Grant Guideline Changes For FY 2010
SJI will be implementing several changes to the grant programs beginning October 1, 2009. These changes are being made in response to the recent budget crisis in the state courts, in addition to other factors. These changes will be reflected in the FY 2010 Grant Guideline.
Beginning in FY 2010, a temporary cash match waiver process will be in effect for state courts submitting Project Grants applications. The application of this waiver authority will help the state courts, particularly in this climate of severe budget reductions. The process will require the state court to formally request a cash match waiver, and that it be certified by the chief justice of that state. The state court will have to explain in detail how it is facing budgetary cutbacks that will result in significant reductions in other services, and why it will be unable to undertake the project without a cash match waiver. This must be described in detail in the application and verified by the chief justice of that state. There will be a new cash match waiver form for administrative purposes, which must be signed by the chief justice.
Because full cash match waivers are unlikely, potential applicants are encouraged to include as much cash match possible in their Project Grant applications. Again, this is a temporary program only available to the state courts, and it will be re-evaluated at the end of FY 2010.
SJI has also decided to increase the cap on Technical Assistance (TA) and Curriculum Adaptation and Training (CAT) Grant applications. The maximum amount that can be requested for TA Grants is increasing from $30,000 to $50,000. The maximum amount for CAT Grants is increasing from $20,000 to $30,000. All match requirements remain the same as in previous years.
In addition to providing a cash match waiver process for Project Grants, and increasing TA and CAT Grant request levels, SJI has also made some changes to the grant program that provides clarification on supplantation of state funds. Currently, Section IV. A.4(a) of the Grant Guideline (describing the Budget Narrative) states: “If grant funds are requested to pay the salary and related costs for a current employee of a court or other unit of government, the applicant should explain why this would not constitute a supplantation of State or local funds in violation of 42 U.S.C.(d)(1).” However, this is followed by, “An acceptable explanation may be that the position to be filled is a new one established in conjunction with the project or that the grant funds would support only the portion of the employee’s time that would be dedicated to new or additional duties related to the project.” This has been very confusing to many applicants, as SJI is continuing to receive grant requests that include personnel costs to supplement state employees.
The support of a new employee hired for a specific project also raises the issue of how the state will absorb the personnel costs after the grant is completed. It is also noted that recent applications do not include requests for new employees, but do ask to supplement court personnel budgets. To eliminate this confusion, beginning in FY 2010, no personnel costs will be allowed for grant or cash match funds for any state court or other government entity. Personnel costs contained in grant applications from state court or government agencies will only be accepted as in-kind match. This will assure that SJI funds will not be used to supplant state funds, and remove the ambiguity surrounding personnel costs as cash match.
If there are questions about the revised Grant Guideline, potential grant applicants are encouraged to contact SJI prior to submitting applications.
