Increase in Grant Applications May Limit SJI-Funded Projects in FY 2010

SJI received 30 grant applications requesting a total of $1,720,544 for the 1st quarter of FY 2010. The amount requested is double the amount normally requested during a given quarter, and historically SJI receives the least amount of grant applications in 1st quarter of the fiscal year. There may be several reasons why grant applications have increased: 1) the state courts are dealing with severe budget constraints, and need financial assistance in order to conduct critical projects; 2) SJI increased the amount available for Technical Assistance (TA) and Curriculum Adaptation and Training (CAT) grants. TA Grants were increased from $30,000 to $50,000, and CAT Grants were increased from $20,000 to $30,000. This has provided more flexibility to the state courts to conduct larger projects; and 3) SJI has increased its visibility with the state courts through outreach, which combined with limited federal funds for the state courts in general, has led to an increase in applications.

While SJI is excited about the sharp increase in grant applications, we anticipate an appropriation of approximately $5,000,000 for FY 2010; which means that there will be limited grant funding available in FY 2010. SJI reviews all grant applications on competitive basis and does not allocate grant funding by quarter. If grant applications continue to be received at this level, SJI will likely be limited in grant funding by the 3rd and 4th quarters. Therefore, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their grant applications as soon as possible, since SJI is now on a first-come, first-served, basis for grant applications that merit funding.

The Board will meet on December 11, 2009, to make decisions on grant awards for the 1st quarter. The results of this Board meeting will be available the following week.