New Jersey Grants

The Ion Bank Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, designed to support organizations and initiatives that contribute to the betterment of communities it serves. The foundation's mission is aligned with fostering community well-being through strategic investments in various key areas. This program offers both designated and competitive grants, with competitive grants specifically targeting direct costs for starting or improving programs, as well as capital needs. The foundation emphasizes that indirect/overhead expenses are permitted, with specific documentation required for overhead exceeding 10% of the request. The grant program targets a broad range of beneficiaries within Hartford County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County in Connecticut, and Morris County in New Jersey. The primary impact goal is to address demonstrated community needs and advance community plans. The foundation seeks to achieve this by funding projects that show potential for leveraging additional or sustaining support, clearly explain their project plan, and provide a realistic budget. The Ion Bank Foundation's strategic priorities include affordable housing and rehabilitation, community services (encompassing healthcare, education, job training, social services, childcare, and credit/financial services), economic development, and the revitalization or stabilization of distressed or underserved areas. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, it can contribute to a more stable, healthy, and prosperous community environment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of evidence-based programs, improved community services, enhanced economic opportunities, and the revitalization of targeted areas. The foundation looks for strong proposals that summarize an organization's track record, adopt evidence-based models, and demonstrate a clear project plan. Preference is given to requests with broad, visible community involvement and collaborative ventures, indicating a focus on collective impact and sustainable change. Eligibility for the grant program extends to non-profit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, municipal entities seeking grants for public purposes, and religious organizations undertaking nonsectarian projects aligned with the foundation's priorities. Applicants must be located in, or serve communities within, Ion Bank's defined assessment area for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) purposes. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000.

This program provides matching funds to eligible farmers in New Jersey for building wildlife fences to protect their crops from deer, bear, and other wildlife, with support available until the budget is exhausted.

The Juneau Community Foundation’s Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund offers grants to organizations dedicated to improving the health, education, and welfare of individuals in Southeast Alaska. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support and enhance the quality of life within the community. The grant specifically targets non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charitable foundations, childcare institutions, foster parent programs, and early childhood education initiatives within this region, ensuring that support is directed where it can have a direct and meaningful impact on vulnerable populations and community development. The fund's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on fostering a healthier, more educated, and supportive environment for Southeast Alaska residents. This is achieved through various avenues of support. For instance, the fund can defray costs for tuition, transportation, or lodging for employees of eligible organizations attending professional conferences, training, or educational programs. This investment in professional development aims to enhance the capabilities and knowledge of individuals working directly with beneficiaries, thereby strengthening the organizations themselves and improving service delivery. Furthermore, the fund prioritizes supporting events and special services that enrich the overall quality of life in the community. This includes sponsorships for amateur sports organizations, children’s music, and theater activities, which encourage broad participation and access for all individuals. By funding these types of programs, the Foundation seeks to create vibrant communities, promote well-being, and provide enriching opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable, contributing to a holistic approach to community welfare. Applications for the Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund are meticulously evaluated to ensure alignment with the fund's objectives and to maximize impact. Key assessment criteria include the quality and relevance of the program or event being supported, the reasonableness and accuracy of the proposed budget, the background and experience of the applicant organization, and the extent of support from other sources. These measures are designed to ensure that grants are awarded to well-conceived initiatives with a high probability of success and demonstrable positive outcomes for the individuals and communities in Southeast Alaska.

The Edna W. Andrade Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation, is dedicated to supporting visual fine artists from the Greater Philadelphia area. This grant program aligns directly with the Philadelphia Foundation's mission by channeling resources to enhance the local and national art landscape, specifically benefiting artists working in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, or sculpture. The foundation acts as a facilitator, allowing donors like the Edna W. Andrade Fund to address specific community needs and artistic development within its broader philanthropic framework. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are visual fine artists residing in the Greater Philadelphia area, which encompasses Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties in New Jersey. The impact goals are to foster artistic careers, increase visibility for regional artists, and enrich the cultural fabric of the Greater Philadelphia area. This is achieved by providing financial support that enables the purchase or commission of artworks, funds one-person exhibitions, and supports artists engaged in educational, cultural, humanitarian, or environmental projects through nonprofit fiscal agents. The fund prioritizes organizations with 501(c)(3) status that have a proven track record of creating, curating, producing, or presenting at least three professional public exhibits or projects within the last five years. There is also a strong focus on non-discrimination, requiring organizations to have adopted a policy inclusive of various protected characteristics. This ensures that the support reaches a diverse range of artists and promotes equitable access to funding opportunities. The strategic priority is to strengthen the visual arts community by empowering both artists and the institutions that support them. The expected outcomes include an increase in the number of commissioned and purchased artworks by Greater Philadelphia artists, a greater prevalence of one-person exhibitions showcasing local talent, and the successful execution of various community-focused artistic projects. Measurable results could include tracking the number of grants awarded, the number of artists directly supported, the number and attendance of exhibitions funded, and the scope and reach of projects undertaken. The foundation's theory of change, in this context, is that by investing in artists and supportive organizations, it can cultivate a more vibrant and sustainable artistic ecosystem that benefits both creators and the wider community.

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 supports local nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Salem County, NJ, to implement small-scale health and wellness programs focused on promoting healthy eating, active living, and preventing teen pregnancy and childhood obesity.

Grant Opportunity: Improving Youth Mental Health Overview: The Cigna Group Foundation is committed to addressing youth mental health challenges post-pandemic. With a focus on supporting underserved communities, the foundation is allocating $9 million over three years to fund evidence-informed programs and services. The goal is to increase access to mental health intervention, equip parents and caregivers, and promote social-emotional skills among youth. Grant Details: Grant Range: $100,000 – $150,000 Term: One-year Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Budgets should cover eligible expenses related to the grant project, excluding certain overhead costs. Clear progress and impact measurement plans, aligned with addressing health disparities, are required. Grantees must provide progress and final reports during the grant term. Geographical Focus: Connecticut Georgia Missouri New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Application Timeline: Application Opens: April 17 Application Closes: May 22 Notification of Awards: Early July Grant Term Begins: August 1 Contact Information: For inquiries, contact grants@redfordcenter.org.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Underserved Farmers Mini Grant, funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops in New Jersey by supporting projects led by underserved farmers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and military veteran farmers. Grants of up to 5,000 dollars may support activities such as researching new cultivars, outreach to youth and communities on specialty crops, targeted marketing, personnel, purchase of special purpose equipment, educational workshops, planting specialty crops, and distribution of promotional materials. Projects must conform to USDA AMS guidelines and general terms and conditions. Eligible applicants include qualified businesses and producers, as well as nonprofit and community based organizations developing projects that increase the production, marketing, and research of specialty crops in New Jersey. The grant period runs from June 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

The Community Foundation of Louisville's Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers a significant opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs in the Louisville metropolitan area. This program provides awards and prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to six businesses each receiving $25,000 annually. The initiative aims to propel businesses to the next level by fostering innovation and economic growth within the region. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting businesses that are past the conceptual stage and have an early prototype of their technology. The primary beneficiaries are for-profit entities headquartered in the 13-county Louisville Metro area, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Washington, Scott, Harrison) and Kentucky (Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble). Eligibility criteria also require businesses to be registered with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing. The program targets businesses in their early stages, with customer revenue less than $250,000/year to date and a lifetime funding maximum of $500,000 (excluding founders' personal investments). The overarching impact goal is to stimulate innovation-led product and service development, creating customer demand and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The Vogt Awards define innovation as a new idea or the invention of a new product or service that creates customer demand, aligning with the foundation's strategic priority to support groundbreaking advancements. Stronger consideration is given to applications that demonstrate leveraging technology for customer service, competitive advantage, or market evolution, and those that utilize technology in new or unique ways. This focus on technological advancement is a core tenet of the program's theory of change, believing that such innovation is key to sustainable business growth and regional prosperity. Additionally, the program prioritizes businesses with a protectable advantage (intellectual asset) in the market and a scalable business model that promises quick revenue growth and improving profitability. The exclusion of businesses requiring long regulatory approval cycles, such as new drug companies, further refines the focus to innovations that can more rapidly enter and impact the market. Expected outcomes include the successful development and scaling of innovative products and services, leading to increased customer demand and economic benefits within the Louisville Metro area. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses successfully launched or expanded, job creation, and revenue generation by award recipients.

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.

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.

Special Projects grants are available for Mercer County-based nonprofits and government units that present special New Jersey/Mercer County (including local) history programs or events. These grants support specific history-related activities such as exhibitions, educational projects, and preservation efforts. A 1:1 match is required, but 50% of this match can be in-kind. The application deadline is July 1, 2024.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

New Jersey's Electric School Bus Grant Program aims to transition the state's school bus fleets to electric power, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-powered buses that constitute over 99% of the 21,700 registered school buses. This initiative seeks to improve the health of students and residents in communities by funding electric school bus implementation. Eligible applicants include school districts that own buses and school bus contractors working with schools, focusing on promoting equity across different regions and prioritizing applications from Overburdened Communities. The program provides $15 million annually for three years, with application details and more information available through provided webinars and the program’s dedicated webpage.

The Fund for Women and Girls (FWG), a field-of-interest fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of economically vulnerable women and children in greater Mercer County. This grant program aligns directly with the Community Foundation’s broader mission to enhance the quality of life for the most vulnerable in its regional footprint. It achieves this by investing in the community, providing educational opportunities, and fostering collaborative efforts with organizations that actively embrace diversity and inclusion. The FWG's commitment to diversity is comprehensive, encompassing age, race, gender identity, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability, ensuring a wide-reaching and equitable approach to its philanthropic efforts. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are economically vulnerable women and children residing in Mercer County, New Jersey. The impact goals are centered on creating tangible improvements in their lives through support for various vital services and programs. These include early childhood education, childcare, and critical physical and mental health services for women and children, including prenatal care. The program also aims to foster leadership and mentoring opportunities, particularly for middle and high school girls, and support workforce development initiatives for women to enhance their economic stability and self-sufficiency. The FWG prioritizes projects and programs, as well as operating expenses, that fall within specific eligible categories. These categories reflect the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change, which posits that investing in these areas will lead to significant positive outcomes for women and children. Key focus areas include combating domestic violence and providing prevention services, alongside offering comprehensive parenting and family support services. The emphasis on these areas indicates a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable populations, aiming to build stronger, healthier families and communities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of programs supported, the expected outcomes revolve around improved access to essential services, enhanced educational attainment, better health outcomes, increased economic independence for women, and a reduction in domestic violence. The grant typically provides one-year awards, mostly up to $25,000, which suggests an emphasis on supporting impactful, short-term to medium-term projects that can demonstrate clear progress within a year. The requirement for applicants to be tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations, publicly supported charities, and registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs ensures accountability and good standing, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to effective and responsible community investment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The ARPA Aid to Nonprofits Grant (Round 5) is administered by the United Way of Walworth County (UWWC) as an ARPA Subrecipient through Walworth County. This program is designed to disburse $48,442.29 to local nonprofit (501c3 and 501c19) organizations. The core mission of this grant is to mitigate the negative economic impacts experienced by these organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the period between March 3, 2021, and September 30, 2024. The UWWC's role as an administrator aligns with its broader mission of supporting the community and addressing critical needs, in this case, by strengthening the financial resilience of local nonprofits that serve Walworth County residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant are 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 non-profit organizations whose principal place of business, business operations, and service recipients are all located within Walworth County. The primary impact goal is to alleviate the financial strain caused by the pandemic on these essential community organizations, thereby enabling them to continue their vital services without interruption or reduction. This grant aims to ensure that local nonprofits remain robust and capable of supporting the community through various programs and services that may have been jeopardized by economic hardship. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic within the specified timeframe. A key focus is also on ensuring accountability and proper fund distribution, as evidenced by the requirement for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number before any award checks are disbursed. This focus on verifiable impact and organizational capacity ensures that funds are directed to those most in need and capable of effective utilization. Expected outcomes include enhanced stability and operational capacity for local nonprofits. Measurable results would involve the number of organizations supported, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, qualitative reports from grantees on how the funds helped them recover or sustain operations during the pandemic. By supporting these organizations, the UWWC contributes to the overall well-being and recovery of Walworth County, reflecting a strategic priority of community resilience. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing direct financial aid to local nonprofits, the UWWC can effectively counter the economic fallout of the pandemic, thus indirectly supporting the many individuals and families served by these organizations and strengthening the social fabric of the county.

The FY24 New Jersey Youth Corps (NJYC) Continuation Grant is a grant opportunity available to current FY 2023 NJYC grantees. The purpose of the grant is to implement a statewide coordinated service system to assist disconnected out-of-school youth, aged 16-25, without a high school diploma, in reengaging with educational, training, and employment opportunities for long-term career development. The NJYC program will provide full-time, cohort-based education, community service learning projects, individual counseling, and transition services to help Corpsmembers overcome barriers, obtain a high school diploma or measurable skill gain, and transition to a qualified post-corps placement along a career pathway. The grant program will run from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and is part of a 4-year grant cycle. The funds awarded through this grant can be used for various purposes related to the NJYC program. Interested applicants should contact Patricia Jordan from the Division of Workforce Development for technical assistance. It is important to note that this grant opportunity is only available to current FY 2023 NJYC grantees.