The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) and the State’s Shared Services Czars has announced the FY 2026 Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Grants program to continue the advancement of shared services initiatives by offering financial support to counties, municipalities, school districts, county colleges, commissions, authorities, and fire districts.
Grants will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a final submission deadline of April 15, 2026. Due to limited funding, municipalities are encouraged to apply early.
Per the LEAP guidelines, $2 million is available in funding and allocated across three grant types, each with its own purpose and spending rules. Counties can receive up to $75,000 through the County Shared Services Coordinator Grant to fund a coordinator for advancing shared services opportunities. Challenge Grants offer up to $150,000 for shared services proposals and planning efforts that demonstrate potential cost savings or improved service delivery. Implementation Grants provide up to $200,000 to cover shared services agreements, such as technology upgrades, equipment purchases, personnel transition costs, legal or professional services, training, and facility modifications needed to consolidate or merge services.
Applications must be submitted through the Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) SAGE portal under the “Local Efficiency Achievement Program 2026 Grant” ID. Other comprehensive program guidelines, application materials, and supplemental resources are available on the DLGS website.
Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.