Federally Qualified Health Center Expansion Grant Program

The Federally Qualified Health Center Expansion Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Health to support the expansion and sustainability of primary healthcare services for vulnerable populations. This program is designed specifically for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and entities designated as FQHC look-a-likes under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. These organizations serve as critical safety net providers, offering comprehensive healthcare services to underserved communities, particularly individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide reimbursement to eligible FQHCs and FQHC look-a-likes for delivering essential healthcare services. These services include primary medical care, dental services, and mental health care. The funding is intended to ensure continued access to care for populations that might otherwise face significant barriers due to financial constraints or lack of insurance coverage. By supporting these centers, the program aims to improve public health outcomes and reduce disparities in healthcare access across the state. The program allocates a total estimated funding amount of 32,000,000 dollars for the award period spanning from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Funds are distributed as reimbursements, indicating that eligible costs must be incurred in alignment with program requirements before reimbursement is issued. While specific restrictions on expenditures are not detailed in the provided material, recipients must adhere to general and specific grant compliance requirements issued by the awarding division, as well as statewide grant administration terms and conditions. Eligibility for this program is narrowly defined and limited to organizations that have received federal designation as Federally Qualified Health Centers or FQHC look-a-likes. Applicants must also be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and demonstrate the capacity to provide primary care, dental, and/or mental health services to uninsured or underinsured populations. Additional administrative requirements include maintaining a valid New Jersey Tax Clearance Certificate and a valid Charities Registration Letter of Compliance at the time of application submission. The application process is conducted through the Department’s System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE). Eligible applicants will receive access to the application through this system and must complete submission in accordance with a Letter of Agreement and established grant guidelines. The application becomes available on April 20, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 30, 2026. Applicants are expected to follow all procedural steps outlined in the Request for Applications, which may be obtained from the program contact. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by June 27, 2026, indicating a rapid review and decision-making process relative to the submission deadline. The program does not specify evaluation criteria in the provided material, but it is implied that compliance with eligibility requirements and alignment with service delivery goals will be central to award decisions. The program is administered on an annual cycle tied to the state fiscal year, suggesting potential recurrence in future funding rounds. For additional information, applicants may contact the program representative at the New Jersey Department of Health via phone or email.