Best Bergen County Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The New Jersey Historical Commission offers Project Grants aimed at engaging diverse audiences in exploring and preserving New Jersey's rich history. These grants support high-quality projects that broaden access to historical resources and strengthen local history organizations. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations committed to professional standards in their work. By focusing on underrepresented aspects of history, these grants ensure a more inclusive understanding of New Jersey's heritage.

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) offers General Operating Support Grants to enhance the preservation and understanding of New Jersey's history. Established in 2000, this program aims to support organizations engaged in historical research and public engagement. The grants foster innovation and excellence, promoting underrepresented aspects of New Jersey history and broadening access to historical resources for diverse communities. Through various initiatives, NJHC strives to strengthen local history organizations and ensure the state's rich heritage is preserved and appreciated.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts offers General Operating Support (GOS) grants to organizations dedicated to the arts. These grants provide annual funding for operational costs and typically come with a three-year commitment. Organizations are encouraged to consult with Arts Council staff regarding eligibility before applying. The program aims to enhance public interest, promote freedom of expression, and ensure that art is an integral part of public spaces in New Jersey.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts offers General Program Support (GPS) grants aimed at funding ongoing public arts programs that meet specific eligibility criteria. These grants typically involve a three-year commitment and require a 3:1 match, meaning for every dollar received, three must be raised or earned. Funding availability is contingent on the state budget, and new applicants are encouraged to consult with Arts Council staff before applying.

The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of State's Division of Travel and Tourism, aims to enhance tourism in New Jersey by funding marketing initiatives. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 support projects like brochure creation, event marketing, and comprehensive marketing plans. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to tourism and provide a 25% match from non-state sources. This program fosters economic growth and promotes New Jersey as a leading travel destination.

The Neag Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in education, healthcare, and the arts. Supporting initiatives in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the foundation focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, advancing healthcare interventions, and promoting the arts and humanities. By encouraging innovative projects that receive community support, it seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities that align with these goals.

The NJ Child Care Facility Grant provides financial assistance to licensed child care centers for site remediation costs, with grants up to $1,500. Eligible applicants must meet specific qualifications, including completing a Preliminary Assessment Report per NJ regulations. This funding aims to support child care providers in maintaining safe environments for children, while certain costs, such as site investigation fees, are excluded from coverage.

The Walking Classroom Grant Program, offered by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, enables classroom teachers in public schools to receive donated materials for their students. This innovative program promotes physical activity while maintaining instructional time through engaging podcasts. Ideal for grades 3-8, it enhances cognitive function and retention. Schools with the greatest need, both socioeconomically and academically, are prioritized, ensuring that all students can benefit from this unique educational approach.

The NJ eMobility Rolling Grant Program aims to reduce transportation emissions in New Jersey, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. By promoting electric mobility solutions like rideshare and electric vehicle infrastructure, the program addresses health disparities linked to pollution. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and scalability, ensuring access to clean transportation options while improving air quality and public health. The funding prioritizes shovel-ready projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of community needs.

The NJ Radon Awareness Program Grant aims to provide funding for radon testing in New Jersey municipalities, health departments, schools, and non-profit agencies focused on weatherization. Grants will reimburse costs up to $2000 per entity, including shipping. Selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis, making it essential for interested parties to apply promptly to secure funding for this important public health initiative.

The NJ WorkClean Diesel Modernization Grant Program aims to improve air quality by funding diesel-to-diesel and diesel-to-electric projects. It targets older diesel vehicles and equipment that contribute to air pollution, particularly in overburdened communities. This reimbursement program supports replacing marine engines and non-road diesel vehicles while promoting the electrification of on-road diesel vehicles, such as school buses and garbage trucks, to enhance public health and environmental standards.

The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI) aims to enhance access to funding for faith and community-based organizations. Their Social Innovation Program includes initiatives like the College Readiness Program, which supports young individuals in accessing higher education, and the Trade Readiness Program, designed to connect participants with trade schools and apprenticeship opportunities. These programs work to foster community and economic transformation through innovative approaches.

The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI) aims to enhance the capacity of faith and community-based organizations to address community issues. The program supports diverse projects including civic engagement, food security, and services for seniors, focusing on innovative approaches to create meaningful change. By fostering partnerships and providing resources, OFBI is committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations and facilitating community-driven solutions.

Project ATLAS, initiated by the New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives, aims to enhance the sustainability of faith and community-based organizations (FBCOs). This capacity-building program provides essential grants, technical assistance, and personalized coaching designed to empower FBCOs in delivering quality social services. By eliminating barriers to funding, Project ATLAS fosters innovative solutions for community and economic transformation, ultimately benefiting those in need across New Jersey.

The Freedom School Planning Grants, offered by the New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives, aim to support organizations launching NJ Freedom Schools. These grants assist in developing organizational capacity and recruiting certified teachers to help students struggling academically. Additionally, they provide resources for a parent academy focused on employment readiness, mental health services, and connecting families to community resources, ultimately fostering academic success and community engagement.

The NJ Hispanic Entrepreneurship Assistance Grant Program supports the growth of Hispanic businesses by providing culturally relevant education and mentorship. Managed by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD), this initiative aims to empower new entrepreneurs and enhance community development. Eligible applicants can seek funding for multiple programs, focusing on enhancing public-private partnerships and training opportunities. This grant is essential for fostering economic stability within the Hispanic community, promoting leadership, and ensuring long-term success.

The NJ Citizenship and Integration Program aims to enhance citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents. It focuses on improving English proficiency, U.S. history knowledge, and civic understanding while providing assistance for naturalization applications. With a funding limit of $80,000, the program supports initiatives that promote cultural integration, leadership development, and access to essential legal services, fostering inclusive communities throughout New Jersey.

The NJ Workforce Development Supportive Services Program aims to enhance employment opportunities for adults and dislocated workers, particularly within the Latino community. This initiative focuses on job readiness, placement, and support services to foster economic self-sufficiency. By partnering with community organizations, the program seeks to equip participants with vital skills and resources, ultimately promoting long-term employment success and community engagement.

The Dementia CAReS Grants aim to enhance the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities affected by dementia. By providing funding, training, and support, this initiative focuses on developing actionable strategies within Tribal and Urban Indian settings. Key activities include establishing a network of dementia champions and promoting local best practices. The goal is to empower communities to improve dementia care and outcomes through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.

The Baptist Foundation of South Carolina supports churches and ministries with grants aimed at 'Kingdom Growth' projects. Their mission focuses on utilizing God-given resources to enhance community impact. Grant requests are open to religious and charitable organizations that align with their purpose. Priority is given to local Baptist associations and convention entities. Eligible projects can receive up to 80% funding, ensuring that impactful ministry initiatives thrive within the community.

The Community Care Grant, offered by the Banfield Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations and local/state government agencies in providing affordable veterinary care to owned pets. Since 2015, the foundation has aimed to enhance preventive care through grants and partnerships, helping pets in crisis and underserved communities across the U.S. This initiative ensures that essential veterinary services are accessible to all pet owners, fostering a better world for pets.

The URM Travel Grants, established by the American Economic Association (AEA), support junior faculty from underrepresented minority groups in economics, including American Indian, Black, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander individuals. These grants cover up to $1,000 in expenses for meals, travel, lodging, and conference registration to attend the annual ASSA meetings. The initiative aims to enhance the professional development of URM junior faculty and promote diversity within the economics field.

The Emergency Educational Grants offer vital financial support of up to $5,000 for undergraduate students who are children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. This grant is renewable for one year and is intended solely for educational purposes, helping cover costs such as tuition and books. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited U.S. college or university, while being unmarried and under 24 years old during the application year.

Cornerstone Grants

Do you volunteer with a nonprofit organization? Would you like additional funding to start or enhance a service project? Organize your own service project!

We know that as an Elks scholar, you already uphold the cornerstones of the Foundation: knowledge, integrity, charity and community. Now, we want to help you do more! The ENF is offering fifteen $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project. We are also offering six $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

Looking for project ideas?

Consider a cause that you are passionate about and partner with an organization addressing that need.

Talk to your sponsoring lodge about what sort of service project they’d like to see at the Lodge. Ask them about charitable projects they are currently involved with, and see if there are any projects they’d like to see enhanced. You can find contact information for a Lodge near you here.

Funding

• The ENF is offering twenty $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project.
• We are also offering fifteen $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

The Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust, established in 2002, focuses on supporting organizations that aid the visually impaired, religious institutions aligned with the Episcopal Church, and services for the homeless or substance-dependent. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 are offered for impactful projects. Priority is given to organizations in New Jersey, particularly those enhancing capacity or making capital improvements. Applications must include a detailed budget and project outline.