SJI received 20 grant applications requesting a total of $1,147,684 for the 2nd quarter of FY 2012. In addition, SJI received 45 Concept Papers totaling $4,695,208 for the recent Strategic Initiatives Grants solicitation for self-represented litigation in the state courts. The Board will meet in April to finalize decisions on both grant awards for the 2nd quarter, and on the Concept Papers submitted to address self-represented litigation in the state courts.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to: 1) reach out to SJI with any questions before applying; 2) thoroughly review the requirements contained in the Grant Guideline; and 3) use the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Library eCollection to research past SJI grant reports and products that are similar to their proposed project, and inform SJI on how their project builds on that work. SJI is always available to help interpret the Grant Guideline and answer questions during the grant proposal development process. All applicants will be required to detail their level of research before and during the proposal preparation phase. Additionally, all applicants will be asked to describe how their proposed project addresses one or more of SJI’s new Priority Investment Areas. Applicants will also be asked to specify performance outcomes and define how success will be measured.

SJI Grant funding remains available on a first-come, first-served, basis for grant applications that merit funding. SJI Grant Application deadlines for the remainder of FY 2012 are as follows: 3rd quarter – May 1, 2012; and 4th quarter – August 1, 2012.