Supporting the Nation's Judicial System & the Public it Serves

Partner Grants

SIZE, PURPOSE AND DURATION OF PARTNER GRANTS

There is no limit to the size of a Partner Grant. Partner Grants are intended to support innovative research, demonstration, education, or technical assistance projects with a high probability of national impact. Grant periods for Partner Grants will be set by SJI and its financial partners at the time awards are made, if not sooner.

HOW TO APPLY

The application process for a Partner Grant will be determined prior to solicitation by the financial partners prepared to “invest” in a project. The partners will settle on one application process, be it one of their own, an amalgam of several, or an entirely new process unique to a given project. Prior to the application process, SJI or others may solicit a brief concept paper describing the planned project. Such papers will be invaluable if all of the financing necessary has not yet been identified.

SELECTION CRITERIA

SJI is interested in funding both innovative programs and programs of proven merit that can be replicated in other jurisdictions. SJI is especially interested in funding projects that: 1) formulate new procedures and techniques, or creatively enhance existing procedures and techniques; 2) address aspects of the state judicial systems that are in special need of serious attention; 3) have national significance by developing products, services, and techniques that may be used in other states; and 4) create and disseminate products that effectively transfer the information and ideas developed to relevant audiences in state and local judicial systems, or provide technical assistance to facilitate the adaptation of effective programs and procedures in other state and local jurisdictions.

Grantee Requirements

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The reporting requirements for Partner Grants will be determined prior to grant award by the financial partners prepared to “invest” in a project. The partners will settle on one lead grant manager who shall be solely responsible for overseeing the grant. Other financial partners will review material regularly submitted to the lead grant manager and may ask questions or seek follow up through the same. Grant close out will be handled on a similar basis.

Should SJI be the lead, recipients of Partner Grants must submit Quarterly Progress and Financial Status Reports within 30 days of the close of each calendar quarter (that is, no later than January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30). The Quarterly Progress Reports shall include a narrative description of project activities during the calendar quarter, the relationship between those activities and the task schedule and objectives set forth in the approved application or an approved adjustment thereto, any significant problem areas that have developed and how they will be resolved, and the activities scheduled during the next reporting period.

A final project Progress Report and Financial Status Report shall be submitted within 90 days after the end of the grant period as part of the grant close out process. Upon the written request of the grantee, SJI may extend the close-out period to assure completion of the grantee’s close-out requirements. A request for an extension must be received by SJI at least 14 days before the end of the close-out period and must explain why the extension is necessary and what steps will be taken to assure that all the grantee’s responsibilities will be met by the end of the extension period.

REQUEST FOR ADVANCE OR REIMBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

Method of payment will depend upon which organization is managing a Partner Grant. Should SJI be the lead, grantees will receive funds on a reimbursable basis. Upon receipt, review, and approval of a Request for Reimbursement (Form R) by SJI, a check will be issued directly to the grantee or its designated fiscal agent directly from the U.S. Treasury.

GRANT ADJUSTMENTS

Grant adjustments will depend upon which organization is managing a Partner Grant. Should SJI be the lead, all requests for programmatic or budgetary adjustments requiring SJI approval must be submitted by the project director in a timely manner (ordinarily 30 days prior to the implementation of the adjustment being requested). The following are some grant adjustments that require the prior written approval of SJI:

  • Budget revisions among direct cost categories that: (a) transfer grant funds to an unbudgeted cost category; or (b) individually or cumulatively exceed five percent (5%) of the approved original budget or the most recently approved revised budget;
  • A change in the scope of work to be performed or the objectives of the project;
  • A change in the project site;
  • A change in the project period, such as an extension of the grant period and/or extension of the final financial or progress report deadline;
  • Satisfaction of special conditions, if required;
  • Changes in key staff; and
  • Consultant rates.