Best Community Development Grants in New Jersey

The Charles Hayden Foundation Grant supports institutions serving youth and young adults in Boston and metropolitan New York, prioritizing high school to post-secondary success. It emphasizes programs that demonstrate significant impact and measurable progress toward defined goals. The Foundation seeks to ensure that young people gain quality education and career opportunities, and it provides funding for initiatives that foster confidence, informed decision-making, and academic achievement among youth.

New Jersey and Philadelphia-area nonprofits providing Catholic education, human services, arts access, or civic programs can access funding for programs, operations, direct services, and capital projects through the Connelly Foundation. Organizations serving Camden County communities and demonstrating strong leadership, stability, and a track record of meeting community needs may be competitive applicants.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities with $1 million+ budgets seeking major capacity-building projects can pursue funding for capital investments, planning initiatives, or technology projects. Fidelity Foundation supports high-impact arts, education, health, conservation, and economic mobility organizations near Jersey City, including influential community development efforts that strengthen long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations working with youth in creative arts, education, health, or recreation can seek project, program, or general operating support that strengthens children, families, and communities. Focused on community development, Pincus Family Foundation invites nonprofits serving marginalized youth in New Jersey and other priority regions to begin with an online eligibility quiz, then submit a letter of inquiry year-round.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities supporting rural community vitality can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs and projects. Eligible efforts include ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development in Land O’Lakes dairy communities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, health, human services, cultural programs, or veteran support can seek funding to benefit local residents. Grants from Penn National Gaming help eligible organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties improve community infrastructure, public safety, housing, economic development, and related neighborhood revitalization efforts.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting affordable housing, early childhood and youth education, or child welfare and youth justice can apply for grants to strengthen children and families. Schumann Fund for New Jersey backs community organizing, direct programs centered on low-income children and families of color, and policy work that builds healthy, resilient communities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities serving low-income communities with community development, affordable housing, economic development, financial health, or workforce readiness programs can access $1,000,000 in unrestricted support through the Community Progress Makers Fund. Citi Foundation supports community development in New Jersey by also providing technical assistance and peer-learning opportunities over three years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey working on visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental and sustainability projects can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Funding supports general operations or specific programs, favoring smaller community-based groups that strengthen local quality of life.

New Jersey nonprofit organizations promoting economic empowerment through programs in economic stability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, financial literacy, and access to opportunities can apply for the Empower New Jersey Grant, awarding US $50,000 - US $100,000 for proven projects. This Community Foundation of New Jersey funding may benefit community development efforts across the state.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools running manufacturing workforce education programs in New Jersey can apply for American Honda Motor’s Education Pillar Award; awards US $25,000 - US $100,000 for hands-on training. Eligible initiatives build skills in design, data analytics, automation, or AI to strengthen local manufacturing career pipelines and community prosperity.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools running environmental programs can apply for $25,000 - $100,000 to support decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources initiatives. Grants from American Honda Motor help communities, including those in New Jersey, fund projects like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and greenspace improvements.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities working on arts, education, health and human services, youth, or affordable housing can access funding through Investors Foundation to strengthen local communities. Grants support civic-minded initiatives that advance community development, align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and primarily serve New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island neighborhoods.

Nonprofit organizations in Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, and Gloucester counties can seek core mission project funding to expand programs, build capacity, or improve services for women, children, families, education, and community health. Grants from Community Foundation of New Jersey help New Jersey community development groups implement $100,000+ projects aligned with these focus areas within 24 months.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education, youth programs, arts, or related initiatives can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support new or enhanced programs. Focused on education-driven impact, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prefers projects in its core regions, including work that improves quality of life for disadvantaged populations.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Montclair Fund for Women Grant supports innovative programs aimed at achieving educational success and social justice, particularly for women and girls of color in Montclair and North Essex. The fund prioritizes direct service work, community change, and projects that combat systemic racism and economic inequality. Additionally, it focuses on enriching educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. In 2025, the fund will consider multi-year grant applications, emphasizing community-driven change and empowerment.

Nonprofit organizations providing human services in New Jersey and other MGM regions can seek one-year grants for community programs addressing housing, economic opportunity, K–12 education, family services, food insecurity, health, homelessness, seniors, and veterans. Grants from MGM Resorts Foundation help community development and revitalization efforts that directly serve individuals and families.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) charities addressing the needs of older adults can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging to run innovative, program-based services rather than capital projects. Organizations serving underserved seniors, supporting caregivers, fostering intergenerational interaction, or coordinating aging-related care in the PA-NJ-NY region may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations providing education, human services, or workforce development programs in New Jersey and other Provident Bank branch communities can seek two years of flexible funding for community-enhancing initiatives. Focused on economic self-sufficiency, Provident Bank Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for program costs, overhead, equipment, or new program start-up within eligible operating budget ranges.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants to expand their impact, including in New Jersey. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo support solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that increase affordable housing choice for low- and moderate-income residents nationwide.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with $250,000–$5 million budgets and community-engaged artists working with BIPOC and underserved communities in Greater Philadelphia, including nearby New Jersey counties, can seek community-focused support through the Art Works program. Grants from Philadelphia Foundation provide US $75,000 - US $150,000 in two-year, unrestricted funding plus professional development and consulting.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania working on workforce and economic development can apply for Greenspring Advisors’ Greenspring Grant Program, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for general operations or specific programs. Community development groups focused on job training, job creation, entrepreneurship, internships, or financial literacy may be competitive.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering community development, environmental sustainability, or economic empowerment programs can access funding through the PSEG Foundation’s Neighborhood Partners Program; awards range from US $500 - US $15,000. Eligible programs must operate within PSEG’s listed New Jersey service counties and focus on program support or capacity building, including workforce development, food security, or STEM education initiatives.

Focused on community development, Goldman Sachs Bank invites New Jersey nonprofits to seek funding for affordable housing, essential services, small business growth, and neighborhood revitalization in low- and moderate-income areas. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Hudson or Essex counties can apply for US $20,000 - US $1,000,000 in general operating support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult workforce development, career navigation, and AI-readiness services, including those serving New Jersey communities, can seek US $10,000 - US $250,000 through the Inspire Awards. With a mission to build economic mobility, Truist Foundation supports training, upskilling, wraparound services, and small business-strengthening programs across its U.S. footprint.