Grant programs

Awards, limits and how decisions are made

Awards are modest, documented and limited by available funding. Published criteria are objective, and every decision is reviewed by a person.

Essential Needs Grant

$25 default

Hygiene items, writing supplies, stamps and other basic commissary needs.

Education and Communication Grant

Up to $50

Enhanced support for study materials, correspondence courses and family contact.

Family Connection Grant

Program limits apply

Help maintaining contact with children and family members.

Special Reentry Award

Up to $100

For people approaching release who are preparing for reentry.

Approval is not guaranteed

Awards depend on available funding, successful verification, objective criteria and program limits. Correctional systems may apply transaction fees, restrictions or legally authorized deductions.

Default program rules

Current configured defaults

Default grant program rules
Essential Needs Grant	$25
Standard frequency	Once every 90 days
Annual maximum	$100 per recipient
Enhanced education/communication grant	Up to $50
Special reentry award	Up to $100
Application eligibility period	90 days
Appeal deadline	30 days

Objective priority factors

What we consider

Verified incarceration and verified institutional account
Little or no consistent outside support
Documented indigency status when available
Time since the most recent outside deposit
Dependent children or family responsibilities
Educational or reentry participation
Proximity to release
Urgent hygiene, writing or communication needs
Previous grant history and time since last award
Referral from an approved chaplain, educator, case manager or organization

Prohibited decision factors

What we never consider

Race
Religion
Political beliefs
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Disability, except to provide accommodation
Public popularity
Leadership relationships
Book purchases
Donation history

Automated scoring may organize the review queue, but it never makes the final decision without review by an authorized person.

Appeals

If you disagree with a decision

Appeals may be submitted within 30 days of the decision.
The original decision and all supporting records are preserved.
You may submit new facts or correct an error in the record.
Appeals are routed to a different reviewer whenever possible.

Complaints

Raising a concern

We accept privacy, discrimination, payment, fraud and service complaints, and maintain a confidential whistleblower channel for staff and partners.

Submit an appeal or complaint