Advancing Behavioral Health in Corrections: Training and Policy Innovation Initiative

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, administers programs that support correctional systems across the United States through research, training, and technical assistance. This funding opportunity, titled Advancing Behavioral Health in Corrections: Training and Policy Innovation Initiative, reflects NIC’s ongoing commitment to improving correctional outcomes by addressing systemic gaps in behavioral health services. The initiative is grounded in the recognition that incarcerated populations experience disproportionately high rates of mental health and substance use disorders, while correctional institutions often lack consistent policies, sufficient training, and coordinated care approaches to effectively respond to these challenges. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to strengthen behavioral health services in correctional settings by conducting a comprehensive gap analysis, aligning institutional policies with evidence-based standards, and developing training resources for correctional staff. The funded project will include stakeholder engagement, research and policy review, and the development of a robust behavioral health e-course. Key focus areas include trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and medication-assisted treatment. The initiative also emphasizes sustainable staff development through ongoing education and training infrastructure. Funding for this opportunity totals 150000 dollars, with NIC anticipating the issuance of a single award for a 12-month project period. Applicants must request funding within this cap, as proposals exceeding the total available amount will not be considered. The funding is intended to support activities such as research, curriculum development, stakeholder coordination, and reporting. However, certain costs are restricted, including construction, equipment purchases, and foreign travel without prior approval. Incentives or stipends are also not allowable unless explicitly stated. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education, including tribal entities within these categories. Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience, including at least five years of work in correctional behavioral health, policy development, or related fields. Government entities at the state or local level are not eligible to apply, though they may participate as unfunded partners. All applicants must provide proof of eligibility, such as 501(c)(3) status or equivalent documentation, and must agree to waive any profit or fees associated with the project. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and must include a comprehensive set of required components. These include standard federal forms such as the SF-424 series, a project abstract, a detailed program narrative, a budget worksheet and narrative, a logic model, a timeline, and resumes for key personnel. Additional required materials include an accessibility conformance report and documentation related to organizational capacity. The program narrative must address key evaluation criteria, including the problem statement, program design, goals and objectives, and organizational competencies. The application timeline includes an announcement date of June 16, 2026, with a deadline for submitting questions by July 16, 2026. Final applications must be submitted and validated in Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 31, 2026. NIC strongly encourages submission at least 72 hours in advance to allow for validation processing. The anticipated award date is August 21, 2026. Applications will be evaluated through a peer review process based on programmatic merit, organizational capacity, and administrative feasibility. NIC staff will play an active role in the project through the cooperative agreement structure, providing oversight, participating in project planning, and approving key deliverables. Award recipients will be required to submit quarterly progress reports and a final report, as well as comply with federal accessibility and plain language requirements. This initiative represents a strategic effort to improve behavioral health outcomes in correctional environments while supporting staff capacity and institutional effectiveness nationwide.

Ensure strong alignment between problem statement, objectives, and project design; clearly demonstrate organizational capacity and relevant experience; submit early to allow Grants.gov validation processing