarcerated individuals in California.

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is a national nonprofit organization that helps individuals with felony convictions in California with immediate paid employment, job readiness training, skills development, career coaching, and placement support. CEO mainly collaborates with other employers and programs to break the employment barriers and offers felons to easily return to the workforce. To learn more visit the official website of the CEO.

National H.I.R.E. Network (California)

The National H.I.R.E. Network (Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-enter through Employment) is a U.S. national advocacy and resource hub that offers support to the felons in California with job access, public policy, and employment practices. To learn about their programs visit the official page of National H.I.R.E. Network

Back on My Feet

Back on My Feet is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers support to people that are suffering due to homelessness, addiction or instability. The main aim of the non-profit is to build confidence and create sustainable pathways for employment and housing. Felons in California can benefit through their services. To learn more about their services visit the official website of Back on My Feet.

Prison Fellowship Academy

Prison Fellowship Academy is a faith-based, nonprofit rehabilitation and reentry program that is available for felons in California. The program mainly addresses the behavior of men and women that led to their offences and prepares them well to live life successfully after release.  They offer mentorships, life-skills training, marriage and parenting classes to the returning citizens. To learn more about their program visit the official website of Prison Fellowship Academy.

Bottom Line

You might think that rebuilding life after incarceration in California is not possible but actually it’s well supported through powerful programs like Adult Reentry Grant (ARG), Transitional Housing Program (THP), CalAIM, HIRE 2.0, Prison to Employment (P2E). Felons in California can also get access to education pathways through Cal Grant, Project Rebound, and Rising Scholars.

From federal programs like SNAP, The Federal Bonding Program, Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell), Medicaid, to non-profits like CEO, National H.I.R.E. Network, Back on My Feet, and Prison Fellowship Academy. These programs together provide financial assistance for felons in California and long-term stability after incarceration.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility or funding approval. Program availability, eligibility rules, and benefits may change over time.  It is recommended to verify details with official state agencies, nonprofit organizations, or program administrators before applying for the program. This content is not legal, financial, or professional advice.