New Jersey grants for Nonprofits

The Monmouth County Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program is designed to assist municipalities by providing additional funding for park improvements in municipal parks and open spaces. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing community well-being and access to recreational opportunities. Previously, the Municipal Open Space Grant Program was limited to $2 million annually and up to $250,000 per project. The new and expanded grant program is now funded at $6 million a year, with up to $500,000 available per project, significantly increasing its reach and potential impact. The program's scope has also expanded to include dredging projects for parks and recreation purposes, and the application process has been simplified and streamlined to encourage broader participation. The target beneficiaries of this program are Monmouth County municipalities, which are the only eligible applicants. While municipalities are the direct recipients, the ultimate beneficiaries are the residents and communities who will gain access to improved park facilities and recreational areas. The impact goals are centered around improving land for parks and recreation purposes. This includes the development of new recreational facilities, the expansion or enhancement of existing recreational opportunities, the preservation of historic resources within parks, and the implementation of new or innovative approaches to provide local access to open spaces and recreational activities. The program prioritizes projects that focus on these key areas. Additional priority is given to State-designated Urban Aid Communities and Overburdened Communities, ensuring that resources are directed to areas with the greatest need. The program’s strategic approach includes setting limits on the number of applications and the dollars awarded to ensure that funding can support a larger number of municipalities rather than a few large projects. This also encourages a cooperative project model, with a required local contribution and local funding of ineligible expenses serving as a tangible demonstration of local commitment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and quality of recreational facilities, expanded access to open spaces, and better preservation of historic resources within parks. The allowance for dredging projects directly contributes to improving and expanding access to recreational bodies of water. All projects must be for park, recreation, open space, and historic preservation purposes, with a deed of open space easement or other covenant restricting the use of the project site to these purposes required as a condition of the award. This ensures the long-term dedication of these sites to public benefit, reflecting a theory of change that by investing in local park infrastructure, communities will see improved quality of life, increased public health through active recreation, and enhanced environmental and cultural stewardship.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

The Essex County Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, offers grant funding to local Essex County organizations. This program aims to support cultural and historical initiatives within the county, aligning with the broader mission of preserving and promoting arts and history. The grants are designed to enable organizations to expand their programs, exhibits, performances, and other public engagement opportunities, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of Essex County. The program targets non-profit organizations incorporated in New Jersey as a non-profit corporation or a unit of government, and tax-exempt under IRC 501(c)3 or (c)4. These organizations must be located in Essex County and primarily serve its constituency. The grants are intended to support entities exclusively devoted to either history or arts, and previous grantees must be in good standing. This focus ensures that the funding directly benefits the local community and strengthens organizations dedicated to cultural and historical preservation. The grant program offers two main types of support: General Operating Support (GOS) Grants for the overall operations of eligible non-profit organizations, and Special Project Support (SPS) Grants for specific history-related or art-related projects. The funding ranges from $500 to $10,000, with funds applied for in 2024 to be used between January and December 2025. This structure allows for both sustained operational support and targeted funding for new initiatives, providing flexibility to grantees. Expected outcomes include an increase in accessible cultural and historical programs, exhibits, and performances for Essex County residents. Measurable results would involve the number of programs offered, audience reach, and the successful completion of funded projects. The division's strategic priority is to empower local organizations to bring their offerings to a wider audience, thereby fostering a more vibrant and engaged community. Through quarterly networking, informational meetings, and professional development opportunities, the program also aims to build the capacity of these organizations, contributing to their long-term sustainability and impact.

This funding opportunity is designed to support accredited adult psychiatry residency programs in New Jersey by providing financial resources to create 17 new residency positions focused on training psychiatrists to serve diverse and underserved populations in the state.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Division of Aging Services (DoAS), is offering Age-Friendly grants to local government and nonprofit entities. This program aligns with the state's mission to support the health and wellbeing of older New Jerseyans by fostering age-friendly initiatives and implementing recommendations from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. The core mission is to strengthen communities by providing funding for organizations to assess, plan, and develop initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of older adults. The program seeks to advance efforts that lead to tangible and sustainable transformations in policies, systems, and environmental conditions across the state. The target beneficiaries of the Age-Friendly Grants Program are older adults throughout New Jersey. The program aims to improve their health, wellbeing, satisfaction, and quality of life. The impact goals are to create communities that are more livable for older adults by addressing eight age-friendly domains: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of an older adult's life are considered and improved. The program prioritizes initiatives that promote public, private, and cross-sector partnerships, as well as public policies that address the aforementioned eight age-friendly domains. There are two grant options: Age-Friendly Communities and Age-Friendly Projects. Community Grants focus on broader planning and development, while Project Grants may also include direct services, equipment purchase, and capital improvements. Eligible costs for both grant types include salaries and fringe benefits, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, training, in-state travel, business meeting costs, and translation services. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of New Jersey communities to support older adults, with tangible and sustainable transformations in local policies, systems, and environmental conditions. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of local age-friendly initiatives aligned with the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. For Age-Friendly Community Grants, up to 57 grants of $70,000 each will be distributed regionally (Northern, Central, Southern New Jersey), totaling $3,990,000. For Age-Friendly Project Grants, up to 10 grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded, totaling $1,000,000. The grant period runs from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program's theory of change is that by empowering local entities with funding and guidance, and by fostering collaborative partnerships, the state can create more supportive and inclusive environments for its aging population, leading to improved quality of life and wellbeing for older New Jerseyans.

The Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission's County History Partnership Program (CHPP), offers grants through its annual History Regrant program. This initiative aims to support historical organizations and history programming within Mercer County. The program's mission aligns with fostering an appreciation for local, county, and New Jersey state history by providing financial assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving and presenting this heritage. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include Mercer County-based non-profit organizations, particularly historic sites and historical organizations, as well as libraries, schools, and local government entities. These organizations must operate historic sites and/or offer historical programming and events. The program specifically emphasizes those with a focus on Mercer County and its communities, aiming to reach a broad public audience. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen the historical infrastructure and engagement within the county. The program prioritizes both General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) grants. GOS grants are available exclusively to non-profit historical sites and groups with a primary mission of presenting New Jersey and/or Mercer County-related history. SP grants are open to a wider range of non-profit community organizations, local government entities, schools, higher education institutions, and libraries that offer programming and events related to local, county, or New Jersey state history. This dual focus ensures support for both established historical entities and diverse project-based initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced historical programming, improved preservation of historic sites, and increased public engagement with local and state history. The program seeks to support projects and organizations that demonstrate clear public benefit, responsible management, proven quality of work, and historical merit. Grants are awarded competitively by the County based on evaluation by an independent review panel, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives with the highest potential for positive and measurable results in historical education and preservation.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations focused on history and humanities, helping them address specific operational challenges and enhance their stability through targeted projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to certified non-profit organizations in New Jersey for developing affordable housing projects aimed at low-income households.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities and developers to create and maintain affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents, ensuring these units remain affordable for at least 20 years.

MERCER COUNTY HISTORY REGRANT PROGRAM FY25 GUIDELINES Introduction: The Mercer County History Regrant Program is a partnership initiative between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the County of Mercer. These funds are aimed at supporting historic sites, organizations, and history programs throughout Mercer County. The application process is now exclusively online through Foundant. Application Calendar: April 1, 2024: Application Open July 1, 2024: Application Deadline August 2024: Peer Panel Review September 2024: Commission Review, Administrative Review & Approval December 2024: Notification of Awards/Contracts Issued June 2025: Interim Report Update January 2026: Final Report Due Program Year: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Eligibility: Eligible applicants include: Mercer County-based non-profit history organizations, societies, and sites Other Mercer County non-profit organizations offering history-related programs Mercer County-based community and educational entities, including libraries, universities, colleges, and schools Applicants must be incorporated in New Jersey, be in existence for at least two years, and be approved as a non-profit organization under the IRS's Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4). Types of Grants: General Operating Support (GOS): Available to non-profit history organizations, providing funding for basic operating costs. Special Projects (SP): Available to non-profits and government units, supporting history events, programs, or projects related to NJ, Mercer County, or its municipalities. Match Requirements: GOS grants require a full cash match (1:1) from the applicant. SP grants require a 1:1 cash match, with 50% of the match allowed to be in the form of in-kind donations. Ineligible Expenses: Acquisitions, capital improvements, deficits, endowments, scholarships/prizes, restoration or preservation of structures, etc. Grant Payments & Reporting: Grants are distributed in two payments, with a brief update due by June 2025 and a final report due by January 2026. Final payments are made upon receipt of a satisfactory final report. Appeals Process: Organizations can appeal if their application was misinterpreted or misunderstood by the Review Panel. Appeals are reviewed by a 3-person panel of Commissioners. Notice: Grant awards are dependent on funding levels approved by the State for the New Jersey Historical Commission and County History Partnership Program. Organizations are advised to plan programming and expenditures carefully. For further details, please refer to the full guidelines available on Foundant or contact the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage. Grant renewed every year.

This funding provides financial support to organizations in select states to expand early childhood education and care services for low-income infants and toddlers, ensuring they receive essential developmental, educational, and health services.

This funding opportunity supports New Jersey Workforce Development Boards in creating partnerships to improve adult literacy and job skills for residents, helping them secure stable employment and achieve self-sufficiency.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Delaware Valley that offer direct services to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

This grant provides funding to New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations that support veterans and their families by addressing critical issues such as mental health, housing, food security, and economic opportunities.

The RSI Foundation Grant Program, administered through the Community Foundation of New Jersey, is designed to carry forward a long-standing tradition of community investment established by RSI Bank prior to its 2022 merger with Columbia Bank. This grantmaking initiative reflects a deep commitment to the communities historically served by RSI Bank and operates in close coordination with Columbia Bank Foundation and other philanthropic partners. Together, these aligned entities ensure that funding is directed toward initiatives that produce measurable, meaningful, and localized impact. The program’s philanthropic mission emphasizes community resilience, equity, and the strengthening of neighborhood well-being. The Foundation’s strategic priorities are concentrated in two central focus areas. First, it seeks to partner with and uplift marginalized populations—those who face barriers to meeting their basic needs due to economic, physical, mental, or social constraints. Second, it aims to improve neighborhood quality of life by supporting initiatives that foster health, happiness, and holistic well-being for community members. This dual focus reflects the Foundation’s theory of change: when communities address the unmet needs of their most vulnerable populations while simultaneously enhancing the shared community environment, they cultivate stronger, more equitable, and more resilient neighborhoods. The program’s target beneficiaries include both organizations working directly with individuals experiencing various forms of marginalization and initiatives that aim to strengthen community infrastructure and quality of life. The Foundation is particularly focused on funding work that delivers measurable benefits in Rahway, New Jersey, and surrounding communities within Union and Middlesex Counties. Projects supported through this grant must demonstrate direct relevance to these geographic and thematic priorities, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to tangible improvements in local well-being and community vitality. To achieve its intended impact, the RSI Foundation employs clear and rigorous evaluation criteria for applicants. Organizations must identify and address a specific community need, present achievable and well-structured programs with defined goals, timelines, and budgets, and demonstrate a capacity to produce measurable outcomes. Grant amounts typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, with the total annual program budget between $10,000 and $100,000. This funding structure allows the Foundation to support both smaller grassroots initiatives and larger community-serving projects, maximizing the breadth of its local impact. Expected outcomes from funded initiatives include increased access to essential resources for marginalized populations, improved community health and wellness indicators, and strengthened neighborhood infrastructure and cohesion. By emphasizing measurable results and sustainable change, the RSI Foundation seeks to ensure that its grant investments translate into lasting benefits for the communities it serves. These outcomes align with the Foundation’s overarching goal of fostering neighborhoods that are not only more equitable but also more capable of thriving in the long term. Ultimately, the RSI Foundation Grant Program exemplifies place-based philanthropy rooted in community trust and strategic collaboration. By focusing on marginalized populations and community well-being, and by holding grantees accountable for clear and measurable outcomes, the Foundation positions itself as a catalyst for sustainable, locally driven change. This approach ensures that the legacy of RSI Bank continues as a living, evolving force for good—enriching communities, empowering organizations, and building more resilient futures for the residents of Rahway and its neighboring areas.

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofits within the Chamber's five-county operational area. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by strategically investing in organizations that are vital to the community's progress in education, leadership, economic opportunity, and self-sufficiency. The fund specifically targets areas that address critical societal needs, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful and sustainable change within the region. The program's core focus areas are Education and Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development. In education, the fund prioritizes innovative programs designed to help low-income and at-risk students succeed academically, prepare for higher education, or enter the workforce. Key impact goals include reaching a broad student population, fostering community resource collaboration, promoting curriculum innovation, and supporting scalable models. The expected outcomes are improved academic achievement, increased access to post-secondary education or employment, and the development of replicable successful educational initiatives. For Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development, the fund supports nonprofits that drive economic growth. This includes initiatives for small business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, job creation, work-entry programs, specialized skills training, and transportation solutions. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more robust local economy and creating pathways to self-sufficiency for community members. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, job placements, individuals completing skills training, and improved access to employment opportunities. The eligibility criteria for applicants reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, requiring tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3, public charity status under Section 509, and registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. This ensures that funds are distributed to credible and well-governed organizations. The geographic scope, encompassing numerous municipalities within the Chamber's area, highlights a theory of change that local, targeted investments in key sectors will lead to broad community development and improved quality of life across the region. The one-year grant duration encourages focused, impactful projects with clear objectives within that timeframe.

This funding initiative provides financial support for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Programs in New Jersey to train new child psychiatrists, addressing the shortage of specialists equipped to work in public and community mental health services.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

This funding initiative provides financial support for workforce training programs in New Jersey's green economy, specifically targeting organizations that serve Overburdened Communities and prepare individuals for high-demand green jobs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Passaic County, New Jersey, that serve abused or homeless children by enhancing critical services such as shelter, counseling, education, and basic needs assistance.