On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Murphy administration announced that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and its Division of Local Government Services has opened applications for grant funding through the Local Efficiency Achievement Program. Available grant funding for fiscal year 2025 is $6 million.
LEAP provides financial assistance to local government entities – including school districts – to identify, study and implement shared services initiatives. The program is aimed at encouraging towns to streamline their government services to increase efficiency and help save taxpayer dollars.
The grant program is comprised of three main components: challenge, implementation and county coordinator fellowship grants. School districts are eligible to apply for challenge and implementation grants.
Challenge grants promote innovation and collaboration on more expansive projects and levels of participation that produce shared services with increased significance to local communities. They provide reimbursement for qualifying expenses incurred in the development of approved programs and services authorized under the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act (N.J.S.A. 40:65-1 et seq.). Local governmental units are invited to compete for a share of up to $150,000 in available funds within each county. Applications must be submitted jointly by at least two local government entities.
Implementation grants support costs associated with the implementation of shared services. These include one-time reimbursable costs for project completion or transition support, which may include, but are not limited to, new technology costs incurred as part of equipping a shared services program, rebranding costs, equipment and vehicle outlays, professional services, rent for facilities, payroll system conversion costs and training. Funding is based on the total transition or implementation cost of a project. Implementation grants also provide funding for the study of a proposed school district consolidation.
The application process is rolling. However, the application submission deadline is 5 p.m. on May 30, 2025. Limited funding is available under the applicable fiscal year 2025 appropriation, and awards made during this funding cycle must be encumbered before June 30, 2025.
For more information on LEAP grant guidelines, required documentation and the application process, visit the DLGS website.
