The NJ Division of Disability Services (DDS) is pleased to announce that non-profits and local county or municipal government agencies can now apply for Cohort 4 of the Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant Program (IHC) to help communities across New Jersey support the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities where they live, work, learn and play.

Launched in January 2021, the IHC Grant Program is an initiative spearheaded by the Division of Disability Services (DDS) 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 Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University partners with DDS to manage the program and provide technical assistance to grant recipients in implementing projects across New Jersey.

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.

Interested applicants can learn more about the program and previous IHC grant recipients.

Interested applicants are required to submit a letter of intent to apply by 5 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 7.

For a video overview (with closed captions) of the IHC Grant Program, please click the image below. You Tube