Care First Community Investment Care Grant Strategy 5 (Reentry & Community Reintegration)

The Care First Community Investment Care Grants, administered by the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department, represent a major local funding initiative designed to redirect public investment toward community-based solutions that serve as alternatives to incarceration. Established in alignment with the goals of Measure J, this initiative focuses on addressing systemic inequities within the criminal legal system by funding programs that provide direct services, promote healing, and strengthen communities. Strategy 5 of this funding opportunity specifically centers on Reentry and Community Reintegration, targeting individuals who are justice-involved or returning to their communities after incarceration. The primary purpose of Strategy 5 funding is to support programs that reduce recidivism, promote stability, and improve long-term outcomes for individuals impacted by the justice system. Funded programs must deliver services such as mentorship, workforce development, systems navigation, and holistic wellness support. The initiative emphasizes culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches, ensuring that services address mental health, housing, employment, and identity-related needs. Program areas include mentorship programming, wraparound reentry services, youth workforce development, creative healing, and specialized employment pathways, among others. Funding is distributed across multiple program areas, each with defined award ranges and total funding allocations. Individual awards vary significantly depending on the program area, ranging from smaller symposium-based funding opportunities to multi-million-dollar wraparound service programs. Funds may be used for direct service delivery, staffing, subcontractors, and certain one-time program-related expenses such as equipment, provided these align with the scope of work. However, all expenditures must occur within the grant period and comply with restrictions prohibiting use for law enforcement or carceral system activities. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, allowing nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, tribal organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects to apply, provided they meet minimum requirements. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of experience delivering relevant services within Los Angeles County and must be in good standing with the state. While prior funding recipients are eligible, priority is given to organizations that have not previously received Los Angeles County funding and those serving high-need, low-resource communities as identified by equity indices. Applications must be submitted through an online portal and require multiple components, including organizational documentation, a detailed project budget, financial statements, and proof of professional status. The process involves creating an account on the submission platform, completing program-specific questions, and uploading required attachments. Applications are reviewed through a structured scoring process that evaluates organizational capacity, program design, cultural competency, and measurable impact. Priority points are awarded based on factors such as organizational size, geographic service area, and prior funding history. The application period for this funding cycle opens on July 24, 2026 and closes on August 24, 2026. Applications are reviewed through the end of September, with awards announced in early October and contracts expected to begin around October 19, 2026. The grant term spans 36 months, ending no later than November 30, 2029. During this period, awardees must collect and report data regularly, including monthly service data and quarterly progress reports. Overall, the Strategy 5 Care Grants represent a significant investment in reentry-focused services across Los Angeles County. By funding community-based organizations to provide comprehensive, culturally responsive support, the program aims to disrupt cycles of incarceration and create sustainable pathways for individuals returning to their communities.

Prioritize demonstrating measurable outcomes strong community ties and culturally responsive programming Align services clearly with selected program area and provide detailed budget justification