New Jersey Arts Grants

The County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission's History Partnership Grant Program aims to bolster both established and nascent local history organizations in Somerset County, New Jersey. This program, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) and supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), is designed to provide financial backing to non-profit organizations and municipalities that deliver history programming, services, and development within the county. The grants are competitive and emphasize fostering excellence in local history initiatives, aligning with a broader mission to preserve and promote New Jersey's rich historical narrative at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Somerset County-based organizations, including non-profit 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 entities, units of local government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's historical context, and improving the management and operational capabilities of local history organizations. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to ensure that historical resources and educational opportunities are readily available to the public throughout Somerset County. The grant program prioritizes and focuses on activities that directly enhance local history programming and services. Eligible expenses span a wide range, from salaries and wages, contracted services, and marketing, to lease expenses, equipment purchases, and maintenance of collections and structures. Crucially, the program also supports staff training, capacity building, and strategic planning, including planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations can not only deliver compelling programs but also operate sustainably and adapt to contemporary needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of high-quality history programs, improved access to historical information and resources for Somerset County residents, and stronger, more resilient local history organizations. The competitive nature of the awards encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and the independent peer panel evaluation process helps ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for impact. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on increasing access, expanding knowledge, and improving management suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in historical engagement and organizational health within the county.

The 2025 Union County History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in New Jersey, offers two types of grants: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Project (SP) grants. The program aims to support history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries with collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. This aligns with a broader mission to preserve, promote, and expand local historical knowledge and services for the public. The program's strategic priority is to enhance and introduce Union County and local history programs or services, ensuring that grant funds expand, rather than replace, existing expenditures. General Operating Support (GOS) grants, with a maximum request of $7,500, are designed for Union County based historical societies, house museums, or historic sites. These grants assist with basic operational costs such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. The target beneficiaries are established history organizations dedicated to Union County's heritage. The impact goal is to strengthen the foundational stability of these organizations, enabling them to continue providing valuable historical resources and programming to the community. Measurable results would include sustained operations, improved collection preservation, and continued public engagement through various programs. Special Project (SP) grants, with a maximum request of $5,000, are available to a wider range of organizations including history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries that have collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. These grants support specific initiatives such as microfilm/digitization, research travel, oral history transcription, exhibition development, and the purchase of materials for conservation or educational projects. The target beneficiaries for SP grants are organizations looking to undertake specific projects that enrich the historical narrative and accessibility within Union County and New Jersey. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its eligible expenses and grant types. GOS grants prioritize the fundamental needs for operational continuity and preservation within historical institutions. SP grants, on the other hand, prioritize innovative projects that enhance research, accessibility, and public understanding of local history through various mediums like digitization and exhibitions. The expected outcomes include increased public access to historical materials, the creation of new historical resources, and a broader engagement with Union County's past. Measurable results for SP grants could include the number of digitized items, attendance at new exhibitions or programs, or the completion of specific research initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for both operational stability and specific projects, local history organizations will be empowered to expand their reach and impact, ultimately enriching the community's understanding and appreciation of its heritage.

The Robert A. Mills Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, or educational purposes. The foundation's mission is broadly aligned with these areas, aiming to foster positive societal impact across a diverse range of initiatives. This grant program is designed to be inclusive, encouraging a wide array of non-profit efforts that contribute to community well-being and advancement. The target beneficiaries for these grants are individuals and communities served by organizations dedicated to the aforementioned purposes. The foundation's impact goals are centered on supporting programs that demonstrate clear need, practicability, and usefulness. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the encouragement for specificity in grant proposals implies a desire for grantees to outline anticipated outcomes and the methods for achieving them. The foundation prioritizes a broad spectrum of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to address various facets of societal needs. Although there are no geographic restrictions, the foundation historically supports organizations within the New Jersey area, indicating a regional focus within its broader philanthropic strategy. The Robert A. Mills Foundation's strategic priorities are to empower eligible organizations to implement impactful programs. Its theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by funding diverse charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, and educational endeavors, it can contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more knowledgeable society. The application process, requiring submission through an online form and adherence to 501(c)(3) eligibility, ensures that resources are directed towards credible and well-structured initiatives.

Operating Grants I & II, offered by the Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB), provide unrestricted support to Long Beach-based arts and cultural organizations. The primary mission of these grants aligns with the ACLB's commitment to fostering artistic excellence by supporting organizations that collect, preserve, present, and/or commission exemplary works of art, including visual art exhibitions, theatre, dance, and musical performances. This directly supports the foundation's goal of enriching the cultural landscape of Long Beach by empowering organizations that contribute to the arts. The target beneficiaries for these grants are Long Beach-based arts and cultural organizations with annual budgets exceeding $250,000. These organizations must produce works of art of regional significance, benefiting the general public, and offering educational opportunities to enhance artistic understanding and appreciation. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to strengthen both artistic programming and organizational management, ultimately leading to a positive community impact. The program prioritizes several key areas. Artistically, it seeks to encourage the development of long-term, high-quality artistic programs and support innovative, creative, and unique projects that challenge audiences and participants. In terms of organizational management, the grants support best practices, including long-term planning, accountability, fund development, transparency, evaluation, appropriate qualifications of board and staff, and overall fiscal health. Community impact is also a significant focus, supporting organizations that identify and meet community needs through planning and program delivery, develop new audiences, and foster tourism or expand the market for artistic disciplines. Expected outcomes include the creation of quality artistic programs, innovative projects, and improved organizational management practices. Measurable results would involve the development of new audiences, enhanced community engagement, and a stronger arts ecosystem in Long Beach. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the program implicitly operates on the theory that by providing robust operational support and promoting best practices in artistic and organizational development, the ACLB can cultivate a vibrant and sustainable arts and culture sector that enriches the lives of Long Beach residents and attracts visitors. Funding information indicates grant awards for OPG I range from $5,000 to $8,000, and for OPG II from $18,000 to $25,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations and government entities to implement public humanities projects that engage local audiences through activities like exhibitions, oral history projects, and community programs.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

The Bunbury Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations in central New Jersey, particularly Mercer County, enabling them to effectively pursue their missions and achieve sustainable organizational maturity. The foundation's core mission revolves around "capacity building," which is defined as work that enhances an organization's ability to deliver its mission with increased confidence. This strategic alignment ensures that grants directly contribute to the long-term effectiveness and stability of recipient organizations. The fund targets non-profit organizations that operate and provide services within the geographic region covered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This includes Mercer County, Eastern Bucks County (PA), Northern Burlington County (NJ), Southern Hunterdon County (NJ), Southern Middlesex County (NJ), and Southern Somerset County (NJ). The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these non-profits to "do their best work" by empowering them with the necessary resources and strategies. The fund encourages projects that prioritize anti-racism strategies and embed racial equity at the core of their work, signifying a commitment to inclusive and equitable community development. The Bunbury Fund offers various grant types with specific focuses. One-year capacity-building grants, up to $50,000, support areas such as board governance, leadership succession planning, strategic partnerships, scenario planning, systems upgrades, racial equity and inclusion practices, human resources, and technology improvements. Multi-year capacity-building grants, up to $150,000 over three years, are designed for comprehensive, phased projects that require extended development for organizational effectiveness. Additionally, planning grants of up to $10,000 are available to help organizations evaluate the resources needed for more extensive capacity-building initiatives, acting as an initial step in assessing viability. The expected outcomes include enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved service delivery, and a greater ability for non-profits to achieve their missions with confidence. Measurable results would stem from the specific capacity-building areas addressed by the grants, such as improved governance structures, stronger leadership, more efficient systems, and the successful implementation of racial equity strategies. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower non-profits through capacity building, operating on the theory of change that by strengthening the internal capabilities of these organizations, they will be better equipped to serve their communities and create lasting, positive impact, particularly through the lens of racial equity.

The Montclair Foundation's grant program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals within the greater Montclair community. This mission alignment is evident in their support for organizations that serve the Montclair community and its environs. The foundation's strategic priorities are focused on addressing critical community needs through specific focus areas, aiming for a positive and measurable impact on the well-being of the community. The grant program targets beneficiaries within the Montclair community, with a particular emphasis on areas such as Mental Health and Well-Being, Food Security, and Housing. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in these key sectors, they can create a more stable, healthy, and secure environment for residents. The grants aim to support initiatives that directly impact these areas, leading to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to mental health services, reduced food insecurity, and improved housing stability for community members. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each outcome, the foundation's emphasis on funding special projects or items suggests a desire for tangible, project-specific impact. They also review applications equally each year, indicating a focus on the merit and potential impact of each proposal. The foundation offers grant awards ranging from $3,000 to $15,000, with a commitment to making 2-3 larger grants of $10,000-$15,000 each cycle. While general operations can be funded, there is a preference for special projects or items, further aligning with their goal of targeted impact. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) organization for three or more years and serving the Montclair community. Organizations can generally apply once within a 12-month period, with an exception for fall 2024 for those meeting specific criteria in mental health, food security, or housing. Multi-year grants are possible, with a commitment not exceeding three years.

This grant provides $20,000 awards to exceptional folk and traditional artists in New Jersey who have made significant contributions to the state's cultural heritage.

The Hudson County History Partnership Program (HPP), offered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development (HCOCHA/TD) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of State – New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), provides matching grants to non-profit organizations within Hudson County, New Jersey. This program aligns with the broader mission of preserving and promoting the history of Hudson County and its 12 municipalities through high-quality historical programming. The grants are administered by HCOCHA/TD, a unit of Hudson County government, under the authority of Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners. The HPP targets Hudson County-based, non-profit history-related organizations, units of government (including schools, libraries, colleges, and universities), private non-profit universities offering local history programs, non-profit arts organizations presenting artistic history programming, and non-profit business organizations that engage in local history programs. The primary impact goals are to broaden, deepen, and diversify the audience for history in Hudson County; strengthen and develop existing history organizations; initiate new programming; improve management of historic sites; expand public understanding of historical resources; increase participation in historical programs; enhance accessibility for diverse communities; increase the body of historical information; and preserve materials for study. The program prioritizes initiatives that clearly demonstrate a commitment to preserving and promoting Hudson County's history, based on merit and financial need. For FY25, grants are offered in two categories: Program Support (maximum $12,500) and General Operating Support (maximum $15,000). The project period for these grants is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being incorporated in New Jersey, having been in existence for at least one year as of January 1, 2023, and being defined as a non-profit under IRS sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6). Non-profit arts organizations must allocate at least 20% of the grant cost to consultation with qualified historians for artistic history programming. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and diversity of individuals engaging with Hudson County's history, improved organizational capacity and programming quality among local history entities, the creation of new and innovative historical programs, better preservation and interpretation of historic sites and collections, and a greater public awareness and understanding of the county's historical resources. The HCOCHA/TD's strategic priorities, affirming those of the NJHC, underscore a theory of change that by investing in local history organizations and initiatives, public engagement, education, and preservation efforts will be significantly enhanced, leading to a more historically conscious and connected community.

The Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission in New Jersey is inviting nonprofit groups to apply for its Arts and History Re-Grant Program, offering funding for special projects, general programming, and operating support for arts or history-related activities, with the aim to increase exposure to art in the community.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection administers the Community Based Deer Management Grant Program to assist local communities and nonprofits in addressing overabundant deer in urban landscapes. Funding supports planning, implementation, and support activities that facilitate safe and effective deer management. Eligible initiatives include signage for community based hunting programs, deer population density estimates or surveys, forest health surveys, and support for venison donation programs. For signage, the department contracts for production and delivery rather than providing direct financial awards. Deer must be processed at health inspected facilities and donated to New Jersey food banks in the venison donation initiative. Eligible applicants include county and local government units within New Jersey, including municipal park systems, and local nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) that are authorized to operate in the state. Applicants may seek support for one or more initiatives, and awards are subject to department discretion and available funds. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and municipalities in Salem County, New Jersey, for special arts projects, general operating expenses, or technical assistance to enhance local arts initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Greater Philadelphia that provide engaging arts education programs for young people aged 5 to 18, fostering creativity and personal growth through partnerships with skilled teaching artists.

The 2025 Arts & History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Cape May County Government in New Jersey, offers funding to support arts and history-related projects and ongoing programs within Cape May County. The program's mission aligns with fostering community engagement and increasing exposure to arts and history. It aims to support a diverse range of initiatives, from single events to sustained programming, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the county. The program targets organizations and groups located within Cape May County that are involved in arts or history. This includes civic organizations, social organizations, community theater groups, dance companies, museums, galleries, orchestras, and singing groups. The impact goals are to support and sustain arts and history projects, programs, and general operations, thereby enhancing cultural offerings and community participation in these areas. There are three distinct categories of funding: Special Project, General Programming Support (GPS), and General Operating Support (GOS). Special Project funding is for single, specific arts or history-related events. GPS supports major, ongoing arts programs with multiple events or activities throughout the year. GOS is designed for organizations whose primary charter is arts or history-related, providing general operating support to groups that consistently increase exposure to art/history in the community. The program prioritizes projects and programs that take place within Cape May County and, for General Operating Support, requires the applying organization to be located within the county. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant cultural scene in Cape May County, increased opportunities for residents to engage with arts and history, and the sustained operation of local arts and history organizations. Measurable results would involve the number and diversity of projects funded, the reach and attendance of programs, and the organizational stability of grant recipients. The strategic priorities revolve around making arts and history accessible, supporting the infrastructure of cultural organizations, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, particularly for General Operating Support grants. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support, local cultural initiatives will thrive, leading to a more enriched and engaged community.

This funding program provides financial support to music organizations for capital projects that improve their facilities, technology, and equipment, excluding general operating expenses and non-music-related activities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small, nonprofit music organizations in the Philadelphia area that are either newly established or facing challenges due to reduced public funding, helping them build capacity and ensure sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and beyond that focus on arts, education, health, environment, human services, and public benefit initiatives.