Best Bergen County Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, provides funding for innovative recycling projects. This program aims to enhance recycling demonstration, research, and education initiatives. Eligible projects must align with the objectives of the REA, focusing on professional training and community outreach. The grants are funded through the State Recycling Fund, ensuring sustainable support for environmental initiatives.

The ACS Award for Encouraging Underrepresented and Economically Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals who inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in chemical sciences and engineering. This award includes a $5,000 honorarium and a $10,000 grant for an academic institution to enhance its outreach efforts. It aims to foster inclusivity and appreciation for chemistry as a vital science, promoting equal opportunities regardless of personal characteristics.

The HOME Community Housing Development Organizations program in New Jersey aims to provide funding for creating affordable housing units for low-income households. This initiative is targeted at certified non-profit developers with proven experience in affordable housing development and management, ensuring they meet specific criteria set by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The program supports various project-related costs while excluding ineligible activities like public housing modernization.

The RFA - Housing Production Investment Fund aims to enhance affordable housing availability by leveraging federal HOME funds. This program, established under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, provides state and local governments with essential resources to create decent housing for low- and very low-income households. It also strengthens governmental capacity and promotes private sector participation, thereby expanding the role of nonprofit housing providers in community development.

The New Jersey Healthy Homes Initiative Grants aim to support New Jersey FamilyCare Members at risk of homelessness or institutionalization. This program, in collaboration with the Department of Community Affairs, focuses on constructing and renovating affordable, community-based housing. By providing essential resources for maintaining and managing these homes, the initiative seeks to enhance housing stability and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations throughout New Jersey.

The National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) in New Jersey aims to bolster affordable housing initiatives for extremely low-income households. This program supports the development and preservation of safe, decent rental housing for those earning 30% or less of the Area Median Income. With a commitment to maintain these units for at least 30 years, the NHTF complements existing federal, state, and local housing efforts while offering technical assistance to applicants through workshops and one-on-one consultations.

The Discover NJ History License Plate Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to enhance heritage tourism in New Jersey. Supported by sales of the Discover NJ History license plate, this fund aims to develop visitor-ready sites. Eligible activities include visitor assessments, signage design, and website development. The program is open year-round, with specific deadlines for applications. This initiative promotes historical awareness and preservation, ensuring New Jersey's rich history is accessible to all.

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant, offered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aims to provide funding to public water systems in small or disadvantaged communities. This initiative focuses on addressing emerging contaminants, including PFAS, ensuring safe drinking water through technical assistance, water quality testing, and community engagement. The grant supports sustainable practices and environmental justice while enhancing public health and community resilience.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking research proposals focused on Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) to enhance shared decision-making in arthritis care. Projects should aim to deepen the understanding of patient treatment goals, monitor disease activity, and improve communication of PRO data. Research can span various arthritis types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and should last up to two years. This initiative emphasizes the integration of patient perspectives to elevate care quality.

The Spring Scholarships, offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF), provide vital tuition support for students pursuing higher education, including college and professional development programs. MVCF fosters community collaboration to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of the Island. Since 1982, their commitment has been to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of Martha’s Vineyard's diverse community.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers financial support through undergraduate scholarships for up to 100 eligible college students each year. Applicants must be members of PC(USA) pursuing their first associates or bachelor's degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education while fostering a commitment to service within their communities.

The Zera Foundation Grant, established in 2011, supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon aimed at enhancing quality of life. With a focus on poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based initiatives, the Foundation seeks to fund new programs that help existing organizations achieve their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and can only receive one grant per year, ensuring a concentrated impact in their communities.

The New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research offers Individual Research Grants to foster innovative research aimed at developing interventions and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. With funding up to $200,000 annually, the program encourages independent investigators and established scientists from other fields to contribute to spinal cord research. The initiative aims to support collaborative efforts and nurture upcoming researchers, ultimately advancing the knowledge and treatment of spinal cord conditions.

The Shore Protection Program in New Jersey aims to safeguard coastal areas from storm damage, erosion, and sea-level rise. It funds projects like beach replenishment and bulkhead construction, prioritizing initiatives that enhance public access and align with state resiliency efforts. Eligible applicants include municipalities and counties, with a minimum local cost share of 25% required. This program is crucial for maintaining New Jersey's coastline and protecting vital infrastructure from natural threats.

The Las Campanas Community Scholarship Fund, managed by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, offers financial support to local students pursuing certificates, undergraduate, or graduate programs. This initiative is fueled by community donors aiming to assist their neighbors in achieving educational goals. Applicants must reside in specific zip codes and maintain a GPA above 2.49. The scholarship is renewable annually, ensuring ongoing support for students committed to their academic pursuits.

The Health Careers Scholarship of Sonoma County, administered by 10,000 Degrees, supports students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields. Established in 2001, it is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Sonoma County or graduated from its high schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide two letters of recommendation, excluding relatives. This scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals in the community.

The IEEE Oceanic Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, supports up to $5,000 for initiatives focusing on ocean engineering, including ocean protection and renewable energy. This grant aims to empower educators and professionals to engage pre-university students in STEM fields. With multiple funding levels available, this program encourages community outreach and aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators through hands-on learning and collaboration.

The NJ Water Bank Technical Assistance Planning and Design Grant provides crucial funding for disadvantaged communities to cover planning and design costs for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. This initiative supports various environmental infrastructure projects, including wastewater treatment and stormwater management facilities. Eligible applicants must meet the affordability criteria set forth by the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and have a pending project application. This grant aims to enhance water quality and accessibility.

The Arts Lab Residency Grant by Young Audiences Inc provides a unique opportunity for New Jersey schools to engage professional teaching artists for a minimum of 20 days. This residency program enhances arts education across various disciplines while fostering professional development for staff. Schools gain access to valuable programming worth $14,500, promoting long-term cultural impacts and integrating Social Emotional Learning into the curriculum. Aimed at schools serving Pre-K to 12th grade, this grant supports creative collaboration and community engagement.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The NJ Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF) Green Communities aims to support local governments in creating a Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) and conducting necessary inventories. This initiative, funded by the USDA Forest Service and the New Jersey Shade Tree Fund, offers grants up to $5,000 for a CFMP alone or $20,000 for both the CFMP and inventory. Eligible entities include municipal and county governments.

The Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on acquiring land for open space from property owners. It aims to preserve areas designated for recreation and conservation, integrating these lands into state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. The program collaborates with various DEP divisions to ensure effective land management, and it accepts donations and bequests to enhance public access to natural resources.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.