Technical Assistance Grants

The Technical Assistance Grants program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, specifically through its Contaminated Site Remediation and Redevelopment program and Office of Community Relations. The program is funded through the Remediation Guarantee Fund and operates under the authority of the Site Remediation Reform Act and associated administrative regulations. The program is designed to support community engagement and transparency in environmental remediation processes by equipping local nonprofit groups with independent technical expertise. The primary purpose of the Technical Assistance Grants program is to enable nonprofit community groups to better understand environmental conditions at contaminated sites and the actions being taken to remediate them. Funding is intended to support the hiring of independent Licensed Site Remediation Professionals who serve as technical advisors. These advisors help interpret complex environmental reports, remediation plans, and related documentation so that community members can make informed decisions and effectively participate in discussions about site cleanup activities. Funding under this program is restricted primarily to the engagement of Licensed Site Remediation Professionals. The majority of awarded funds must be allocated toward securing these services, ensuring that communities have access to unbiased technical interpretation. The grants are available during key phases of remediation, specifically the Remedial Investigation phase and the Remedial Action phase. The Department will provide up to ten thousand dollars for each phase, allowing for continued technical support as projects progress. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit community groups that represent residents in the vicinity of a contaminated site. At least one member of the group must reside in the affected neighborhood. Groups must be incorporated or in the process of incorporation and may either hold or be pursuing 501(c)(3) status. Alternatively, they may partner with an existing nonprofit organization for fiscal sponsorship. Additional requirements include maintaining appropriate financial controls, possessing a commercial bank account, and demonstrating independence from any parties responsible for site remediation. Academic institutions, political subdivisions, and organizations affiliated with national entities that exert control are not eligible. The application process requires submission of a formal application form and is subject to internal review by the Office of Community Relations. Final funding decisions are made by the Contaminated Site Remediation and Redevelopment program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, contingent upon the availability of funds within the Remediation Guarantee Fund. As a result, there is no fixed deadline, and applicants are encouraged to apply when funding is available. Notification timing is not fixed and depends on funding availability and internal review timelines. The program does not specify a formal performance period, but funding is tied to specific remediation phases, which inherently define the duration of grant-supported activities. Interested applicants can obtain additional information or assistance by contacting the Office of Community Relations via phone. The program is ongoing and does not follow a traditional recurring cycle, instead operating continuously as funding permits.