Best Reentry Grants for Felons in New Hampshire

Are There Reentry Grants for Felons in New Hampshire? Yes, there is a wide range of grants and reentry programs for felons in New Hampshire that help with education, housing, job training, and financial support. Some of the popular programs are WMCC Prison Education Program, New Hampshire Department of Corrections, CCSNH Promise Program, and WorkNowNH that provide valuable pathways for returning citizens in New Hampshire.

From earning college degrees during incarceration to accessing transitional housing and career training after release, these programs offer real, life-changing opportunities. This guide will help you understand eligibility requirements and how to apply for the right grants and resources for felons in New Hampshire.

Education Grants For Felons in New Hampshire

Education grants in New Hampshire help felons access college, vocational training, and certifications. Programs like Pell Grants and CCSNH Promise make education affordable and improve job opportunities.

WMCC Prison Education Program

The WMCC Prison Education Program at White Mountains Community College offers assistance to incarcerated individuals in New Hampshire to access college-level education, career training, and reentry support. The WMCC program offers certificates and degree pathways, helping justice-impacted individuals to get jobs in in-demand industries. Furthermore, the returning citizens in New Hampshire can transition back into the community through structured academic and vocational training.

Eligibility For WMCC Prison Education Program

To be eligible for WMCC Prison Education Program, individuals must be incarcerated in a New Hampshire correctional facility, meet academic admission requirements of WMCC, must demonstrate willingness to participate in educational programs, maintain good disciplinary standing and must complete placement testing or prior education verification.

How To Apply For WMCC Prison Education Program?

To apply for the WMCC Prison Education Program, individuals need to talk with their education coordinator and request enrollment forms. Fill up the application form, submit required documents and wait for approval. The eligible applicants will be able to choose their course and program orientation within the correctional facility. For any queries about the program call on (603) 752-1113.

NH Department of Corrections

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) is the state agency responsible for managing prisons, supervising parole and probation, and supporting rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals through education, job training, behavioral health, and reentry support. The NH Department of Corrections helps felons in New Hampshire with GED, high school diplomas, and college-level courses, trading, manufacturing, workforce training, programs that address addiction, counseling, housing support, etc.

Eligibility For NH Department of Corrections

To be eligible for NH Department of Corrections, individuals must be incarcerated or under supervision in New Hampshire, meet program-specific requirements, willing to participate in rehabilitation programs, maintain good conduct and must comply with program rules.

How To Apply For NH Department of Corrections?

To apply for NHDOC programs, individuals need to speak with their case manager, counselor, or facility education staff. They will assess your eligibility, suggest aligned programs and help you with enrollment. You can participate in the program during incarceration and the benefits continue even after release.

UNIQUE Endowment & Allocation

The UNIQUE Endowment & Allocation Program (UEAP) is a New Hampshire state-funded financial aid program that offers financial assistance to low-income residents to pay for college. The program is managed by institutions like University of New Hampshire or other participating colleges, offering awards that can reach up to $2,000 per semester (Endowment) and $1,250 per semester (Allocation). It might not be a dedicated program for felons, but returning citizens in New Hampshire can qualify for the program if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility For UNIQUE Endowment & Allocation

To be eligible for UNIQUE Endowment & Allocation, individuals must be a New Hampshire resident, must qualify for Federal Pell Grant, be enrolled in an undergraduate program, not hold a bachelor’s degree, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

How to Apply For UNIQUE Endowment & Allocation?

To apply for the UNIQUE Endowment & Allocation Program, individuals need to complete the FAFSA application (before January 31) and select a participating New Hampshire college. Eligible students will automatically receive financial aid upon approval through college.

CCSNH Promise Program

The CCSNH Promise Program is offered by the Community College System of New Hampshire, it is known as a “last-dollar” grant that covers the remaining tuition costs after applying federal and state grants. This program is available in all the seven NH community colleges making college education more affordable for low-income students, including felons.

Eligibility For CCSNH Promise Program

To be eligible for CCSNH Promise Program, an individual must be a New Hampshire resident, must qualify for Federal Pell Grant, enroll in at least 6 credits per semester, must be pursuing a degree or certificate program and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

How To Apply For CCSNH Promise Program?

To apply for the CCSNH Promise Program, individuals need to complete the FAFSA form and get enrolled in a participating New Hampshire community college. They do not have a dedicated application portal, the eligible students are considered by the financial aid office. For any queries related to the CCSNH promise program call on (603) 230-3500.

Medallion Fund Scholarship

The Medallion Fund Scholarship offers financial aid to the eligible individuals to pursue vocational, technical, or trade-based education. The scholarship is administered by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offering certifications, apprenticeships, and associate degrees in high-demand fields like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. This is not a felon-specific program, but the justice-impacted individuals can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility For Medallion Fund Scholarship

To be eligible for Medallion Fund Scholarship, applicants must be a New Hampshire resident, enrolled in a vocational, technical, or trade program, demonstrate financial need, and committed to career goals and training. (Underserved or limited-opportunity applicants are given more priority)

How To Apply For Medallion Fund Scholarship?

To apply for the Medallion Fund Scholarship, applicants need to complete the online scholarship application through NHCF. Submit FAFSA application, transcripts and required documents. Once eligible, applicants get automatically matched with the funds. Application status can be tracked using the scholarship portal. For any queries related to eligibility and application call on (603) 225-6641.

NHTI – Concord’s Community College

The NHTI – Concord’s Community College offers education, career training, and reentry-focused programs to the incarcerated individuals in New Hampshire. They work in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, providing education inside correctional facilities using the Second Chance Pell program. They also offer programs where felons can get jobs in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, medical coding, and hospitality.

Eligibility For NHTI – Concord’s Community College

To be eligible for NHTI – Concord’s Community College programs, individuals must be incarcerated or formerly incarcerated in New Hampshire, meet NHTI admission requirements, must be eligible for federal pell grant, committed to education and reentry and must maintain good conduct.

How To Apply for NHTI – Concord’s Community College?

To apply for NHTI programs, applicants need to submit their application using the official college website or talk to their facility education coordinator if currently not incarcerated. Remember, applicants must complete FAFSA before applying. For further queries about NHTI programs call on (603) 230-4000.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF)

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF) is one of the largest scholarship providers that offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to the eligible students to pursue college, trade programs, or certifications. It is not a felon-specific program, but returning students are eligible if they meet the standard criteria. This foundation awards millions every year, scholarships ranging from $250 to $7,500+, helping eligible individuals to access education.

Eligibility For The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF)

To be eligible for The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, individuals must be a New Hampshire resident, must demonstrate financial need, enrolled in college, trade, or certification programs, and must comply with the program rules.

How To Apply For The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF)?

To apply, visit the official website of NHCF and fill up your online application. FAFSA application is required and once you submit your application, you will get automatically matched with multiple scholarship programs. Apply early and keep checking your portal for any updates. For any queries related to NHCF programs call on (603) 225-6641 or email them at [email protected].

Housing Grants For Felons in New Hampshire

Housing grants provide safe and stable living options for felons after release. Transitional housing and reentry programs help reduce homelessness and support long-term stability.

New Hampshire Community Housing Program (CHP)

The New Hampshire Community Housing Program (CHP) administered by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch offers temporary and transitional housing support to the felons in New Hampshire. The program focuses to reduce risk of homelessness through safe and secure housing. CHP works in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and treatment courts to offer housing assistance and recovery support to the eligible felons.

Eligibility For New Hampshire Community Housing Program (CHP)

To be eligible for New Hampshire Community Housing Program, individuals must be involved in Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, or on parole, diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD), at risk of homelessness or currently homeless, willing to participate in recovery or supervision programs and must be referred through approved agencies.

How To Apply For New Hampshire Community Housing Program (CHP)?

The New Hampshire Community Housing Program (CHP) does not have any dedicated application procedure. Individuals must be referred by Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, or the NH Department of Corrections. It is best to speak with your case manager, parole officer, or court coordinator and ask for a referral. For general queries about the program call on 1-855-212-1234.

NH Department of Corrections THUs

The Transitional Housing Units (THUs) operated by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections runs reentry housing programs for felons to make successful reintegration back into the community. These units are also known as Halfway Houses acting as a bridge between prison and independent living, focused on independent living, employment, stability, and rehabilitation. THUs are minimum-security residential facilities for inmates where they prepare for full reintegration when nearing release or parole.

Eligibility For NH Department of Corrections THUs

To be eligible for NH Department of Corrections THUs, individuals must be an inmate nearing parole or release (typically C1 or C2 status), must be approved by case management staff, must demonstrate good behaviour, must be suitable for minimum-security transitional placement, willing to work and comply with the program rules.

How To Apply For NH Department of Corrections THUs?

You cannot apply for the NH Department of Corrections THUs directly. Individuals need to speak with their case manager or counselor to request referral. If eligible, the individual will be evaluated and transferred to a transitional housing unit. If you have any queries related to THUs, call on (603) 271-5600.

Hampshire House (Manchester)

The Hampshire House in Manchester is a federally contracted residential reentry center (halfway house) operated by Community Resources for Justice offering assistance to men and women who are making a transition back into the community after release. This program provides structured housing, employment support, and rehabilitation services to the eligible felons in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Eligibility For Hampshire House (Manchester)

To be eligible for Hampshire House (Manchester), individual must be referred by Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Probation, or federal courts, nearing release from federal incarceration, willing to follow structured housing rules and supervision, must participate in employment and reentry planning and may need to go through assessment for substance use or mental health needs.

How To Apply For Hampshire House (Manchester)?

You cannot directly apply for Hampshire House, as it is a referral based program. You can speak with your case manager before release and request for a referral. Once approved, you will get transferred to the facility. For further queries about the program call on (603) 647-4629.

Dismas Home of New Hampshire

The Dismas Home of New Hampshire is a nonprofit organization that runs recovery and reentry programs offering transitional housing, treatment, and life-skills support to the formerly incarcerated women. This program is dedicated to help out the women by offering them a structured environment to make a successful reintegration. The program works in a two-phase model offering initial clinical recovery along with transitional living.

Eligibility For Dismas Home of New Hampshire

To be eligible for Dismas Home of New Hampshire, an individual must be a justice-involved woman, diagnosed with or experiencing a substance use disorder, willing to participate in recovery and structured programming, must comply with the house rules and must be referred by courts, probation, or partner agencies.

How To Apply For Dismas Home of New Hampshire?

To apply, visit the official website of Dismas Home and complete the resident application form or request for a referral from your case manager, court, or treatment provider. If your application gets accepted, you can start accessing the structured residential recovery and reentry program. For further queries about the program call on (603) 782-3004 or email them at [email protected].

Strafford County Transitional Housing

The Strafford County Transitional Housing Program is a structured reentry housing initiative designed for the felons who are making transition from incarceration back into the community. Strafford County Community Correction operates the program offering temporary, sober, and supportive housing to the eligible individuals after getting released from the House of Corrections or treatment facilities.

Eligibility For Strafford County Transitional Housing

To be eligible for Strafford County Transitional Housing, individuals must be transitioning from Strafford County House of Corrections or similar facility, are at risk of homelessness or lack stable housing, willing to follow structured program rules, must be participating in job search, treatment, or community activities and must pass screening test and approved by program staff.

How To Apply For Strafford County Transitional Housing?

To apply for Strafford County Transitional Housing, individuals must be referred through the House of Corrections, Community Corrections, attorneys, or court officials. You can talk to your discharge planner or case manager to get a referral. For further queries about eligibility and application call on (603) 742-3310.

The Next Chapter (B.O.S.S. Initiative)

The Next Chapter – B.O.S.S. Initiative (Beat the Odds, Striving for Success) is a community-based nonprofit that operates in Manchester, New Hampshire providing reentry, housing guidance, and life stabilization services to the eligible felons. This organization was founded by individuals who had a similar experience, therefore their main focus is to help out felons to make successful transitions from prison towards independent living.

Eligibility For The Next Chapter (B.O.S.S. Initiative)

To be eligible for The Next Chapter (B.O.S.S. Initiative), applicants must be a formerly incarcerated individual, looking for reentry support such as housing or employment, willing to participate in mentorship and life-skills development, and must stay committed towards personal growth. This non-profit is open to both men and women.

How To Apply For The Next Chapter (B.O.S.S. Initiative)?

To apply for The Next Chapter (B.O.S.S. Initiative), you can contact the organization by dialling (603) 406-3175 or mail them at [email protected]. You can also try getting referral from community partners, reentry programs, or local organizations. After initial contact, the application will be guided by a staff member.

Oxford Houses of New Hampshire

Oxford Houses of New Hampshire are part of the national Oxford House, Inc. network, that provides sober living homes for individuals recovering from substance use including felons. The returning citizens can get access to a safe and drug-free environment, where residents support each other by dividing tasks and sharing responsibility.

Eligibility For Oxford Houses of New Hampshire

To be eligible for Oxford Houses of New Hampshire, individuals willing to live in a 100% drug- and alcohol-free environment, have the ability to pay their share of rent, must agree with house rules and share responsibilities.

How to Apply For Oxford Houses of New Hampshire?

To apply for Oxford House in New Hampshire, visit the official website of Oxford House and use the vacancy locator to find the available house near you. You can contact the house directly and schedule an interview with the current residents. The residents follow a democratic procedure, you will not be approved by majority vote. For general queries simply call them at (800) 689-6411.

The Doorway (NH Doorway Program)

The Doorway (NH Doorway Program) is a statewide access system that is administered and built by New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to help individuals with immediate support for substance use, recovery, and reentry needs.

Felons in New Hampshire can benefit from this program to get connected treatment, housing, employment services, and recovery programs after release. There are no strict eligibility requirements and it is open to New Hampshire residents, including felons. To get access The Doorway (NH Doorway Program) simply dial 211 and get connected to their services.

Job Training Grants For Felons in New Hampshire

Job training grants help felons gain skills, find jobs, and build careers. Programs like WorkNowNH and ApprenticeshipNH offer training, funding, and direct employment support.

WorkNowNH

The WorkNowNH Program is a free workforce training and employment support program administered by the New Hampshire Employment Security, helps individuals become job-ready, gain in-demand skills, and secure employment through funding and career support.

This is not a dedicated program for felons, but they can qualify if they meet the eligibility requirements. WorkNowNH is especially valuable for reentry as it removes financial barriers by making individuals financially independent by connecting them directly to employers. They offer Up to $5,000 for tuition and $500 for books/supplies.

Eligibility For WorkNowNH

To be eligible for WorkNowNH, an individual must be a New Hampshire resident, enrolled in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, must be low-income and willing to participate in training and job placement services. There is no strict felony ban in this program, therefore felons can easily apply.

How to Apply For WorkNowNH?

To apply for WorkNowNH, visit the NH Employment Security website or you can directly contact your local NH Works office to complete the assessment. Once approved, a career navigator will guide you with further procedure and you can start your job placement support. For general queries about the program call on (603) 271-7700.

RESTART Initiative in New Hampshire

The RESTART Initiative (Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training) is a federal workforce development program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This program is available for felons in New Hampshire providing job training, apprenticeships, and employment pathways in high-demand industries.

Eligibility Requirements For RESTART Initiative

To be eligible for the RESTART Initiative in New Hampshire, individuals having a criminal record, must be seeking employment or workforce training, comply with the rules of the program and willing to participate in training and career placement services.

How To Apply For RESTART Initiative?

To apply for the RESTART Initiative in New Hampshire, you need to directly contact your local workforce agency such as NH Works or a reentry program partner. Enquire about the RESTART-funded training opportunities that are currently available. For general queries about enrollment and placement services call on 1-866-487-2365.

ApprenticeshipNH

The ApprenticeshipNH program is a part of the Community College System of New Hampshire, is a statewide workforce initiative that helps individuals to get access to paid apprenticeships, career training, and long-term employment pathways. This program allows eligible individuals to earn while they learn, coming on-the-job training with classroom instruction and get career opportunities in high-demand industries like manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and IT.

Eligibility Requirements for ApprenticeshipNH

To be eligible for ApprenticeshipNH, individuals must be at least 16–18 years old, be legally eligible to work in the U.S., have the ability to perform physical tasks, must be willing to complete training and some programs require background checks.

How to Apply For ApprenticeshipNH?

To apply, you need to visit the official website of ApprenticeshipNH and explore the list of available apprenticeship openings. You can also directly apply for the program through participating employers, local NH community college or NH Works office. For general queries related to the program email them at [email protected].

Federal Programs For Felons in New Hampshire

Federal grants help felons in New Hampshire access financial aid, food assistance, healthcare, and job support. Programs like Pell Grants, SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid provide essential resources to rebuild stability after release.

The Federal Pell Grant in New Hampshire

The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell) is administered by the U.S. Department of Education to help out the incarcerated individuals in New Hampshire to get access to college education while they are serving sentences in prison. The Second Chance Pell initiative allows the eligible students to get enrolled in approved Prison Education Programs (PEPs).

The need based financial aid can be used to cover for tuition, books, and required coursework. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Pell Grant awards can exceed $7,000 per year depending on eligibility. Students must submit the FAFSA application. To learn more, visit the official U.S. Department of Education website at StudentAid.gov.

SNAP For Felons in New Hampshire

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New Hampshire offers monthly food benefits to the eligible low income individuals and households, including felons. The main aim of the program is to ensure access to nutritious food while individuals can work towards employment, housing stability and become self-sufficient. To apply for SNAP in New Hampshire, you can submit your application through submit your application online through the NH EASY portal or call at (603) 271-9700.

The Federal Bonding Program In New Hampshire

The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) in New Hampshire provides free, $5,000–$25,000 fidelity bonds to employers who are hiring job seekers who have criminal records. The fidelity bond protects the employers from any kind of theft or dishonesty caused by the employee for the first six months.

The Federal Bonding Program does not require any paperwork and it is completely free. The Federal Bonding Program is highly valuable for the individuals with felony convictions in New Hampshire as it gives them a chance to get jobs with regards to their history. To apply for the Federal Bonding Program in New Hampshire, visit your nearest NH Works American Job Center or contact New Hampshire Employment Security for assistance and immediate bonding services.

Medicaid For Felons in New Hampshire

Medicaid is a health coverage program administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services that pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive services for low-income adults, families, and individuals with disabilities. Remember, Medicaid services will be suspended when you are incarcerated but upon release the services get resumed.  To apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire, visit the NH EASY portal online, call (603) 271-9700, or apply in person at a local DHHS office.

TANF For Felons in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program known as the New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP) provides cash support to the low income families to meet basic requirements like food, housing, utilities, and childcare. New Hampshire has lifted the old federal drug felony ban and TANF does not automatically disqualify individuals with felony convictions if they meet the program requirements. To apply for TANF in New Hampshire, visit the NH EASY portal online or apply in person at your local DHHS office, or call (603) 271-9700 for assistance.

Are There Legal Aid And Support Options For Felons In New Hampshire?

Yes, New Hampshire offers a range of legal aid and support options for the felons that help with housing, benefits, family law, and reentry challenges. Felons can get help from organizations like New Hampshire Legal Assistance and 603 Legal Aid with free or low-cost civil legal services.

Additionally, The New Hampshire Bar Association also offers pro bono and reduced-fee lawyer programs that can help felons in New Hampshire to resolve legal barriers, avoid eviction, access public benefits, and understand their rights. To apply visit their official website and contact their staff members.

Bottom Line

Felons in New Hampshire have access to reentry programs and programs offering support with housing, job training, education, and financial stability. The programs help the returning citizens in New Hampshire to rebuild faster by getting connected to the available opportunities. Applicants must apply as early as possible, as most of the programs have limited slots. Always keep your documents handy that include your ID, Social Security number, proof of income, release papers, and residency verification. Start applying today to maximize your chances and take the first step toward a stable and successful future.

Frequently Asked Question

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility or approval for any program. Grant availability, requirements, and benefits may change over time. Always verify details with official government or program websites and consult relevant authorities to ensure accuracy before applying for any assistance.