Local Efficiency Achievement Program - County Shared Services Coordinator Grant

The County Shared Services Coordinator Grant is a component of the Local Efficiency Achievement Program administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs through its Division of Local Government Services. The program is rooted in the State’s broader initiative to promote shared services among local government entities, which began with the establishment of the Shared Services Program in 2018. This initiative was further strengthened by the creation of the Local Assistance Bureau in 2019, which works directly with counties and municipalities to identify opportunities for operational efficiencies. The County Shared Services Coordinator Grant specifically supports the staffing infrastructure necessary to advance these initiatives at the county level. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide financial support to New Jersey counties for the hiring or designation of a County Shared Services Coordinator. This individual is responsible for identifying, developing, and advancing shared service opportunities among municipalities, school districts, authorities, and other local government entities within the county. By centralizing coordination efforts, the program aims to reduce duplication of services, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately lower costs and property tax burdens for residents. The coordinator serves as a key liaison among participating entities and is expected to actively facilitate collaboration and implementation of shared service agreements. Funding under this grant is allocated specifically for salary costs associated with the coordinator position. Counties may receive up to seventy five thousand dollars for a full time coordinator or up to thirty seven thousand five hundred dollars for a part time coordinator working at least twenty hours per week. The funding period aligns with the state fiscal year, running from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The grant is not intended to support consulting services, temporary staff, or other operational expenses, and requires counties to provide fringe benefits for the designated employee. Renewal of funding in future years is contingent upon the availability of appropriations. Eligibility for the program is limited to New Jersey county governments. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage the coordinator’s activities and fiscal responsibilities, designate a senior county official to supervise the position, and commit to program reporting requirements. These include participation in training provided by the Division of Local Government Services, submission of bi annual progress reports, and completion of a final report detailing program outcomes. The application must also include a county resolution, a resume for the coordinator, and a description of any existing shared services efforts. Applications must be submitted through the System for Administering Grants Electronically, which serves as the official portal for submission, communication, and grant management. The application process is rolling, but all submissions must be received no later than April 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to be considered for funding in the fiscal year cycle. Awards are subject to available funding, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Counties are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the program and limited appropriations. The grant supports a defined performance period corresponding to the fiscal year, during which the coordinator is expected to actively engage in identifying and implementing shared services initiatives. Reporting and compliance requirements are integral to the program, with semi annual progress reports and a final report required to document activities and outcomes. The program is structured as a recurring annual funding opportunity, dependent on state budget allocations, and serves as a foundational mechanism for advancing statewide efficiency and collaboration among local government entities.

Submit early due to limited funding; ensure all required documents are complete; demonstrate clear capacity for oversight and reporting; align coordinator role with shared services outcomes