New Jersey Human Services announced that non-profits and local county or municipal government agencies can now apply for the 2025 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.
First launched in January 2021, the IHC Grant Program is an initiative spearheaded by the Human Services’ 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 grantees work towards systemic 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.
“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. As we open this next round of funding, we look forward to receiving sustainable and evidence-based proposals that promote foundational change,” said Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “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.”
“This additional investment further strengthens New Jersey’s position as a national leader in inclusion, where individuals with disabilities can live free from stigma and barriers. At Human Services, we believe that through inclusion we help improve our communities and the health of all New Jerseyans,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “We urge those interested to apply and join the ongoing efforts of the 31 organizations already working on a range of solutions to create more equitable communities for individuals with disabilities. It is through collaborative action that foundational and meaningful change can be made.”
“Nearly one in four adults in New Jersey lives with a disability and, across the United States, approximately 61 million individuals face similar challenges. People with disabilities often encounter disparities in critical areas that impact their health and well-being—disparities we are committed to addressing. Through this ongoing initiative, we are working to empower communities to develop inclusive resources and practices, enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve better health outcomes,” said DDS Executive Director Peri L. Nearon. “We take pride in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for all New Jersey residents. We look forward to a fourth cohort joining our efforts to continue driving foundational change across the state.”
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.
Implementation activities are expected to drive policy and systemic change, as demonstrated by previous grantees. For instance, the Raritan Valley YMCA created a fully accessible aquatic facility through inclusive programming and comprehensive staff training, enabling swimming and water safety education for community members of diverse ethnicities, races, and abilities. Similarly, Children’s Specialized Hospital launched an initiative to educate emergency responders about the sensory and communication challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, highlighting how sensory communication kits can enhance interactions, emotional regulation and safety for both individuals with disabilities and emergency personnel.
Interested applicants can learn more about the program and previous IHC grant recipients here.
Interested applicants are required to submit a letter of intent to apply by 5 p.m. on Feb. 14, here. 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.
