Best Government Grants For Felons in Arizona

Are There Grants For Felons in Arizona? Yes, there are multiple justice reinvestment, reentry, housing, employment, and business support grants for felons in Arizona. Some key programs for felons in Arizona include the Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants (Prop 207), Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) Grant Programs, Maricopa County Smart Justice Program, Arizona’s Second Chance Center, Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). Alongside you can also get access to government assistance programs for felons in Arizona like Federal Bonding Program, WIOA, SNAP, Pell & Second Chance Pell Grants, and Section 8 Housing.

Arizona Justice & Criminal Justice Reinvestment Grants

Arizona Justice & Criminal Justice Reinvestment Grants support reentry, workforce development, and restorative justice programs across Arizona.

Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants

Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants for felons are part of a statewide funding initiative created under Arizona Proposition 207 (Smart and Safe Arizona Act) in 2020. Under this law they legalised recreational marijuana for adults and directed a portion of the resulting excise tax and fees to a Justice Reinvestment Fund. The funds are further used to run programs to reduce incarceration, address underlying causes of crime and to support reentry services. The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of Health Equity.

Who is Eligible for Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants?

Justice Reinvestment Grants are not offered directly to the felons, the funds are offered the eligible non-profit organization with or without 501(c)(3) status focusing on justice reinvestment goals or organizations with demonstrated experience serving justice-impacted populations and organizations who can show program that is aligned with health services, restorative justice, workforce development, or civil rights restoration.

How to Apply For Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants For Felons?

As you cannot directly apply for the Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants, you need to find out organizations that are receiving the funds. Directly contact the official website of that particular organization or ask them about programs for criminal record assistance, expungement clinics, or reentry support. For general queries you can call them at 602-542-1025

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) Grant Programs

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) is a state agency that provides financial assistance (grants) to improve public safety, victim services and criminal justice all over Arizona. The types of Grant programs managed by ACJC are:

Criminal Justice Systems Improvement Grants

This grant mainly focuses on improving criminal justice infrastructure and processes. It runs the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) and Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants to improve criminal record systems and also help with crime lab improvements.

Drug, Gang & Violent Crime Control Grants

The funds are used to reduce drug trafficking, gang activity and violent crime through programs like Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) and Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT). Byrne JAG is a major federal grant that offers support for law enforcement, courts, prevention, corrections, and community programs. Whereas RSAT supports substance abuse treatment in correctional settings and reentry services.

Victim Services Grants

It focuses on offering help to the crime victims and the agencies serving them including the Crime Victim Assistance Grants and Victim Compensation Funding. The Crime Victim Assistance Grants offers support with direct services like crisis intervention, shelter, advocacy, outreach, education and court support. Whereas the Victim Compensation Funding offers financial assistance to the victims to recover from certain  out-of-pocket costs from crime

How Individuals Can Access ACJC Grant Benefits?

Individuals cannot apply for the ACJC grants directly. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission awards funding to only government agencies and eligible non-profit organizations. However, individuals can benefit by applying for programs that are funded by the ACJC like reentry services, victim assistance, substance abuse treatment, and diversion programs. For general queries or to know ACJC grants for reentry programs in Arizona call at  (602) 364-1171.

Reentry Programs for Felons in Arizona

The Arizona Community Foundation runs Arizona Reentry Programs For Felons, alongside programs like Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program and Maricopa County Smart Justice Program also offer felons help to reintegrate into society.

Arizona Community Foundation (ACF)

The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) is one of Arizona’s largest grantmaking and philanthropic organizations that offer funding for community improvement, health innovations, quality education, art & culture, environment sustainability etc. ACF does not provide funding directly to individuals but instead they offer funds to non-profits, schools, government agencies, tribal entities, and similar organizations. Individuals can get access to employee readiness programs like education, training, legal assistance and advocacy services through ACF.

Eligibility For Arizona Community Foundation (ACF)

As individuals cannot directly apply for the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), the eligibility depends on the non-profit or other organization that gets funded through ACF. ACF funds are generally offered to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations including a school, government agency, tribal entity, or faith-based organization.

How Felons Can Apply For Services From Arizona Community Foundation (ACF)?

Felons need to find non-profit organizations that receive the ACF grants. You can try searching for ACF’s published lists of grantees or contact ACF and ask them for referrals to services for individuals with felony convictions. For general queries you can simply call at 602-381-1400

Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program

Arizona’s Second Chance Center (SCC) Program is a pre-release employment and reentry support initiative that is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) to help out felons to successfully reintegrate into the workforce by preparing them with work readiness skills, interview skills, job participation and other employment support after post-release.

Eligibility For Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program

To be eligible for Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program, individuals who are inmates within 60–90 days of release from participating prison facilities. Remember, this is not a grant program for people, it only offers pre-release workforce preparation service inside the prison units to the felons.

How To Apply For Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program?

To apply for Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program, you need to contact your prison counselor, case manager, or parole planner and ask them about the Arizona’s Second Chance Center Program. Your case manager will guide you with the procedure, if you are eligible then you will be able to access Second Chance Center job-readiness service. For any general queries call at (602) 542-4791

Maricopa County Smart Justice Program

The Maricopa County Smart Justice Program is a workforce development and reentry service offered through the Maricopa County Human Services Department offering assistance to the justice-impacted individuals including those with felony convictions. This program helps the justice-impacted individuals to overcome employment barriers and to reintegrate into the workforce successfully. The program works in collaboration with Maricopa County Adult Probation, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCR).

Eligibility For Maricopa County Smart Justice Program

To be eligible for Maricopa County Smart Justice Program, individuals must be formerly incarcerated, individuals on probation or parole, people with felony or misdemeanor convictions or facing barriers to employment because of background history.

How To Apply For Maricopa County Smart Justice Program?

To apply for Maricopa County Smart Justice Program, simply contact by calling at 602-372-1839 or email them at [email protected]. Remember to gather documents like your Photo ID, Proof of residency in Maricopa County and your employment history.

Housing Assistance For Felons in Arizona

The Old Pueblo Community Foundation and The Primavera Foundation in Arizona offer reentry housing for felons in Arizona.

Old Pueblo Community Services (Tucson)

The Old Pueblo Community Foundation (OPCS) is a Tucson-based nonprofit that is working relentlessly to end homelessness by providing emergency housing for felons after release in Arizona. The type of services that are offered by the foundation is case management, employment support, housing stability, counseling and help with work stability. Previously OPCS has already worked with people leaving prison who are at risk of homelessness.

Eligibility For Old Pueblo Community Services

Old Pueblo Community Services general services adults such as formerly incarcerated individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Remember, the availability of OPSC housing and programs are need-based and limited.

How To Apply For Old Pueblo Community Services?

To apply for Old Pueblo Community Service you can simply call at 520) 546-0122 or visit 323 S. Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85713. You can also email them at [email protected]. When you contact them ask that you are looking for reentry housing or support services after incarceration, or you are homeless and you need immediate help with employment support, case management, or recovery.

The Primavera Foundation in Arizona

The Primavera Foundation is a nonprofit that operates in Arizona to help out individuals with felony convictions to overcome poverty, homelessness and other barriers to stability. They offer a wide number programs like emergency shelter, affordable rental housing, supportive living options and other basic supportive assistance.

Eligibility For Primavera Foundation in Arizona

To be eligible for Primavera Foundation in Arizona, individuals must be experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness and need to complete a housing assessment in person or over the phone.

How to Apply For Services From The Primavera Foundation?

To apply for services from the Primavera Foundation in Arizona for felons, you can visit the Primavera Foundation – Homeless Intervention & Prevention – Food Distribution Center

At 702 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 or call them on (520) 623-5111

Employment & Job Training Programs for Felons in Arizona

St. Joseph the Worker runs employment programs that help people with felony convictions find stable jobs in Arizona.

St. Joseph the Worker For Felons (Phoenix/Mesa)

St. Joseph the Worker is a non-profit employment agency that operates in Arizona in Phoenix and Mesa offering to serve people by providing them with job readiness, employment services, career support, and housing-related programs. The organization works in collaboration with other employers, mentors, and community partners to help out the job seekers to find stable employment and also to build personal skills.

Eligibility For St. Joseph the Worker For Felons

To be eligible for St. Joseph the Worker For Felons, you must be facing homelessness, barriers to employment, low-income households and those who are looking for reentry services. Remember, a felony history does not automatically disqualify you from the job services offered by St. Joseph the Worker. However felons may only be accepted on the programs after review of their case.

How to Access Services From St. Joseph the Worker?

To access services from St. Joseph the Worker, you need to contact +1 602-755-5627 and know about the ongoing programs. The assistance will guide you with the thorough procedure on how to access their services. The basic documents that are required are your photo ID, work history, resume and list of goals.

Phoenix Office

382 E Palm Ln #150, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Mesa Office

1833 W Main St #128, Mesa, AZ 85201

Financial Assistance For Felons In Arizona

Financial assistance for felons in Arizona is available through the Arizona Grant Diversion Program offering one-time cash assistance.

Arizona Grant Diversion Program (One-Time Cash Assistance)

The Arizona Grant Diversion Program is a one-time lump-sum cash payment provided through Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES). The program is mainly designed to support the families transitioning off long-term cash benefits to help them with full-time employment. Individuals can choose a Grant Diversion payment equal to up to three months of cash assistance in one lump sum, rather than receiving the ongoing monthly cash assistance.

Who Is Eligible For Arizona Grant Diversion Program?

To be eligible for Arizona Grant Diversion Program, individuals need to meet financial and non-financial eligibility criteria for Arizona Cash Assistance (CA)., your household income must be at least $1 of CA in the month of application the following two months, you have not received Grant Diversion assistance in the past 12 months or and an adult in the household is ready for full-time employment.

How to Apply for Arizona Grant Diversion Program?

To apply for Cash Assistance (CA) Application, you need to first apply for the Arizona Cash Assistance (TANF/CA) and you will come across an option that is Grand Diversion offered during the application process. You can ask your DES Eligibility Interviewer about the application. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive your one-time lump-sum payment on your EBT card. For general queries call at 877-826-3411 or use the DES Office Locator to locate the nearest office.

Business & Entrepreneurship Grants for Felons in Arizona

TRANSFORM Business Grant For Felons in Arizona

The TRANSFORM Business Grant is a U.S.-wide microgrant  that is available in Arizona for the offering entrepreneurs of marginalized groups including felons. The grant is offered to start or expand the business and the grant is offered by a non-profit organization that not only offers financial support but also help with mentorship and development programming. The felons can get up to a $1,000 microgrant to start or expand their own business using the grant, which can be one of the useful paths.

Eligibility For TRANSFORM Business Grant

To be eligible for TRANSFORM small business grants for felons in Arizona, you must be a part of a marginalized group including felons residing in Arizona, you have a social-impact-focused business or idea and must demonstrate financial need to start or expand a business. Remember having felon status alone will not guarantee eligibility, your business must align with the program’s mission and values.

How to Apply For a TRANSFORM Business Grant?

To apply for a TRANSFORM Business Grant in Arizona, visit the official website of TRANSFORM Grant and submit your application. Remember to know about the grant cycle that is generally announced in the month of September. Your application must contain a description of your business concept, explanation of your goals and on how you are going to use the funds.

Secretsos Small Business Grant

The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant is a quarterly cash grant program offering $2,500 to eligible small business owners in Arizona, including felons. This business grant is offered to accelerate business growth, cover operational costs, or support strategic initiatives. The programs mainly offer support to those entrepreneurs who are overlooked, especially businesses owned by felons, veterans or by women.

Eligibility For Secretsos Small Business Grant

To be eligible for Secretsos entrepreneurship programs for felons in Arizona, individuals must be 21 years or older, must be a resident of the United States, the business must be legally registered in the U.S and the business is declined from traditional funding.

How To Apply For Secretsos Small Business Grant?

To apply for Secretsos Small Business Grant visit the official Secretsos Grant page and submit your application. Check out the eligibility criteria and prepare application materials that are needed for the application procedure. You might be required to pay a $15 non-refundable fee to submit your application.

National Programs That Are Available For Felons in Arizona

The felons in Arizona can also get access to national programs like Federal Bonding Program, REO, Federal Pell Grant, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, WIOA and Defy Ventures.

Federal Bonding Program

The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) in Arizona helps job seekers with criminal records to get hired by employers easily. This bond helps the employers to protect against theft, dishonesty, or loss from newly hired job seekers. You cannot apply directly, you need to contact your local Arizona workforce center (ARIZONA@WORK). For general queries you can call at 1-800-233-2258.

The Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program

The Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative to help out justice-involved youth and adults formerly incarcerated through job training, pre-employment preparation, career planning, case management, and partnerships between workforce agencies and community organizations. To apply for the REO program contact ARIZONA@WORK. For general queries call at (602) 495-6906

Federal Pell Grant & “Second Chance Pell”

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based U.S. federal financial aid award for undergraduate students that doesn’t need to be repaid. Students with felony convictions can still apply for the Pell Grant by submitting FAFSA. The Second Chance Pell Grant is available for those people who are still in prison to get access to the Pell Grant. This grant can be used to pursue certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. For general queries call at 1-800-433-3243.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps is available for individuals with felony convictions in Arizona, if they meet income and household guidelines. SNAP can be used for purchasing groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy etc. You can apply for SNAP through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) via Health-e-Arizona Plus.

TANF

TANF in Arizona is also known as Cash Assistance (CA), available for the low income families with children. Felons can apply for the program if they meet the basic program requirements. Remember, individuals with a felony drug conviction are permanently disqualified from TANF in Arizona. You can submit your TANF application through Arizona DES. For general queries related to the program call at 1-855-432-7587

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps individuals with criminal records in Arizona so that they can gain job skills and secure employment through workforce programs for felons in Arizona. You can apply for the WIOA through ARIZONA@WORK. The eligible felons can get access to job training, career counseling, resume help, paid work experience, and supportive services. For general queries call at +1 602-495-6906.

Medicaid Coverage After Release

The Medicaid (AHCCCS) in Arizona offers coverage for felons and gives access to health to the people with felony convictions after release. Remember, your eligibility does not end by incarceration. Medicaid does not pay for services during incarceration but once released you can get access to their services in Arizona. To apply for Medicaid, you can contact Arizona’s Medicaid agency Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) or Health-e-Arizona Plus. For general queries call at 1-855-432-7587

Section 8 & Public Housing in Arizona

Section 8 & Public Housing administered by the U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is available in Arizona for felons to find safe and affordable housing after release. However, eligibility depends on the federal and local housing authority rules. For general queries related to housing assistance call at (602) 771-1000

Defy Ventures

Defy Ventures is a U.S. national nonprofit that offers direct support to the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated through entrepreneurship, personal development, and career readiness training. To apply for the program visit the official website of Defy Ventures or call them at (800) 680-6343

Last Prisoner Project in Arizona

The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a national nonprofit who are relentlessly fighting the harms of cannabis criminalization by offering advocacy services for the release of people incarcerated for cannabis offenses. You can also get help with reentry support for the felons through  financial assistance for housing, transportation, employment training, and legal aid to build their lives. To know more visit the official website of Last Prisoner Project or call them at (603) 913-3579

How to Find Grants for Felons in Arizona Faster?

One of the fastest ways to find Grants for Felons in Arizona is by contacting local nonprofits, workforce centers, and reentry programs funded by state and federal grants. You can simply call 211 or visit 211 Arizona to know about the available grants near you. Alongside you can visit ARIZONA@WORK to get connected with housing, jobs, and financial assistance immediately after release.

Bottom Line

Overall, grants for felons in Arizona focus on reentry, employment, housing, and education. Grants like Arizona Justice Reinvestment Grants and ACJC programs are awarded to organizations, whereas felons can get benefitted through funded nonprofits, workforce centers, and reentry programs like Second Chance Center, Smart Justice, WIOA, SNAP, and Pell Grants. To get immediate help with emergency assistance for felons after release, you can simply call Arizona 2-1-1 and connect to the available programs that can benefit you.

Frequently Asked Questions