Who can apply
Intended for eligible incarcerated people in U.S. prisons
This page separates what is confirmed today from what is still being finalized. Nothing here is a promise of an award.
Confirmed
Baseline expectations
- Currently incarcerated in a U.S. prison
- The program is designed for people held in United States correctional facilities.
- An official institutional account
- Support can only be placed into a verified institutional trust or commissary account.
- The facility permits outside deposits
- Each institution sets its own rules for approved deposit providers.
- A complete, accurate application
- Signed by the applicant, or by a helper with the applicant's authorization.
- No cost, ever
- No purchase, donation, payment or religious participation is required to apply or to be selected.
Requires confirmation
Not yet published
These rules are still being finalized and will be published before decisions begin.
- PendingStates and facility types included at launch
- PendingAward amount, frequency and any annual limit
- PendingMinimum or maximum remaining sentence, if any
- PendingDocumentation accepted as evidence of financial need
- PendingWhether family members, chaplains or advocates may submit on someone's behalf
- PendingReview timelines and appeal process
Decision integrity
What is never a factor
- Offense or conviction history
- Race, ethnicity or national origin
- Religion or lack of religion
- Gender identity or sexual orientation
- Disability status
- Whether anyone bought a book
No guarantee
Submitting an application does not guarantee an award. Support depends on available funding and verified eligibility.