The New Jersey State Bar Foundation (NJSBF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is offering the Peer Mediation Mini-Grant Program for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Founded to promote law-related education and civic engagement, NJSBF supports programs that foster informed citizenship among students. This particular initiative aims to assist New Jersey public, private, and charter schools in enhancing or developing peer mediation programs for grades K through 12.

The mini-grant offers funding awards of $500 each to ten schools within the fiscal year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between December 2024 and June 1, 2025. Only schools whose representatives have participated in the Foundation’s Peer Mediation training are eligible to apply. Funds must be spent by December 31, 2025, and award notifications and fund disbursements will occur within two months of application approval.

Acceptable uses of the mini-grant funding include the purchase of training supplies, materials, photocopies, awards, giveaways, student stipends, and refreshments related to the peer mediation program. Schools that have previously received a mini-grant may reapply, though priority will be given to new applicants. Selected schools will also serve as "model schools," agreeing to allow other institutions to observe their programs.

To apply, schools must submit a fully completed electronic application with an electronic signature. If the applicant is not the school principal, a confirmation email from the principal approving the application must be sent to the Foundation’s designated contact. Schools must also commit to providing an end-of-year expense report by January 31, 2026. The application includes questions about the history and goals of the school’s peer mediation program, anticipated uses for the funding, principal involvement, student demographics, key mediation issues anticipated, evaluation methods, and budget details.

Applications will be evaluated by a review team based on leadership commitment, demonstrated need, diversity in location and student demographics, and prior success with peer mediation initiatives. For more information or questions, applicants can contact the Foundation at (732) 249-5000 or via email at zguarino@njsbf.org. The New Jersey State Bar Foundation is located at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.