New Jersey Department of Human Services announced Thursday that nonprofits and local county or municipal government agencies can now apply for the 2025 Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant Program to help communities across New Jersey support the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities where they live, work, learn and play.
First launched in January 2021, the IHC Grant Program is an initiative spearheaded by the Human Services’ Division of Disability Services to support communities and ensure that the voices and needs of people with disabilities are included in healthy community planning.
A core principle of the IHC grant program is the concept of advancing policy, systems and environmental change. The grantees work toward systemic change.
Applicants can submit proposals for grants up to $250,000, which will fund efforts for two years, contingent upon available funding. Funding cannot exceed $125,000 per year. A total of $1.75 million in funding is expected to be awarded each year, totaling $3.5 million over the course of the two-year grant period.
Applicants must submit proposals that address capacity building activities as well as implementation activities. The purpose of capacity building is to grow and advance collaborative partnerships; incorporate disability inclusion into existing healthy community planning efforts to identify key priorities; and develop strategies that will result in lasting change in the community.
Please note, interested applicants are required to submit a letter of intent to apply by 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. Upon submission, applicants will be able to access the full application through the online portal and be able to submit their proposal.
Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 7.
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The Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers partners with DDS to manage the program and provide technical assistance to grant recipients in implementing projects across New Jersey.
HHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman is excited about the possibilities.
“Since the launch of the IHC Grant Program four years ago, forward-thinking organizations have made significant progress in advancing disability inclusion and improving health outcomes for individuals with disabilities in the places in which they live and work,” she said. “As we open this next round of funding, we look forward to receiving sustainable and evidence-based proposals that promote foundational change.
“We encourage all interested applicants to learn about and apply for funding, so we can continue our work in fostering safe, healthy, and accessible communities for everyone.”
