Description
The New Jersey Department of Education is offering a limited‑competitive grant (LIFT Cohort 2) to local education agencies that were not funded in Cohort 1, serve at least 40 % free‑/reduced‑price lunch students, and provide Pre‑K. Grants range from $20K to $60K based on enrollment, with a total pot of $671,755 for up to 17 districts. Recipients must partner with community‑based literacy organizations and a willing DCF County Council for Young Children, delivering home‑based literacy activities for families with children ages 0‑3. The program runs March 1 2026 – Feb 28 2027, and applications are due Jan 20 2026.
• Eligible entities: NJ LEAs not selected in Cohort 1, with ≥40 % FRL and Pre‑K enrollment.
• Funding tiers: $20,000 (≤999 students), $40,000 (1,000‑2,849 students), $60,000 (≥2,850 students).
• Required activities: story‑time events, take‑home literacy kits, caregiver workshops, partnerships with libraries, Head Start, etc.; must include multilingual and culturally responsive components.
• Deliverables: activity plan, quarterly/annual reports, final liquidation; all expenses reimbursed through monthly submissions.
• Application process: register for EWEG, complete narrative, budget, and assurances; technical assistance session on Jan 8 2026; no uploads required beyond mandatory forms.