Peer Mediation Mini-Grant Program

The New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, supports law-related education and civic learning throughout the state of New Jersey. In keeping with its mission to promote informed citizenship and law-related initiatives, NJSBF offers a Peer Mediation Mini-Grant Program for K–12 educators. This program aims to cultivate peaceful conflict resolution among students by supporting schools that implement or enhance peer mediation initiatives. The mini-grants help schools foster student leadership, communication, and critical thinking through structured peer-to-peer mediation training and activities. The Peer Mediation Mini-Grant Program for the 2025–2026 school year will award $500 grants to 14 public, private, or charter schools in New Jersey. These funds may be used for materials such as training supplies, awards, stipends for student mediators, photocopies, or refreshments associated with the program. The mini-grants are awarded on a rolling basis, with applications accepted from January through June 1, 2026. Schools must spend awarded funds by December 31, 2026, and provide an expense report to the Foundation by January 31, 2027. Only schools that have participated in NJSBF’s Peer Mediation training—either by sending staff to a training session or by hosting one—are eligible to apply. Priority is given to schools that have not previously received a mini-grant. The application process includes a fully completed electronic form with an electronic signature. If the applicant is not the principal, a confirmation email from the principal must be submitted separately. The Foundation confirms principal approval after application submission. Applications will be evaluated based on a variety of factors, including leadership buy-in, demonstrated need, diversity of geographic location and student demographics, and previous success implementing peer mediation. Selected schools will serve as “model schools” and must be willing to allow visits from other schools interested in observing their mediation programs. Applicants must address several key areas in their submission, such as the history and rationale for their peer mediation program, intended use of funds, principal involvement, anticipated student participation and age ranges, common conflict types, success evaluation metrics, and the socioeconomic context of their student body. For additional information, schools may contact NJSBF at (732) 249-5000 or via email at zguarino@njsbf.org. The application portal opens in January 2026 and remains open until June 1, 2026, unless all grants are awarded earlier. Approved schools can expect to receive funds within two months of their application approval.

Priority is given to schools that have not previously received the grant. Strong applications demonstrate leadership support and student diversity.