His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) have launched the Rehabilitation Grants Scheme, a £3 million initiative running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

The scheme aims to fund voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) projects that support rehabilitation outcomes across public sector prisons, probation services, and the youth custody estate. Grants will be awarded through a fair and transparent competition, with individual awards ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 per financial year. Projects can last from 6 months up to 3 years.

The goal is to align with HMPPS’s rehabilitation strategy and ministerial priorities, helping to reduce reoffending, strengthen public protection, and provide responsive, effective support grounded in lived experience.

Purpose of the scheme

The Independent Sentencing Review highlighted key areas where the voluntary sector can support HMPPS to:

• Reduce demand on the Probation Service in the community.
• Improve resettlement and rehabilitation outcomes for people in prison.
• Provide vital support to families.

In line with these priorities, the grant scheme is particularly welcoming bids that:

• Help reduce prison recalls.
• Support referrals and diversionary activities.

Organisations can apply either individually or as part of a consortium.

Key requirements

• Applicants must be VCSEs.
• The voluntary sector organisation(s) receiving the grant should be a registered charity or social enterprise.
• Turnover: Applicants must demonstrate an annual turnover of at least twice the value of the annual grant requested.
• Evaluation: Successful organisations will be required to submit a National Research Committee (NRC) application and must therefore include evaluation costs in their proposals.

Timeframes

• Stage 1 applications (PQQ) open: 22 September 2025
• Stage 1 applications (PQQ) close: 6 October 2025
• Eligibility assessment of PQQ submissions: 8 October 2025
• Stage 2 applications (Invitation only) open: 29 October 2025
• Stage 2 applications close: 28 November 2025
• Evaluation and moderation: From 1 December 2025
• Internal governance: 17 January 2026
• Notification to successful applicants: 20 February 2026
• Grant award begins: 1 April 2026
• Mobilisation ends: By 30 September 2026 (3–6 months depending on the complexity of the grant, agreed at award stage)

Application process

Stage One – Eligibility Assessment

• Interested organisations must complete and submit the Eligibility Assessment Form on the Jaggaer platform by 6 October 2025.
• This is the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) stage.
• Only those who meet the eligibility requirements at this stage will progress further.

Stage Two – Invitation to Tender

• Organisations successful at Stage One will be formally invited to Stage Two by 29 October 2025.
• Stage Two is an Invitation to Tender (ITT) (or equivalent) where applicants will need to provide more detailed responses by 28 November 2025.

Further information

Full details of the scheme and the application process can be found on the Jaggaer platform under PQQ_524 Rehabilitation Grants Scheme 2026–29.

Rehabilitation Grants Scheme 2026-2029 - GOV-UK Find a grant