Civility in the Correctional Workplace | 24PR02

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24PR02

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is offering a cooperative agreement called Civility in the Correctional Workplace (Funding Opportunity Number 24PR02, CFDA 16.601) focused on improving staff retention in corrections by addressing workplace incivility and strengthening day-to-day professional respect. Instead of concentrating on recruitment and hiring practices, this opportunity is aimed at keeping qualified staff by helping correctional agencies create healthier workplace cultures where people feel valued, supported, and psychologically safe. NIC frames civility as an intentional practice, not just the absence of conflict, and emphasizes that leaders and staff need to actively build environments where colleagues "lift each other up" in order to improve safety and performance across the facility.

The opportunity is grounded in the idea that workplace incivility includes both subtle and overt behaviors that are rude, dismissive, or disrespectful, and that these behaviors can quietly become normalized if they are not confronted. NIC highlights that when incivility goes unchecked, it damages organizational culture and directly harms employee well-being. In a correctional setting, the consequences can be especially severe because staff wellness and teamwork are closely tied to operational safety, decision-making under stress, and the overall stability of the institution. The description links incivility to outcomes such as increased sick leave misuse, alcohol and drug misuse, worsening medical problems, higher rates of mental health concerns, reduced longevity after leaving the profession, and increased suicide risk. NIC also points to broader ripple effects, noting that a toxic staff culture can indirectly affect incarcerated individuals and their rehabilitation outcomes, since the daily environment inside a facility influences behavior, programming, and the overall climate.

NIC provides concrete examples of what incivility may look like in corrections, ranging from serious misconduct to everyday disrespect that wears people down over time. Examples include sexual harassment, racial bias, bullying by supervisors toward subordinates, bullying among peers, and a generally toxic work environment. It can also show up in routine interactions, such as belittling comments in meetings, hallway disrespect, insults about appearance or weight, inappropriate posters or materials in the workplace, and leadership behavior that implicitly condones misconduct by ignoring it or letting it persist. A key theme is that leaders set the tone, and when leadership fails to intervene, incivility can become part of the institution's operating culture.

A major emphasis of the project is the role of leadership and management in shaping workplace norms. NIC suggests that certain leadership and management styles are more likely to promote civility and create a culture where employees feel respected and motivated to stay. The cooperative agreement is intended to support efforts that raise awareness about the causes and consequences of incivility and help correctional organizations adopt approaches that foster a civil climate and healthier organizational functioning. While the description does not list specific required deliverables in the text provided, it references a two-part webinar series connected to the project, signaling that training, education, and practical guidance for correctional leaders and staff are central to the work.

Funding for this opportunity is up to $200,000 total (award ceiling $200,000), with NIC expecting to make one award. The original application closing date listed is February 13, 2024, and the opportunity was created on December 15, 2023. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, meaning NIC is likely to have substantial involvement during the project period compared with a standard grant, typically through collaboration, direction, or ongoing input.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations (including faith-based, community, and tribal organizations), for-profit organizations (including tribal for-profit organizations), and institutions of higher education (including tribal institutions of higher education). For-profit recipients must agree to waive any profit or fee for services under the award. Foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental international organizations or institutions are not eligible. Applicants must provide proof of 501(c)(3) status from the IRS or an authorizing tribal resolution, as applicable. NIC also allows collaborative applications that involve two or more entities, but one eligible organization must serve as the primary applicant and administrator, with other partners included as subrecipients. Only one application may be submitted per organization.

• The National Institute of Corrections in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Civility in the Correctional Workplace" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.601.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-12-15.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-02-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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