Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in New Jersey

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and incorporated synagogues or churches launching Jewish values-based programs in New Jersey can receive up to US $5,000 for new, innovative, or expanding initiatives. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation of Southern New Jersey prioritize projects benefiting Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester county residents, especially ongoing, collaborative efforts addressing emerging community needs.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for up to US $25,000 to run programs that transform the lives of women and girls and strengthen the broader community. JWF of New Jersey supports initiatives rooted in Jewish values, including those focused on women’s rights, safety, health, and Jewish culture, primarily in Essex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.

Jewish nonprofits working on Judaism or Jewish culture, including those serving New Jersey communities, can apply for Zera Foundation’s grants to support programs improving quality and equality of life. Funding priorities include poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based organizations, with interest in new programs, direct services, and strong volunteer engagement.

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) or registered charity Jewish organizations in New Jersey and across North America can apply for the Wexner Davidson Fellowship. This three-year program offers intensive leadership training, Jewish learning, coaching, professional development funds, and access to a global network of Jewish community leaders.

Jewish nonprofits and community organizations in New Jersey with innovative, charitable projects can access funding through the I Could Do Great Things Foundation to turn concrete ideas into reality. Individuals and businesses with education, community, or Jewish-focused initiatives may be eligible, provided their plans have clear public benefit and do not fund organizational overhead or profit-making ventures.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community on women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity can apply for Hadassah Foundation’s Core Grants, offering up to US $80,000 over three years. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, this program provides program-based or unrestricted support for U.S. and Israeli initiatives using a gender lens.

Jewish nonprofits in New Jersey can apply for US $500 - US $2,000 to support programs in food access, health care, housing, education, job training, or nonprofit sustainability. Jewish Women's Federation of Southern New Jersey provides these grants for work serving Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties and strengthening Jewish life and community.

Jewish and community-based nonprofits in New Jersey can seek one-year program grants to enhance and transform the Greater MetroWest area, with awards up to US $20,000 for elderly care, Jewish education, and care for the needy. The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ accepts one application per organization across eligible local counties.

Jewish nonprofits and community organizations serving Judaism or Jewish culture in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, or Israel’s Akko and Matte Asher region, can seek project or capital support through the Thomases Family Endowment. With a mission to promote tzedakah, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides US $1,500 - US $22,000 to eligible applicants with a U.S. mailing address.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in New Jersey working on Holocaust education, interfaith understanding, or combating antisemitism may be eligible for support from the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute, part of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Projects using Holocaust history to promote dialogue and challenge hatred, including Jewish cultural and educational initiatives, are encouraged.

Jewish educational nonprofits in New Jersey can apply for Covenant Foundation Signature and Ignition Grants to develop or test innovative, financially responsible approaches to Jewish education that can be adapted in other settings. Grants from Covenant Foundation support tax-exempt organizations in North America, including schools, JCCs, camps, museums, and similar institutions, with awards up to US $35,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or education programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically around US $5,000. New Jersey Jewish nonprofits with secular, non-religious programming for youth may be eligible if their primary mission is supporting America’s children and their families.

Jewish and other community-focused nonprofits addressing Judaism and Jewish culture in New Jersey may be eligible for funding to meet social and spiritual needs in multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and public settings. Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help organizations in Israel and North America strengthen civic leadership, urban planning, and community chaplaincy; letters of inquiry are accepted year-round.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in New Jersey or with a fiscal sponsor can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Jewish Community support to advance education, advocacy, and experiential projects. Eligible programs may combat antisemitism, address social issues like climate or gun violence, or enhance contemporary Jewish life, including nationally implemented initiatives.

Jewish organizations and nonprofits supporting young people with disabilities or related social services, including those in New Jersey, can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts grants, with awards up to US $40,000. Programs connected to Judaism or Jewish culture, Muskogee-area nonprofits, and causes important to the Kirschner family may be prioritized.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in New Jersey and beyond can seek support for programs that strengthen Jewish life, protect and nurture children, and address basic needs. Focused on Judaism and Jewish culture, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation also funds initiatives in Israel, mental health and substance abuse, and food security.

JFO Music & Cultural Arts Programs

This scholarship opportunity is available year-round.

The current program requirements include the following:

• Scholarships are awarded on a financial-need basis.
• Scholarships are available only to Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.

The JUF Springboard Access Grant aims to make Jewish programming more accessible for teens in grades 8-12 in the Chicago area. This grant covers up to 50% of the tuition costs for first-time participants in multi-day programs organized by approved Jewish nonprofits. It encourages teens to engage with their community and explore new interests while ensuring financial barriers are lowered. Eligible teens are expected to share their experiences with the organization after participating.

Jewish philanthropic, education, children’s welfare, and health-focused nonprofits in New Jersey can access funding through the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation for program or project support. U.S.-registered organizations working in these areas may submit a required online Preliminary Inquiry and, if invited, apply for grants under the foundation’s competitive national program.

JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship

The JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery, honors the memory of Dr. Robert’s son, David. The program provides financial support to students from San Diego’s Jewish community pursuing college or vocational education, and encourages them to cultivate intellectual curiosity, reflect on Jewish values, and give back to their community.

Scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

Students are eligible to receive up to a total of four (4) years of JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship funding, and the funding years do not have to be consecutive. Scholarships are made on a year-to-year basis and are not automatically renewed. Scholarship recipients must submit a new application and the required documentation in compliance with the application deadlines, stated herein, for each year that they seek funding.

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the academic institution the student is attending solely for use toward qualifying academic expenses, including tuition, school-provided housing, books, school fees, or required academic supplies/equipment. Should the recipient not matriculate college by the date listed in the award, he or she agrees to forfeit the scholarship award.

Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides New Jersey Jewish nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support 501(c)(3) work tied to Israel’s general welfare, care for the sick or aged, South Florida education, or faith-supported services. U.S.-based Jewish organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible, including those assisting communities in Israel.

The Mildred Soefer Scholarship Fund Award offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may cover tuition, books, and living expenses. This fund aims to foster educational growth within the community and encourages applicants to apply for multiple awards they may qualify for.

Scholars engaged in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research on Jewish history or culture can apply for American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee fellowships, including applicants from New Jersey. Awards of US $2,500 support research conducted in the JDC Archives and require fellows to deliver a public presentation on their findings.

The Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award supports high school women from Southern New Jersey who are pursuing college education with a focus on entrepreneurship. Established in memory of Patrice Faye Cohen, a successful business owner, this scholarship aims to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to their studies and entrepreneurial aspirations, with financial support available for tuition and related expenses.

The Robert L. Schattner Scholarship Fund, managed by the Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship can be applied towards tuition, books, or living expenses. This initiative aims to foster educational advancement within the Jewish community, encouraging students to achieve their academic goals.

The Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, provides financial support for high school students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. Open to applicants of the Jewish faith, this award prioritizes those from single-parent households, orphans, or foster children. Interested candidates must submit a personal narrative detailing their qualifications. The foundation, established in 1979, is a leading community resource in South Jersey, managing over $35 million in assets.

About JCF

• Extensive History: Founded in 1979 as the Bequest & Endowment Society of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. is a separately-incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• Community Leadership: With upwards of $35 million in funds under management, and with an estimated $40 million in future expected endowment assets, the JCF has grown into the leading community foundation in South Jersey.

JCF Scholarship Awards are available for all students pursuing post-high school education and who are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in full-time studies for the Fall 2026 school year or for experiential travel in the upcoming year.

Who May Apply for JCF Scholarship Awards?

• Local Residents: An applicant's home residence must be in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County ("B/C/G County) in Southern New Jersey, but noting the following exceptions:
  • Stuart & Marylee Alperin Jewish Communal Service Professional Development Award: Must be a B/C/G County resident OR reside elsewhere in Southern New Jersey;
  • Jewish War Veterans Post 126 Award: Applicant may live outside the B/C/G County area, but is a child or grandchild of a JWV Post 126 member in good standing;
  • Col. David Marcus Memorial Award: Priority will be given to B/C/G County residents

• Candidates Who Qualify Based on Award Criteria: To determine which award(s) to apply for, a prospective applicant should review each award's criteria, and apply accordingly. Note that criteria can vary per award based on such requirements as an applicant's age, merit vs. financial need, gender, etc. Most, but not all, awards are for applicants of Jewish faith. An applicant may apply to multiple awards each year.
• Reapplying: Each award is for a one-year time period. Applicants may reapply in subsequent years to any JCF award for which they qualify.

Valerie Gladfelter Scholarship Award

The Valerie Gladfelter Scholarship Award is for Jewish girls and women residing in Burlington, Camden or Gloucester Counties who plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college or university degree-related program.