LEAP County Shared Services Coordinator Grants

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), through its Division of Local Government Services (DLGS), administers the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) to enhance shared services across counties and municipalities in the state. The LEAP program supports the state’s initiative to promote governmental efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality public services. The program is a continuation of efforts initiated by Governor Phil Murphy in 2018 to incentivize collaborative service models among local governments. Under the LEAP umbrella, the County Shared Services Coordinator Grant offers each New Jersey county the opportunity to receive up to $75,000 to either hire a new employee or designate an existing employee (in good standing) to act as a County Shared Services Coordinator. This coordinator is responsible for working with the county and all local government entities within the county, as well as other possible partners, to identify and implement shared services initiatives. The grant can fund a full-time or part-time position, with full-time positions eligible for up to $75,000 and part-time (at least 20 hours per week) for up to $37,500. Eligible applicants for this specific grant are the 21 counties of New Jersey. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate their ability to manage the coordinator's activities and finances, designate a senior county officer to supervise the coordinator, commit to required training and regular reporting, and provide fringe benefits to the appointed employee. The grant strictly funds direct salary costs and explicitly excludes consulting contracts and temporary or contract employee costs. Applications must be submitted through the SAGE (System for Administering Grants Electronically) platform and require several key documents, including a grant application, a resolution from the County Board of Commissioners, a resume for the appointed coordinator, and a description of any ongoing shared services efforts. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, the deadline for submission under the FY 2025 funding cycle is 5:00 p.m. EST on May 30, 2025. All awarded funds must be encumbered by June 30, 2025. The funding period for this grant runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Since funding is limited and demand is typically high, counties are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Future availability of the grant is contingent on annual state budget appropriations. For assistance or inquiries related to the grant, counties may contact program staff at 609-930-1969 or via email at dlgs.leapgrant@dca.nj.gov. The grant guidelines and related documents are also accessible online at the DLGS LEAP program page.