Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Grant Program

The Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Project is a funding opportunity administered by the New Jersey Department of Health through its Division of Local Public Health, specifically under the Childhood Lead Program. This initiative is grounded in state public health regulations that mandate blood lead screening and intervention for children and reflects New Jersey’s broader commitment to reducing environmental health risks. The program aligns with both state statutes and federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, particularly the lowered actionable blood lead level threshold of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. The grant is structured as a competitive funding opportunity designed to support local implementation of these regulatory requirements across New Jersey jurisdictions. The primary purpose of this grant is to reduce childhood lead exposure through coordinated screening, case management, environmental investigation, and public education efforts. The program targets children under 17 years of age who have blood lead levels at or above the actionable threshold. Funded activities are intended to improve early detection, ensure timely follow-up care, and mitigate environmental risks associated with lead exposure. Specific goals include reducing the proportion of children with elevated blood lead levels, lowering average blood lead levels statewide, and expanding outreach and education in high-risk communities. These objectives are tied to measurable outcomes that grantees must track and report throughout the project period. Funding for this opportunity totals up to $15 million in state funds for the third year of a three-year grant cycle, with awards distributed competitively among eligible applicants. The project period spans from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with annual budget periods requiring continued performance and funding availability. Allowable expenses include personnel, equipment such as X-ray fluorescence analyzers, educational materials, training, and operational costs directly tied to lead prevention activities. However, funds are restricted strictly to activities that support compliance with New Jersey lead regulations, and certain costs such as vehicle purchases, construction, and food expenses are explicitly prohibited. Eligibility is limited to New Jersey local health departments listed in the state directory prior to April 15, 2026. Applicants must demonstrate or be willing to develop sufficient operational capacity, including trained staff, appropriate equipment, and a minimum caseload. The program allows for flexibility through three capacity pathways, enabling applicants to qualify based on existing infrastructure or plans to build capacity through partnerships and cross-jurisdictional agreements. Applicants proposing multi-jurisdictional services must provide formal agreements and demonstrate support from relevant health officers. The application process requires submission through the state’s System for Administering Grants Electronically platform. A mandatory Letter of Intent must be submitted prior to the full application, and only those who complete this step are eligible to apply. The application must include a needs assessment, project objectives, methods, evaluation plan, budget justification, and required attachments such as staffing documentation and agreements. Evaluation criteria emphasize need, methodological strength, evaluation rigor, organizational capacity, and budget appropriateness. Applications are reviewed competitively, and incomplete or late submissions are disqualified. The timeline for this funding opportunity begins with the release of the request for applications on May 14, 2026, followed by a Letter of Intent and question submission deadline of May 21, 2026. The application portal opens on May 27, 2026 and closes on June 15, 2026 at noon Eastern Time. Award notifications are anticipated by June 30, 2026, with the project start date set for July 1, 2026. Grantees are required to submit quarterly progress and expenditure reports, and continued funding in subsequent years is contingent upon performance and compliance. Program oversight includes ongoing monitoring, reporting requirements, and evaluation of performance metrics tied to screening rates, case management timeliness, and environmental investigation outcomes. Grantees must also participate in regional coalitions and collaborate with various public and private partners to enhance prevention efforts. Contact information for program and grants management officers is provided for applicant support. Overall, this grant represents a structured, performance-driven investment in reducing childhood lead exposure and improving public health outcomes across New Jersey.

Align proposal with evaluation criteria emphasizing demonstrated capacity clear needs assessment and measurable outcomes ensure all required attachments and agreements are complete and submitted on time