DCD uses the online software, Neighborly Software for all grant applications. Applicants should visit the website as soon as possible to register as a user. Detailed instructions regarding how to complete the application are included within the website. However, access to the application and instructions will not be available until the application is opened for submissions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
1) Applicants will be required to upload an extensive list of documents, some provided by DCD and filled out by the applicant, and others obtained directly by the applicant.

2) In order to submit a responsive, fully competitive proposal and maximize the scoring potential of the application, all application filing requirements must be closely followed, and all information requested in the application must be responded to completely.

3) Hard copy applications, binders and/or CDs, are not required and will not be accepted in lieu of an online application submission.

Grant writing is not easy. For advice on how to craft a strong application, please review the Guidelines for Successful Proposals presentation from the Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ). Other useful links are listed below. The best proposal will clearly explain why a project is needed, how the project will address that need, and how the organization is capable of carrying out the project. Be sure to closely read the Request for Proposal (RFP).

Useful Links — DCD Grant Lingo, Sample Application, Guidelines for Successful Proposals, 2017 Technical Assistance – Overview, Tips and Tricks for Writing a Winning Grant Submission, The Grantsmanship Center.

It is important for organizations to develop diverse sources of funding. The Alternative Funding Strategies presentation from HCDNNJ outlines the various options that nonprofit groups can turn to for money.

Catchafire is an extremely potent online tool for nonprofit organizations. It matches organizations with professionals that want to donate their skills for pro bono work. Essentially, it is free consulting for services like grant writing, fundraising, auditing, data analysis, etc. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is sponsoring Catchafire in New Jersey, so it’s completely free for all nonprofit organizations in the state. At DCD, we have already used it to design a new logo and audit the Division’s website. We encourage everyone to take advantage of Catchafire before the sponsorship ends on March 2019. For more, visit rwjf.catchafire.org.

Useful Links — Alternative Funding Strategies, Catchafire, FAQs About Catchafire, Grants.gov, Foundation Directory Online

Administering HUD grants is a yearlong process. DCD’s fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31. FY 2022–2023, the current fiscal year, began on April 1, 2022, and will end on March 31, 2023 (see the previous Annual Action Plan). 

1. Soliciting Applications:

At the start of the fiscal year, we issue Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for each of our grant programs. RFPs describe who is eligible to apply for funding, what is eligible for funding, and which projects will be prioritized by HUD and the City’s Consolidated Plan. An RFP also explains how to apply and how applications will be scored.

At this time, we also provide technical assistance to anyone that plans to apply. Organizations usually have one month to submit their applications after the RFP opens.

Examples — Sample RFP, 2020–2024 Consolidated Plan, 2017 Technical Assistance – Overview, 2017 Technical Assistance – RFP Review

2. Selecting Recipients:

Each application to DCD goes through multiple rounds of review. DCD staff, volunteers, and representatives from other City departments all contribute to the evaluation. We do not predetermine funding amounts. The type and quality of the submitted applications determine the level of funding awarded.

3. Winning Approval:

After evaluating the applications, we compile a document called the Annual Action Plan (AAP). It provides a summary of the City's needs and goals, and lists all of the specific projects that we recommend for funding. The AAP is open to public comment for at least one month. Any member of the public may submit feedback, which we use to revise the AAP.

The City Council then votes to submit the revised AAP to HUD for approval. The final AAP is a collaborative product reflecting the input of parties ranging from the federal government to individual citizens of Jersey City.

Examples — 2017 AAP, 2017 AAP Public Comments, 2017 City Council Resolution for AAP Submission

4. Executing Projects:

After HUD and the City Council approve the AAP, we officially receive our grant funding. We then sign contracts with our "subgrantees" so that they have the funding to carry out their projects.

The rest of the fiscal year is spent on project delivery and management. DCD performs active oversight of all subgrantees. At the end of the fiscal year, we create a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) that summarizes how we spent our grant money and what was accomplished with it. Then the cycle begins again.

Examples — 2017 City Council Resolution for AAP Execution, Sample Subgrantee Resolution, Sample Reporting Document, 2017 CAPER