Program Contact
Marian Hancock - marian.hancock@dc.gov (Send Email)

To qualify for this grant, organizations must:

• Be a for-profit or 501(c)(3) nonprofit licensed with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
• Have written approval from the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs (MORCA) to accept applications from eligible individuals.
• Employ eligible individuals for at least 20 hours/week for a minimum of 8 weeks, paying at least DC minimum wage (including the grant subsidy).
• Comply with the grant’s wage subsidy structure:
  
  • Year 1: 40% grant-funded, 60% employer-funded.
  • Year 2 (if funded): 80% grant-funded, 20% employer-funded (reapplication required).
• Operate and deliver all services within the District of Columbia.
• Be in good standing with DLCP, the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR), and other applicable agencies.
• Submit required documentation, including a Clean Hands Certificate and debarment affidavit.
• Demonstrate financial capacity to cover unsubsidized wages and related costs.
• Be current on FY25 grant reporting and show progress toward existing grant goals (if applicable).

Eligible individuals must:

• Be previously incarcerated and a DC resident.
• Have completed a DC-based workforce and life skills program.
• Have been unemployed for at least 3 months prior to hire.
• Be enrolled in a DC-based mentoring program for returning citizens.

Training Requirement
Employers must provide short-term, job-relevant training. Grant funds may not be used for extensive training unless it leads to potential permanent employment.

Note: For full eligibility details, refer to Section A: Eligibility Criteria of the Request for Applications (RFA).

• Although FY26 funding has been approved by the DC Council, disbursement is contingent on final congressional approval of the budget. No funds are guaranteed until the budget is enacted, per the Anti-Deficiency Act.

• Submission does not guarantee an award. EOM may accept or reject any application in the best interest of the Office.

• Applicants will be notified if their application is not selected.

• EOM reserves the right to:

  • Suspend or cancel the RFA at any time.
  • Amend the RFA after release.
  • Negotiate proposal terms or funding amounts.

• All application preparation costs are the applicant’s responsibility.

• Applicants must be registered with MORCA.

• Grant funds must be used only for activities outlined in the RFA and approved proposal.

• EOM will provide applicable legal references, payment terms, reporting requirements, and compliance conditions. In case of conflict, federal or local law prevails, and applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance.