Request for Proposals (RFP) - Utility Assistance Outreach Pilot for Faith-Based Nonprofit Agencies

• Posted on: 10/19/2026

Background

The NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) seeks to increase the number of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Universal Service Fund (USF) applications submitted among households that may face barriers due to limited awareness, documentation challenges, or uncertainty about eligibility. Faith-based agencies play a central role in their communities and are uniquely positioned to offer trusted guidance and individualized support. This pilot program aims to leverage these connections to obtain additional LIHEAP and USF applications and to train faith community leaders to train and deploy volunteers for outreach and application submission.

Purpose

The pilot will support 5 faith-based nonprofit agencies in utilizing their employees and volunteers to conduct targeted community outreach and provide hands-on assistance to households needing help completing LIHEAP and USF Program applications for the 2027 program year. Each selected agency will be eligible to receive up to $50,000.

DCA encourages partnerships and collaboration between faith communities, and will offer priority to applicants who demonstrate evidence of partnership with other faith communities. An application should be submitted by one Lead Applicant.

Eligible Applicants

• Eligible applicants include faith-based nonprofit agencies with an established physical presence within the State. Applicants must have an NJ Charitable Registration and a 501 © (3) designation from IRS.
• All agencies selected will need to be registered in NJ Start.
• Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to conduct outreach. DCA will provide training and technical assistance on program requirements and the application process to all agencies selected through this RFP.

Scope of Work
Participating agencies will be responsible for carrying out the following activities:

• Participate in DCA training, and train faith community employees and volunteers to enroll applicants in the LIHEAP and USF programs
• Conduct outreach both within their congregations and the surrounding communities to inform households about the LIHEAP and USF programs.
• Host information sessions, workshops, and provide one-on-one assistance to help applicants complete LIHEAP/USF 2027 applications.
• Track outreach activities, participant engagement, and application assistance efforts, and report outcomes to the DCA on a schedule to be outlined in the award agreement.

Funding and Award Amounts

The DCA will award up to $250,000 in total funding under this pilot program. Each selected agency may receive up to $50,000.

Funds may be used for outreach materials, event hosting, staffing for outreach and application assistance and other expenses that directly support program activities.

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a proposal that includes the following:

• Organizational overview, including mission and description of community served.
• Description of outreach strategy and planned assistance services to reach underserved households. Outreach should include description of planned outreach events, including description of how the applicant will provide accessibility (accessibility for people with disabilities, as well as adequate parking and accessibility through public transit), community outreach, and outreach to non-English language speakers.

Description of partnerships with other faith communities, including roles of those communities and letters of support.

• Staffing plan, including personnel responsible for carrying out activities.
• Project timeline aligned with LIHEAP/USF 2027 application cycle (December through June)
• Budget narrative describing how funds will be used

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Strength and clarity of the outreach plan.
• Demonstrated capacity to reach underserved communities.
• Organizational experience with community engagement or assistance programs.

Evidence of strong partnerships with other faith communities on this project.

• Feasibility of project timeline and staffing.
• Cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of the proposed budget.

Reporting Requirements

Awardees will be required to submit monthly progress reports detailing outreach activities, number of individuals assisted and challenges encountered. A final report summarizing results and lessons learned will be due at the end of the program period.

Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted by November 30, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Fidel Ekhelar at fidel.ekhelar@dca.nj.gov.