Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention Grant Program

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Health through its Division of Family Health Services within the Maternal and Child Health Services unit. This funding opportunity is designed as a competitive Request for Applications to support statewide efforts addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and perinatal substance use. The program reflects the Department’s broader mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes, particularly among populations affected by substance use during pregnancy. The initiative is structured around enhancing clinical engagement, strengthening public health coordination, and expanding access to care for birthing individuals and their families. The primary purpose of the program is to educate professionals and communities about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure while improving systems that connect pregnant individuals to appropriate substance use services. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and coordinated service delivery. It targets women in the perinatal period, individuals of childbearing age, and communities impacted by substance use disorder. The initiative also seeks to improve provider capacity through training, strengthen referral networks, and ensure earlier identification and intervention for those at risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Funding for the program is structured across three distinct components. Component A focuses on education, awareness, and community engagement, requiring grantees to conduct workshops, develop training materials, and collaborate with statewide partners. Component B supports the acquisition and implementation of an electronic community engagement platform to facilitate communication and connect individuals to care and resources. Component C involves integrating a standardized substance use screening tool into electronic health record systems within healthcare settings. Each component includes specific objectives, performance expectations, and reporting requirements tied to measurable outcomes. The total funding available for the program is up to 800000 dollars for a one-year period, with five awards anticipated across the three components. Individual award amounts vary by component, including up to 100000 dollars per year for education-focused grants, 350000 dollars for the technology platform component, and 150000 dollars for the screening tool integration component. Funding decisions are based on proposal quality, alignment with program goals, and available resources. Continuation funding may be possible but is contingent on performance, reporting compliance, and future appropriations. Eligible applicants include New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, hospitals, higher education institutions, tribal governments, and other qualified entities capable of implementing program activities. Applicants must demonstrate readiness, organizational capacity, and experience in maternal and child health or substance use programming. Additional requirements include the ability to coordinate across healthcare and community systems, implement culturally competent services, and manage program data and reporting obligations. Applications must be submitted electronically through the System for Administering Grants Electronically. Applicants are required to complete a detailed proposal including organizational information, program workplan, budget justification, staffing structure, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and compliance certifications. A letter of intent is required prior to application submission and serves as pre-registration for a technical assistance session. Applications are reviewed by an independent committee, with final award decisions made by program leadership. The application timeline begins with the release of the funding opportunity on May 8, 2026, followed by a required letter of intent due May 14, 2026, and a technical assistance meeting on May 15, 2026. The application deadline is June 5, 2026, with award notifications expected by June 30, 2026. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Grantees must submit quarterly progress and expenditure reports and comply with all programmatic and administrative requirements. Program oversight and support are provided by designated contacts within the Department of Health, including a program management officer and grants management officer.

Ensure strong demonstration of partnerships with healthcare and community organizations; clearly align proposal activities with specific program objectives; provide detailed implementation plan and measurable outcomes; emphasize cultural competency and trauma informed care