How F5 Project works with Fair Chance Employers
Employment is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of incarceration. When individuals leaving jail or prison have access to steady work, their chances of reoffending drop dramatically—and their path to economic stability becomes possible.
As a hiring manager, business leader, or organization, you have the power to make that difference. By partnering with F5 Project as a Fair Chance Employer, you’re not just filling a job—you’re restoring hope, rebuilding communities, and creating a culture that believes in second chances.
Become a Fair Chance Employer
Our friends at D&M Industries are proud Fair Chance Employers—hear firsthand how it's made a difference for their team.
Then let’s talk about what it could look like for your company to open the door to second chances. F5 Project participants are intelligent, driven, and ready to contribute. They're not just looking for a job—they’re looking for a team that believes in their potential.
EMPLOYER RESOURCES
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal program that connects job seekers with employment, education, training, and support services—while also helping employers find and train skilled workers to stay competitive in today’s economy.
Through WIOA, participants may have the chance to build skills on the job instead of in a classroom. In many cases, funding is available to help employers offset the cost of training when they hire and train participants for permanent positions.
Please note: a formal contract between Job Service North Dakota and the employer must be in place before the individual begins employment in order to access WIOA funding.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax incentive for employers who hire individuals from groups that have consistently faced barriers to employment. By hiring someone in a WOTC-targeted group, employers can not only meet workforce needs—but also earn a tax credit of up to $9,800 per eligible hire, depending on the qualifying category.
To claim the credit, employers must first apply for and receive certification confirming that the new hire is part of a targeted group. Once certified, taxable employers can apply the credit toward their income taxes, while tax-exempt employers can use it against their payroll taxes.
The FEDERAL BONDING PROGRAM
The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) is a free employer incentive designed to encourage the hiring of job applicants who may have background risk factors. By providing fidelity bonds at no cost, FBP helps reduce hiring concerns and opens doors of opportunity for second chance employees.
These bonds protect employers against losses due to dishonest acts by the bonded employee—such as theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement. Each bond provides up to $5,000 in coverage with no deductible and applies during the first six months of employment.
Employers receive this bond completely free-of-charge as an added incentive to give someone a fresh start.
