2027–2028 (FY 2028) Community Resource Development Funds Announcement

Request for Proposals

FY2028 Community Resource Development (CRD) Funding

Circle of Care for Families and Children of Passaic County (COC) invites community organizations to submit proposals for programs that develop, enhance, or expand community-based resources for Passaic County children, youth, and families.

Through its partnership with the New Jersey Children’s System of Care (CSOC), Circle of Care has access to one-time Community Resource Development (CRD) funding to support innovative, accessible, and sustainable initiatives that address identified gaps in local services and opportunities.

The goal is to strengthen community resources, increase access to meaningful supports, and promote positive outcomes for children, youth, and families throughout Passaic County.

Funding Overview

• Total Funding Available: $67,697.00    Smaller funding requests are welcome.
• Funding Period: July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028.
• Eligible Location: All funded programming must take place in Passaic County.
• Funding Purpose: Projects should establish, enhance, or expand community-based resources and demonstrate a reasonable plan to pursue sustainability beyond the funding period.

Funds are intended to support eligible community programming, not to purchase individual services or items for specific families or duplicate services funded through other sources.

Collaborative proposals and programs that actively engage youth and families are encouraged.

Identified Areas of Need

Based on a review of county and statewide data, community needs assessments, and stakeholder feedback, Circle of Care has identified four priority areas for FY2028.

Proposals must address at least one of the following:

1. Early Childhood Development and Family Connection (Ages 0–5)

Programs that support early social-emotional development, positive caregiver-child relationships, socialization, and developmental growth.

Examples include parent-child playgroups, sensory-friendly activities, early childhood enrichment, and caregiver education.

2. Inclusive Recreation, Youth Wellness, and Social Development

Programs that create opportunities for children and youth to develop social connections, emotional well-being, and positive community relationships through recreation and enrichment.

Examples include sports, arts, mentoring, social groups, wellness activities, and social-emotional skill development. Programs should promote meaningful participation by youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), with appropriate supports and adaptations.

3. Life Skills and Transition to Adulthood

Programs that prepare adolescents and transition-age youth for greater independence and participation in adult life.

Examples include independent living skills, employment readiness, financial literacy, vocational exploration, self-advocacy, and community engagement, with appropriate adaptations for youth with I/DD.

4. Parent and Caregiver Wellness and Family Strengthening

Programs that promote caregiver well-being, family resilience, and stronger family relationships.

Examples include caregiver support groups, peer networks, parenting education, family engagement activities, and opportunities to reduce social isolation.

Accessibility and Inclusion

All proposed programs must demonstrate cultural responsiveness and linguistic accessibility appropriate to the communities they intend to serve.

Where applicable, applicants should also describe how their programs will accommodate children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Proposals that address barriers such as transportation, cost, geographic access, and scheduling are encouraged.

RFP Timeline

October 29, 2026 — RFP Announcement

FY2028 CRD Funds Request for Proposals released and application materials made available.

November 13, 2026 — Mandatory Virtual Bidders Conference

• November 13, 2026 – 12pm    Teams Link

December 11, 2026 — Mandatory Virtual Bidders Conference

• December 11, 2026 – 3pm Teams Link  

 Prospective applicants must attend at least one of the two virtual conferences. These sessions will provide an overview of funding requirements, the application process, and an opportunity to ask questions.

January 11, 2027 — Proposal Submission Deadline

Completed applications and all required supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Late submissions will not be considered. For technical assistance with the application, contact pdutton@cocucmo.org before the deadline.

Late January–Early February 2027 — Proposal Review and Preliminary Recommendations

Circle of Care’s review panel will evaluate eligible proposals. Applicants recommended for funding will be contacted regarding additional requirements, including CARI background check certification for applicable personnel.

February 12, 2027 — Funding Recommendations Submitted to CSOC

Circle of Care submits its funding recommendations for state review and approval.

May 14, 2027 — Anticipated State Funding Approval

Final award decisions are subject to CSOC approval and funding availability.

July 1, 2027 — Anticipated Program Implementation

Approved projects may begin following authorization and release of funding.

Post-Award Reporting

Funded organizations will be required to submit three comprehensive reports during the funding period:

• Program Launch Report: Following program implementation/start-up.
• Midyear Report: Reporting period ending December 31, 2027.
• Final Report: Reporting period ending June 30, 2028.

Reports must document program implementation, quality assurance, progress toward anticipated outcomes, participant reach, and expenditures, with supporting fiscal documentation.

Specific submission deadlines will be included in award agreements.

Application and Supporting Materials

The FY2028 Community Resource Development Funds application and supporting materials are available below. Please carefully review the RFP, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and scoring criteria before submitting a proposal.

• FY2028 CRD Funds Online Application:    Passaic CRD Funds Application Link
• FY2028 CRD Funds Request for Proposals (RFP)

• FY2028 Proposal Scoring Rubric 
• FY2028 Budget Template and Sample 

Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

Contact

For questions about the FY2028 CRD Funds application process, please contact:

Community Relations & Resource Development

Circle of Care for Families and Children of Passaic County

Phone: 973-987-7685

Email: pdutton@cocucmo.org

All awards are contingent upon the sufficiency and availability of CSOC funding. Final decisions regarding grant awards are at the discretion of CSOC.