NJWLA Grant Program

Purpose: Fund programs that research, develop, and/or implement solutions, strategies, and initiatives to advance women in the legal profession.

Geographic Scope: Statewide and/or nationwide initiatives

Focus Areas

Grants support programs addressing:

1. Support and promotion of women lawyers to highest levels of law firm, government, academic, community, corporate positions, and the judiciary
2. Statewide and/or nationwide efforts to retain women in the legal profession, including education
3. Removal of barriers to women's entry and advancement in the legal profession
4. Development and promotion of women leaders, role models, and mentors in the legal profession
5. Education of the legal profession and general public about gender equity concerns and issues related to the legal profession
6. Providing a voice for women in shaping legislation of importance to women
7. Encouragement of women to attend law school

Award Amount

• Total annual pool: $30,000
• No dollar limit on individual applications
• NJWLA anticipates awarding multiple grants per year from the total pool
• Grants awarded in two (2) payments if warranted:
  • First payment upon receipt of fully executed Grant Agreement
  • Second payment after NJWLA receives and accepts six (6) month Progress Report (due June 30)

Eligibility

Applicant Type:

• Must be a nonprofit, federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization
• Eligible applicants include: nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies
• Applications must be submitted in English

Program Requirements:

• Program must be specific to NJWLA's mission and purpose
• If requesting salaries: must be for personnel directly related to this specific program only (not general work of applicant)
• Salaries must be in line with nonprofit salary standards
• Salaries must NOT include fringe benefits component

Grant Cycle & Timeline

• Grant Period: February 1 through January 30 (12 months)
• Grant awards conditioned on grantee's acceptance and execution of Grant Agreement

Reporting Requirements

• Six (6) Month Progress Report due June 30
• Final Report required within thirty (30) days of grant cycle completion
• Grant awards announced in February
• All recipients receive written notification

Recognition

• Funded program recipients featured in NJWLA Gala Program (Spring)
• Grant recipients strongly recommended to attend Gala as guests of the Association
• If requested, recipients may provide summary of grant outcomes

Contact Information

Colleen Skinner, Executive Director

• Phone: (973) 819-9488
• Email: cskinner@njwla.org
• Address: 372 Franklin Avenue Suite 713, Nutley, NJ 07110

Application Process

Required Application Materials:

1. Completed Grant Application form
2. Grant Agreement (must be executed and returned)

Submission Format:

• Electronic submission: PDF format to cskinner@njwla.org
• Paper submission: One (1) original paper copy to mailing address
• Both electronic AND paper copies must be submitted

Submission Address:
Colleen Skinner
New Jersey Women Lawyers Association
633 Franklin Avenue, PMB #118
Nutley, NJ 07110

Key Requirements:

• Applications must follow specified format
• Applications not following format will not be considered for funding
• NJWLA will send email confirmation to Contact Person listed on application confirming receipt
• Minor compliance deficiencies may result in notification to applicant to correct within prescribed timeframe

Application Deadline:

• 5:00 P.M. on January 15 (annually)

Post-Award:

• Grantee must accept and execute Grant Agreement
• First payment made upon receipt of fully executed Grant Agreement
• Six (6) month Progress Report due June 30
• Second payment made after NJWLA receives and accepts Progress Report
• Final report due within 30 days of grant cycle completion

Award Announcement:

• Grant awards announced in February
• All recipients receive written notification
• Recipients featured in Gala Program (Spring NJWLA Gala)