Best Federal Grants for Felons in Connecticut

Are There Grants for Felons in Connecticut? Yes there is a strong network of reentry and housing, employment and educational programs for felons in Connecticut. Some of the well-known programs are Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing (CCRSH), DOC Scattered Site Program, Community Partners in Action (CPA), Project M.O.R.E., and Offender Re-Entry Services, which mainly focus on reducing homelessness and recidivism. If you are preparing for a release or already back in the community, this guide will help you to find help for felons after release in Connecticut.

Housing Assistance and Reentry Programs for Felons in Connecticut

There are Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing, DOC Scattered Site Program, Transitional Housing Programs (CPA) that offer reentry and housing assistance for felons in Connecticut.

Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing

Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing is a statewide initiative that is mainly designed to help out the formerly incarcerated individuals in Connecticut with stable housing support after release. The state agencies, housing providers and community

organizations collaborate all together to reduce homelessness and recidivism. Re-Entry Assisted Community Housing (REACH) is one of the main housing programs inside the CCRSH network.

Eligibility for Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing

To be eligible for Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing, adults who are released from Connecticut correctional facilities, at a risk of homelessness and need support with reentry. The eligibility criteria might differ by housing providers.

How To Apply for Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing?

You can apply for the Connecticut Collaborative on Re-entry Supportive Housing before or after release referrals from the Connecticut Department of Correction. You can directly ask your parole or probation officer about CCR, they will help you with guidance. To learn more about the program visit Connecticut’s Reentry Community page.

DOC Scattered Site Program

The DOC Scattered Site Program offers reentry housing assistance for felons in Connecticut, it is run jointly by Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) and community partners such as Community Renewal Team, Inc. (CRT) offering help to the individuals with felony convictions after release. The main goal of the program is to offer supportive services like case management, employment readiness support, vocational services and life skills coaching to promote successful reintegration.

Eligibility for the DOC Scattered Site Program

To be eligible for the DOC Scattered Site Program, individuals must have been released from a Connecticut correctional facility and are under parole supervision. Applicants also need to demonstrate both a need for housing stability and a willingness to participate in support services.

How To Apply for the DOC Scattered Site Program?

To apply for the DOC Scattered Site Program, you can directly talk to your assigned parole officer and tell your interest to participate in the DOC Scattered Site Program. The parole officer will further initiate the referral process and submit a request for placement. To learn

more about the program visit the official website of CRT. You can also call them at (860) 560-5600 and start your application.

Transitional Housing Programs (CPA)

Transitional Housing for felons in Connecticut through CPA offers short-term, structured residential support for people recently released from prison. CPA operates these programs in cities like Hartford and Waterbury and they pair housing programs with workforce development, counselling, and connections to behavioural health and addiction treatment resources. This is one of the best re-entry programs for felons in Connecticut.

Eligibility for Transitional Housing Programs (CPA)

To be eligible for Transitional Housing Programs (CPA), individuals who are recently in a Connecticut correctional facility and in need of temporary housing. Applicants also need to demonstrate willingness to engage in supportive services.

How To Apply For Transitional Housing Programs (CPA)?

To apply for transitional housing through CPA, individuals need to directly contact CPA’s reentry services after release or can reach out to local reentry welcome centers in Hartford or Waterbury.

Hartford Transitional Housing Program

121 Washington Street

Hartford CT 06106

Tel: (860) 525-6691

Waterbury Transitional Housing Program

421 East Main Street

Waterbury CT 06702

Tel: (203) 597-6540

Project M.O.R.E. Transitional Houses

Project M.O.R.E. Transitional Houses in Connecticut are part of a long-standing reentry support network in New Haven offering help with temporary housing to the formerly incarcerated men and individuals who are on probation or pre-trial supervision. It is a state-funded, 28-bed residential program for the adults for a time period of 4 to 6 months for temporary living. Alongside they also help participants with job readiness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, life skills, AA/NA, GED preparation, and case management.

Eligibility for Project M.O.R.E. Transitional Houses

To be eligible for Project M.O.R.E. Transitional House, individuals (18+) with criminal justice involvement who are on probation, pre-trial release, or transitioning from jail or prison and must be referred by the Office of Adult Probation, a judge, or other supervising authority.

How To Apply for Project M.O.R.E. Transitional Houses?

To apply for Project M.O.R.E. Transitional Houses, you need to communicate with your probation officer and ask them to refer you to the program. You can also try contacting the Project M.O.R.E. Reentry Welcome Center in New Haven at 830 Grand Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511-4922. To learn more visit the official website of Project M.O.R.E. For general queries you can call on 203-865-5700 or email at [email protected].

Offender Re-Entry Services

Offender Re-Entry Services in Connecticut are offered directly to the felons by providing them with support with housing, employment, education, healthcare, and supervision. The program is coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Correction to reduce recidivism and provide long term support to the returning citizens.

Eligibility for Offender Re-Entry Services

To be eligible for Offender Re-Entry Services, individuals must be incarcerated or currently involved in the criminal justice system in Connecticut, recently released from a Connecticut correctional facility or preparing for release, under parole or probation and are at a risk of homelessness, unemployment and financial instability.

How To Apply for Offender Re-Entry Services?

To apply for Offender Re-Entry Service, you need to speak with your DOC reentry counselor before release or you can contact your parole office after release for referrals to the Offender Re-Entry services. The basic documents that are required include ID, release papers, and supervision details. For general queries about their services call on (860) 692-7869 or visit Connecticut’s Official State Website.

ACT Returning Citizens Program

ACT Returning Citizens Program in Connecticut is a supportive re-entry initiative that offers assistance to the incarcerated individuals so that they can successfully reintegrate into the community. The goal of the program is to help out the felons by decreasing debt, increase savings, increase credit scores, resolve identity theft issues and connect them to safe and affordable bank accounts.

Eligibility For ACT Returning Citizens Program

To be eligible for the ACT Returning Citizens Program, individuals must be Connecticut residents, have past felony convictions and are willing to engage in job preparation and mentoring activities.

How To Apply for the ACT Returning Citizens Program?

To apply for the ACT Returning Citizens Program, you need to contact the ACT Re-Entry service team or local reentry partner organizations. You can also speak to your parole or probation officer for referrals. Complete your application or enrollment form and if eligible you can participate in the program. You can also visit their main office at 110 Bartholomew Ave, Suite 3050, Hartford CT 06106. For general queries call them on 860-247-2437 or email them at [email protected]

Educational Grants and Scholarships for Felons in Connecticut

There are education grants for felons in Connecticut through scholarship programs like Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship Program, Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship.

Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship Program

The Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship Program is a major state financial aid initiative in Connecticut designed to help out the bright students who have financial requirements to pursue post-secondary education. The eligible students can get annual scholarships of up to about $5,250.

Eligibility for the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship

To be eligible for the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship, applicants who are Connecticut residents, graduating high school seniors or college graduates enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program. The qualification is need-merit and must meet minimum standardized test scores (like a combined 1200 SAT or ACT 25). Felons can apply for this scholarship as long as they meet the basic requirements.

How To Apply for Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship?

To apply for the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship, students are required to complete the FAFSA application and submit all the required documents and applications to the school guidance office or college financial aid office before the deadline. To know more about the scholarship program visit the official website of State of Connecticut (USA)

Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program in Connecticut is a state financial aid initiative administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) offering funds to the eligible students to become a teacher. The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program offers up to $10,000 per academic year toward tuition and related educational expenses for eligible students who want to pursue a career in teaching.

Eligibility for Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program

To be eligible for Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, students who have graduated from a public high school in a Connecticut priority (Alliance) school district and have already enrolled in an approved educator preparation program. Criminal history or past felony convictions will not affect the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program.

How To Apply for Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program?

To apply for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship, you need to complete the official application before the deadline. The documents that are needed is proof of enrollment in an approved educator preparation program along with any supporting documentation required by the Connecticut State Department of Education. For general queries related to the scholarship program email them at [email protected]

CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship

The CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship is a state-funded scholarship program offered by the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority to offer help to the Connecticut residents to pursue undergraduate college degree. This scholarship program offers one-time awards for students who are enrolled in eligible public or non-profit degree-granting institutions within Connecticut. The award goes up to $1,500 for half-time students and $3,000 for full-time students.

Eligibility for the CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship

To be eligible for the CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship, individual must be a resident of the State of Connecticut, enrolled and attending an eligible Connecticut state or non-profit, be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and have a a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and must have satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Remember, if you are in default on any CHESLA loans you will not be eligible for this scholarship.

How To Apply for the CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship?

To apply for the CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship, you need to submit your application using the CHESLA scholarship portal and make sure you complete your FAFSA application. The application generally opens on March 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 cycle. If you have any doubts related to the scholarship call 800-252-3357 or visit them at 1 Financial Plaza 20th Floor, Suite #2000 – Hartford, CT 06103.

Workforce or Employment Grants for Felons in Connecticut

There are employment assistance and job programs for felons in Connecticut like BEST Chance Job Program, Free to Succeed Program, Next Steps Re-Entry (Workforce Alliance) and Platform to Employment Re-Entry.

BEST Chance Job Program

The BEST Chance Job Program (BCJP) in Connecticut is a workforce readiness and employment support initiative run by Capital Workforce Partners that is specifically designed to help out the felons in Connecticut by improving their skills, confidence and also build connections with employers. Alongside, BCJP also offers job readiness training, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.

Eligibility for the BEST Chance Job Program

To be eligible for the BEST Chance Job Program, individuals must be on probation, parole, or returning from incarceration and need to demonstrate a commitment to participating in employment readiness activities . However, specific criteria differs by the service provider.

How To Apply for the BEST Chance Job Program?

To apply for the BEST Chance Job Program, you need to connect with your local workforce development or you can also access the program through American Job Centers (AJCs) near you. To learn more about the program visit the official website of Capital Work Force. If you have any queries about the program with application and eligibility call on (860) 522-1111

Free to Succeed Program

The Free to Succeed Program is a specialized employment support service offered through the American Job Center network in Connecticut offering help to the individuals with felony convictions. The main aim of the program is to help the felons to rebuild their careers and get entry in the workforce. The program also helps with free career counseling, job training referrals, resume help, interview preparation, and job search support to all job seekers.

Eligibility for Free To Succeed Program

To be eligible for the Free To Succeed Program, individuals must be a resident of Connecticut having criminal records and are looking for help with finding employment.

How To Apply for a Free To Succeed Program?

To apply for the Free To Succeed Program, you need to contact a Connecticut American Job Center location and schedule an appointment. The career coach will be assigned and will guide you with the overall process. To know more about the application procedure and eligibility call on (860) 656-2595 or visit them at 3580 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120.

Next Steps Re-Entry (Workforce Alliance)

The Next Steps Re-Entry Program in Connecticut is a workforce reintegration initiative designed for the felons so that they can successfully re-enter the workforce. The program is run by the Workforce Alliance and work in collaboration with courts, police, probation, parole services, and community agencies to help out the applicants with practical life skills, job readiness training, and career development resources

Eligibility for Next Steps Re-Entry

To be eligible for Next Steps Re-Entry, adults who have felony convictions in Connecticut and are looking to find employment. The participants also need to engage in a 5-day cohort-style orientation and skills development with a positive attitude after incarceration.

How To Apply for Next Steps Re-Entry?

To apply for Next Steps Re-Entry, you need to complete the online enrollment form or contact the Workforce Alliance.  The documents that are required are your State-issued ID, birth certificate, utility bill, social security documentation, social security card, criminal justice verifications, DOC release paper, your resume and any other if asked by them. You can visit their main office at 370 James Street, New Haven or call them on (203) 624-1493

Platform to Employment Re-Entry

Platform to Employment Re-Entry is a statewide workforce reentry initiative in Connecticut that is specifically designed to help out the felons to reconnect with the labor market and get

help with employment. They mainly run a framework where they link the job seekers with career development opportunities, work readiness training and to find stable jobs.

Eligibility for Platform to Employment Re-Entry

To be eligible for Platform to Employment Re-Entry, individuals must be Connecticut residents, 18 years old and involved in felony convictions. The program highly prioritizes those individuals that are facing barriers to employment because of felony convictions in the past. The eligibility might differ by location or service provider.

How To Participate in the Platform to Employment Re-Entry Program?

To participate in the Platform to Employment Re-Entry Program, you need to complete an online application and need to go through an interview for screening your eligibility. Once eligible for the program you will be enrolled in training sessions or job training centers in Connecticut. For general queries you can call them on (203) 610-8496 or email them at [email protected]

National Programs Available for Felons in Connecticut

There are federal programs for felons in Connecticut including the Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell), TANF, SNAP, Federal Health Coverage Assistance, Federal Bonding Program and WIOA.

The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell)

The Federal Pell Grant is need-based financial aid offering up to $7,395 for low-income undergraduate students available in Connecticut. The applicants need to submit their FAFSA form and felons are not automatically disqualified from applying for the Federal Pell Grant. The eligible incarcerated individuals can get access to Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell initiative. To apply for the Federal Pell Grant visit studentaid.gov. For any general queries call on 1-800-433-3243

TANF

The TANF program in Connecticut is delivered through Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) and is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services offering monthly assistance to low income families. The funds can be used to cover basic needs like rent, utilities, and clothing. To apply for TANF visit ConneCT benefits portal  or call on 1-855-626-6632

SNAP

SNAP in Connecticut (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) offers help to low income families in Connecticut to purchase food through EBT card. This program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. SNAP benefits can be used at participating grocery stores, supermarkets and some farmers’ markets across the state. To apply for SNAP benefits visit ConneCT benefits portal  or call on 1-855-626-6632.

Federal Health Coverage Assistance

Medicaid in Connecticut is known as HUSKY (Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth)  offering free or low-cost health coverage for eligible residents (including felons) The type of services offered includes doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, mental health services, and preventive care. To apply for HUSKY visit the ConneCT benefits portal  and for any further queries call DSS Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632.

The Federal Bonding Program (FBP)

The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that helps people with a criminal record to find employment. The program offers free fidelity bonds insurance to the employers to protect against losses caused by employee dishonesty for the first six months. Therefore, The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) helps to boost the confidence of the employer to hire employees even if they have felony records. To get your bond today in Connecticut visit https://bonds4jobs.com/. For general queries about the program and services call on 1-800-233-2258

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal job-training and employment program helping individuals to gain skills, training, and support to find work. Felons in Connecticut can apply for WIOA services through American Job Centers. You need to request an appointment with a career advisor from the American Job Center. For general information or find a local center call on 1-877-872-5627

Non-Profits That Offer Help To Felons in Connecticut

Felons in Connecticut get access to non-profit organizations like Family Reentry CRJ, Project MORE, EMERGE Connecticut, Inc. and Second Chance Educational Alliance that help them to successfully reintegrate into the community.

Family Reentry CRJ

Family Reentry CRJ is a Connecticut-based nonprofit that offers help to the people who are returning from incarceration by offering them with reentry support services, behavioral health counseling, mentoring, life skills training, case management, domestic violence intervention and other programs that will make them more stable. They also offer a specific reentry case management program designed for formerly incarcerated women known as RISE (Restore, Inspire, Support, and Empower). To learn more visit the official website of Family Reentry CRJ. You can visit any of the Connecticut locations in Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Norwalk, New London, Stamford, or Norwich.

Project MORE in Connecticut

Project MORE (Men Overcoming Recidivism through Education) is a Connecticut-based nonprofit that offers reentry support to formerly incarcerated individuals. The main focus of the program is on employment readiness, life-skills training, mentoring, and personal development. Additionally, Project More also offers help with job coaching, resume building, interview preparation, and connections to local employers helping felons to get employed. To learn more about their programs visit https://projectmore.org/ . For general inquiries about programs and services call on 203-865-5700

EMERGE Connecticut, Inc.

EMERGE Connecticut, Inc. offers help to the felons so that they can successfully reintegrate into the workforce and community. The non-profit also offers paid transitional employment in areas like construction, landscaping, and property maintenance, along with job training and skill development.. The main focus of EMERGE is to help the felons in Connecticut by building their confidence, work history and provide them with long-term employment. To learn more about their services visit the official website of EMERGE Connecticut. For general queries you can call on (203) 562-0171

Second Chance Educational Alliance

Second Chance Educational Alliance (SCEA) in Connecticut is a nonprofit that offers support to individuals with felony records by improving their education and to provide them with better employment opportunities. Furthermore, the organization also offers help with GED preparation, literacy and basic skills classes, college and career readiness, and job-seeking support. To learn more about their programs visit https://scea-inc.org/. For general queries call on 860-578-8242

Bottom Line

It might look like rebuilding life for individuals after felony convictions in Connecticut is not that easy, but there are grants for felons in Connecticut helping them to reintegrate into the community after release. There are stable and transitional housing programs through CCRSH and CPA. Felons in Connecticut also get access to job training, education grants, and workforce reentry initiatives that help them to move forward in life. You need to start your application process today by simply talking to your parole officer, a reentry counselor, or a local nonprofit. Connecticut offers you a second chance where you can build respect and dignity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and benefits may change over time. It is recommended to contact official state agencies, program administrators, or qualified professionals to verify details and determine eligibility before applying for any grants, housing assistance, or reentry programs.