Opportunity Information: Apply for 23PR02
The Public Information Officers and Communication Directors Master Trainer Pilot (Funding Opportunity Number 23PR02) is a National Institute of Corrections (NIC), U.S. Department of Justice cooperative agreement designed to strengthen how correctional agencies communicate with the public, the media, and internal stakeholders. The opportunity is built on the idea that public information officers (PIOs) and communication directors are not just support staff, but central to an agency's ability to build trust, explain its mission, and maintain credibility. Because public perception of corrections can shape outcomes like public safety cooperation, budget and funding decisions, elections, and leadership appointments, the grant focuses on improving the consistency and transparency of messaging so agencies can better meet stakeholder expectations.
A core problem the program seeks to address is that when agencies do not communicate proactively, misinformation tends to fill the gap. The description emphasizes that myths and misperceptions often grow when the public has little access to clear facts about correctional operations, and that this information vacuum can leave an agency reacting defensively rather than managing events and narratives effectively. It also notes that many agencies only engage the media during crises, which means they miss regular opportunities to highlight positive work, rehabilitation efforts, staff professionalism, and other constructive outcomes. The pilot is meant to encourage a more intentional communications approach where relationships with media and community partners are established before critical incidents occur, making it easier to provide accurate context and maintain public confidence when challenges arise.
The grant frames effective communication as a strategic function with defined goals and a clear purpose, rather than ad hoc press engagement. Priorities highlighted include taking greater control of the agency message, building positive rapport with media outlets, humanizing corrections work to the public, and engaging the community in a way that improves understanding of what correctional agencies do and why. The "master trainer pilot" label signals an emphasis on building training capacity, meaning the funded work is likely intended to develop or deliver a model that can be replicated and taught broadly, expanding the reach of stronger communications practices across correctional systems.
Administratively, this opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement, which generally means NIC expects substantial involvement or collaboration during the project rather than a hands-off grant. It was posted on November 2, 2022, with an original closing date of January 3, 2023. NIC anticipated making a single award, with an award ceiling of $240,000. The CFDA number associated with the program is 16.601, and eligibility is listed as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.Apply for 23PR02
- The Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Information Officers and Communication Directors Master Trainer Pilot" 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 Nov 02, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 03, 2023. (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 $240,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FAQs: Public Information Officers and Communication Directors Master Trainer Pilot (Funding Opportunity Number 23PR02)
What is the Public Information Officers and Communication Directors Master Trainer Pilot (23PR02)?
This is a National Institute of Corrections (NIC), U.S. Department of Justice cooperative agreement focused on strengthening how correctional agencies communicate with the public, the media, and internal stakeholders.
Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice.
What is the main goal of this pilot?
The main goal is to improve the consistency, transparency, and effectiveness of correctional agency communications so agencies can build trust, explain their mission, and maintain credibility with key audiences.
Why does the opportunity emphasize the role of PIOs and communication directors?
The notice frames public information officers (PIOs) and communication directors as central to an agency's ability to build trust and credibility, rather than as purely support staff. It highlights that public perception of corrections can influence outcomes such as public safety cooperation, budget and funding decisions, elections, and leadership appointments.
What problem is the program trying to address?
A core issue identified is that when agencies do not communicate proactively, misinformation can fill the gap. The opportunity notes that myths and misperceptions can grow when the public lacks access to clear facts about correctional operations, leaving agencies in a defensive, reactive posture instead of managing events and narratives effectively.
How does the program describe the risks of only communicating during a crisis?
The description notes that many agencies engage the media primarily during crises. As a result, they miss regular opportunities to share constructive information such as positive work, rehabilitation efforts, staff professionalism, and other outcomes that can improve public understanding and confidence.
What type of communications approach does the pilot promote?
The pilot promotes a more intentional, proactive communications approach where agencies establish relationships with media and community partners before critical incidents occur, making it easier to provide accurate context and maintain public confidence when challenges arise.
What priorities are highlighted for improving communications?
The opportunity highlights priorities such as taking greater control of the agency message, building positive rapport with media outlets, humanizing corrections work to the public, and engaging the community to improve understanding of what correctional agencies do and why.
What does "master trainer pilot" mean in this funding opportunity?
Based on the description, "master trainer pilot" signals an emphasis on building training capacity. The funded work is likely intended to develop or deliver a model that can be replicated and taught broadly, expanding the reach of stronger communications practices across correctional systems.
What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?
This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
The notice indicates that a cooperative agreement generally involves substantial involvement or collaboration by NIC during the project, rather than a hands-off relationship.
When was the opportunity posted?
It was posted on November 2, 2022.
What was the original closing date?
The original closing date was January 3, 2023.
How many awards did NIC anticipate making?
NIC anticipated making a single award.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $240,000.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The CFDA number associated with the program is 16.601.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.
Who are the intended audiences for improved communication under this pilot?
The opportunity specifically references communication with the public, the media, and internal stakeholders.
What broader outcomes does the opportunity link to public perception of corrections?
The description connects public perception to outcomes such as public safety cooperation, budget and funding decisions, elections, and leadership appointments.
Why does the opportunity emphasize transparency and consistency in messaging?
The grant description suggests that consistent and transparent messaging helps agencies better meet stakeholder expectations and reduces the likelihood that misinformation and myths will shape public understanding.
What is the funding opportunity number for this pilot?
The funding opportunity number is 23PR02.
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