This bill mandates the establishment of a new division called GrantsNJ within the Department of Community Affairs, aimed at providing a centralized resource for New Jersey residents to access information about and apply for grants from State agencies. The division will coordinate with various State entities to identify additional funding sources and will develop a comprehensive online grants application portal. This portal will list all available grants, categorize them by type, summarize eligibility criteria, and offer guidance and support for applicants, including multilingual assistance.
Additionally, the bill requires the GrantsNJ division to enter into memoranda of understanding with State departments and agencies to standardize grant application processes and facilitate the inclusion of as many grants as possible on the portal. A public information campaign will be launched to promote the portal and grant availability, particularly targeting underserved communities and small businesses. The division is also tasked with submitting annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing grant utilization, accessibility improvements, and the overall impact of grant funding on communities.