Applications are now available for Local Government Efficiency Grants (formerly the Shared Municipal Services Incentive Program). The deadline is 4 p.m., January 14, 2009. In addition to the new name, the program has four new categories of funding, each with different levels of funding. Grants in all categories provide 90% funding up to the designated maximum and require a 10% cash match.
High Priority Planning Grants. These are non-competitive grants for plans and studies that examine the potential savings and management improvements for mergers, dissolutions, functional consolidations, and the transfer of local functions or shared services to be provided on a countywide or regional basis. The maximum award is $50,000 per application. Unlike the other three categories, these applications will be reviewed monthly with the following deadlines: November 12, 2008; December 10, 2008; January 14, 2009; February 11, 2009; March 11, 2009.
General Efficiency Planning Grants - Grants are competitive grants for two or more municipalities to fund plans and studies for potential consolidation or shared services involving two or more municipalities. This category provides grants up to $25,000 for two municipalities, plus $1,000 for each additional partner, with a $35,000 overall maximum grant.
Efficiency Implementation Grants - Grants will fund the costs associated with the implementation of consolidations, mergers, dissolutions, cooperative agreements, and shared services. They can also be used to cover transitional personnel costs associated with implementation. Grant awards will provide up to $200,000 per participating municipality with a maximum award of $1 million.
Twenty-First Century Demonstration Project Grants - Grants will support pilot projects that involve transformative change
and significant cost savings on a countywide or regional scale and can involve policing, school support services, fire protection, and smart growth. Maximum grant awards vary by category (as indicated in the application guidelines), but generally do not exceed $400,000 per municipality. For grant application materials or additional information, visit the Dept. of State website at www.dos.state.ny.us and click on "Local Government Services", or call 1-800-367-8488.
For grant application materials or additional information, visit the Dept. of State website at www.dos.state.ny.us and click on "Local Government Services", or call 1-800-367-8488.
