Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program

The Local Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Health through its Division of Local Public Health. This funding opportunity is designed to support local health departments across the state in strengthening foundational public health systems and capabilities. The program builds upon prior investments made using federal Public Health Infrastructure Grant funds and continues a multi-year effort to enhance workforce capacity, modernize data systems, and improve organizational effectiveness at the local level. The initiative reflects the state’s recognition of the critical role local health departments play in protecting population health, particularly during public health emergencies and ongoing community health efforts. The primary purpose of the grant is to support activities aligned with three core strategies: workforce development, foundational capabilities, and data modernization. These strategies are intended to help local health departments recruit and retain staff, strengthen internal systems and governance, and improve the use of data for decision-making and service delivery. Allowable uses of funds include personnel costs such as salaries and fringe benefits, contracted professional services, and a range of operational expenses that directly support infrastructure improvements. However, the program includes clear restrictions, such as prohibitions on clinical care activities, construction, and certain administrative costs, ensuring that funds are directed toward systemic capacity building rather than direct service delivery. The program operates as a non-competitive funding opportunity, meaning that all eligible local health departments listed in the state’s official directory may receive funding provided they meet the application requirements. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by the specified deadline in order to be eligible to apply. The application itself must be submitted electronically through the state’s System for Administering Grants Electronically. Required components include organizational information, project narratives addressing needs and objectives, detailed methods and evaluation plans, and a comprehensive budget aligned with allowable expense categories. Additional documentation such as financial audits and tax clearance certificates must also be provided. Evaluation of applications focuses primarily on completeness and alignment with the requirements outlined in the Request for Applications. Applicants must demonstrate regulatory compliance, organizational readiness, and a clear plan for implementing and sustaining proposed activities. They must also outline how they will monitor progress, report outcomes, and integrate evaluation findings into continuous quality improvement processes. Applications that fail to meet these standards or that do not adhere to submission guidelines may be rejected without further review. The timeline for the program includes a structured sequence of milestones beginning with the announcement of the funding opportunity and submission of Letters of Intent, followed by the opening of the application period and a firm application deadline. Applicants are notified of funding decisions shortly after submission, and the grant period begins soon thereafter. The overall performance period spans approximately seventeen months, during which all activities must be completed and funds fully expended. Grantees are required to submit quarterly progress and expenditure reports, as well as participate in compliance monitoring activities conducted by the state. The program does not require a matching contribution, lowering barriers to participation for local health departments. Funding amounts are distributed based on participation and may be adjusted depending on the number of applicants. While the program is not explicitly described as recurring, it builds on prior annual funding cycles and reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure in New Jersey. For support and inquiries, applicants may contact designated program management and grants management officers within the Division of Local Public Health, who provide technical assistance throughout the application and implementation process.

Ensure all SAGE fields are complete and aligned with Appendix guidance; submit LOI on time as it is required for eligibility; strictly follow allowable expense rules to avoid rejection; maintain compliance documentation readiness