WAGEES FY2026–27 Requests for Proposals
Applications due: 5:00 pm MDT, Thursday, September 10, 2026
The Latino Coalition for Community Leadership is accepting proposals from Colorado nonprofit organizations to deliver Work and Gain Education & Employment Skills (WAGEES) reentry services in two communities: Denver Metro and Pueblo County.
WAGEES is a statewide, community-based reentry initiative established by the Colorado General Assembly through House Bill 14-1355. LCCL administers the program on behalf of the Colorado Department of Corrections. Organizations funded through WAGEES — called community partners — provide mentoring, employment and education support, case management, housing connections, and other services to people returning to their communities from incarceration.
We are looking for organizations rooted in the communities they serve, led and staffed by people who share the lived and shared experiences of the participants they will support.
Two Opportunities
Denver Metro
Up to $200,000 for the initial 10-month term.
One award to a single Colorado nonprofit
Pueblo County
Up to $150,000 for the initial 10-month term
One award to a single Colorado nonprofit
Who Can Apply
- Not-for-profit community-based and faith-based organizations, including those without 501(c)(3) designation
- Colorado Tribal entities
For-profit organizations and government agencies are not eligible.
Join a Proposers Webinar
LCCL staff will walk through the RFP process and requirements and answer questions. Registration is required. Both sessions cover both service areas — attend whichever works for your schedule.
Thursday, August 20, 2026 · 11:00 am – 12:30 pm MDT
RegisterWednesday, August 26, 2026 · 2:00 – 3:30 pm MDT
RegisterCan’t make either? A recording will be posted on this page within 24 hours of each webinar.
Schedule a One-on-One
“Get Ready” Consultation
Not sure whether WAGEES is the right fit for your organization? Meet directly with LCCL staff, in person or virtually, to talk it through before you invest time in an application. Consultations are available by appointment, August 10 through September 10, 2026.
Contact Rich Marquez, Justice Services Program Director — rmarquez@latinocoalition.org
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| RFPs released / application portal opens | August 10, 2026 |
| Proposers webinars | August 20 and 26, 2026 |
| Applications due | 5:00 pm MDT, September 10, 2026 |
| Applicants notified | Week of September 27, 2026 |
| Program start (onboarding and training) | October 1, 2026 |
| Participant enrollment begins | November 1, 2026 |
| Project term ends | June 30, 2027 |
Questions
Ginger Alferos, Justice Services Program Director — ginger@latinocoalition.org
Rich Marquez, Justice Services Program Director — rmarquez@latinocoalition.org