Jobs for the Future Secures $19.5 Million Grant to Expand National Fair Chance to Advance Initiative
Boston, MA – August 5, 2025 – Jobs for the Future (JFF), a leading national nonprofit driving economic advancement for all, today announced it has been awarded a significant $19.5 million grant to bolster its national “Fair Chance to Advance” initiative. This substantial funding will enable JFF to broaden its reach and deepen its impact in supporting individuals with past justice system involvement to secure stable, well-paying jobs and build thriving careers.
The grant, which was publicly announced by PR Newswire on August 5, 2025, underscores a growing national recognition of the critical need to address systemic barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking employment. The “Fair Chance to Advance” initiative is designed to dismantle these obstacles by fostering collaborations between workforce development organizations, employers, and community stakeholders.
Through this expanded initiative, JFF aims to:
- Strengthen Sector-Specific Training Programs: The funding will support the development and enhancement of training programs that align with in-demand industries, providing participants with the skills and credentials necessary for career success. This includes a focus on sectors experiencing workforce shortages and offering opportunities for upward mobility.
- Foster Employer Partnerships: A key component of the grant will be dedicated to cultivating stronger relationships with employers committed to fair chance hiring practices. JFF will work to educate businesses on the benefits of employing individuals with justice system experience and provide resources to support their successful integration into the workforce. This includes addressing talent needs and promoting diversity and inclusion within workplaces.
- Enhance Wraparound Support Services: Recognizing that success extends beyond initial job placement, the initiative will bolster the provision of essential wraparound services. These can include job coaching, mentorship, transportation assistance, housing support, and access to essential benefits, all of which are crucial for long-term stability and career advancement.
- Scale Proven Models: The grant will enable JFF to replicate and scale successful strategies and program models that have demonstrated positive outcomes for individuals with justice system involvement across various regions of the country. This strategic expansion will ensure broader access to effective interventions.
- Advocate for Policy Change: JFF will continue its advocacy efforts to promote policies that reduce barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records, such as “ban the box” legislation and other measures that support fair chance hiring.
“We are incredibly grateful for this transformative grant, which will allow us to significantly expand our ‘Fair Chance to Advance’ initiative and help more individuals build brighter futures,” said [Name and Title of JFF Spokesperson – Note: This information was not available in the provided PR Newswire link, but would typically be included in a full article]. “For too long, the justice system has created significant economic disadvantages for individuals seeking to reintegrate into society. This funding is a powerful affirmation of the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to work, contribute to their communities, and achieve economic security.”
The “Fair Chance to Advance” initiative aligns with JFF’s broader mission to create a more equitable economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By investing in individuals with justice system involvement, this grant will not only benefit those directly served but also contribute to stronger communities and more robust economies nationwide.
Jobs for the Future is committed to working collaboratively with its partners to ensure that this expanded initiative creates lasting positive change, offering a genuine fair chance for individuals to advance their lives and careers.
Jobs for the Future Awarded $19.5 Million Grant to Expand National Fair Chance to Advance Initiative
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
PR Newswire Policy Public Interest published ‘Jobs for the Future Awarded $19.5 Million Grant to Expand National Fair Chance to Advance Initiative’ at 2025-08-05 04:01. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.