Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) - Competitive

   

Division: Teaching and Learning Services

Office: Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR)

View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word)

   

Purpose:

The Literacy Initiative for Families and Thriving Communities (LIFT) Grant is a competitive funding opportunity designed to support LEAs in developing programs that cultivate home-based literacy habits and foster strong family engagement in children’s literacy development.

 

Grants will require partnerships with community-based literacy organizations and active collaboration with willing DCF County Councils for Young Children (CCYC). Programs are expected to engage non-traditional community partners, such as libraries, family success centers, Head Start centers, daycare centers, and other locally trusted organizations, to reach and serve families with young children. The NJDOE thanks the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) for their collaboration on this initiative.

 

The Department anticipates the LIFT Grant to result in the following outcomes:

  • Expand access to literacy resources and supports for families with young children;
  • Strengthen home-school partnerships that reinforce literacy development beyond the classroom;
  • Engage families and caregivers in meaningful literacy practices;
  • Leverage trusted community organizations to broaden outreach and engagement; and
  • Foster sustainable, family-centered literacy ecosystems within local communities.

 

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a one-year grant program. This grant program is open to LEAs who have 40% or more free and reduced lunch and service Pre-K students. Award tiers of $20,000, $40,000, and $60,000 will be made based on district enrollment. Please see Appendix A of the NGO for a list of eligible LEAs and maximum award amounts.

 

Based on the availability of Federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant funds, this grant program will begin September 30, 2025, and will end on August 31, 2026. 

   

Eligible Agencies: See Appendix A of the NGO for a list of eligible LEAs

Grant Type: Competitive

Number of Award(s) Anticipated: 54

Total Amount Available: $2,250,000

Application Due Date: 8/21/2025