Best Homelessness Grants in New Jersey

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Cigna Foundation is dedicated to enhancing veteran mental health through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative targets the alarming issue of homelessness among veterans, with nearly 40,000 veterans without shelter nightly and 1.5 million at risk. By funding evidence-informed programs, the foundation aims to increase access to permanent housing, improve affordability, and provide essential wraparound services, ultimately fostering mental health stability and resilience within veteran communities.

The Edith P. C. Taylor Charitable Trust Grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that serve the homeless in Morristown and Dover, New Jersey. It prioritizes initiatives in Arts and Culture, Health and Medical Research, and Human and Social Services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, as individuals are not permitted to apply. This grant seeks to promote effective support for vulnerable populations in the local community.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

The McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth-Year 1 Competitive grant, funded by the New Jersey Department of Education, aims to enhance educational opportunities for homeless children and youth. Through regional partnerships, the program provides leadership, technical assistance, and supplemental academic support to ensure that all affected students have access to quality education and necessary resources. This initiative strives to improve educational equity across New Jersey's local education agencies.

The HIV AIDS Ryan White Part B Supplemental Grant Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Health, provides essential funding for transitional housing and comprehensive medical support for individuals with HIV facing housing instability. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and ensure continuity of care for homeless or unstably housed persons living with HIV, promoting overall wellness and stability in their lives.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Another Chance Program aims to provide temporary housing assistance for offenders and ex-offenders at risk of homelessness in New Jersey. Targeted individuals are those referred by the State Parole Board who lack an approved residence. The program offers support for up to six months and is primarily funded for a total of $600,000. Eligible applicants are nonprofit emergency shelter providers with licensed facilities in the state, ensuring immediate housing solutions for those in need.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

The Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention (OEHP) program, initiated by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, aims to combat housing instability by consolidating critical funding streams for eviction defense and homelessness prevention. This program provides essential financial assistance, legal support, and resource navigation to households facing imminent eviction. By adopting a Housing First framework, OEHP ensures timely intervention to prevent homelessness, thereby stabilizing families and promoting safe, permanent housing solutions.

The Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention RFP aims to provide essential support services, including legal assistance and case management, to low-income tenants at risk of eviction in New Jersey. By consolidating funding streams, this program addresses the critical issue of homelessness, which affects over 58% of admissions annually in the state. With an estimated $7 million in funding, the initiative seeks to prevent displacement and ensure access to necessary resources for vulnerable households.

The George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New Jersey that focus on community welfare. Established by George A. Ohl, Jr. through a testamentary bequest, the foundation aims to enhance the well-being of state residents. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, with around 25 grants awarded annually. The foundation prioritizes programs that assist the poor, improve living conditions, and provide care for vulnerable populations.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The NJ Youth Workforce Investment Grant Program aims to provide essential workforce experience services to at-risk youth, including those in foster care, homeless youth, and English Language Learners. The program focuses on improving workplace behavior, developing personal attributes, and equipping participants with the skills necessary for employment and career advancement. By fostering public/private partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance training and employment opportunities for the Hispanic community in New Jersey.

The David and Marilyn Krupnick Foundation Grant offers funding to non-profit organizations that benefit children and families in need, focusing on medical care, educational advancement, and social interaction. Preference is given to projects in the Delaware Valley area. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 and applications are accepted annually until February 28. The foundation aims to provide direct support to impactful charitable initiatives.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

The Passaic County Children’s Support Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, aims to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping abused or homeless children in Passaic County. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, this initiative focuses on providing emergency shelter, trauma-informed care, educational support, and basic needs assistance. The foundation emphasizes equity-driven, community-based solutions to address the needs of historically underserved populations.

The Conscious Kids Grant, established by Marlee-Jo Jacobson, aims to support at-risk children and families in underserved communities. With an average grant size of $10,000 to $20,000, the foundation prioritizes educational support and life enhancement services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve specific counties in New York and New Jersey. The grant focuses on assisting homeless youth, children in foster care, and those with disabilities, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

About Us

Our Vision: Thriving Philanthropy, Thriving Communities

The Princeton Area Community Foundation is the philanthropic nexus of central New Jersey. We’re committed to helping our region and its residents – and especially its children – thrive.

As a robust foundation with more than $260 million in assets, we help individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds to meet the challenges of changing times. As a community leader we invest and administer these funds, award grants and scholarships, and promote philanthropy and encourage meaningful collaboration, all under the direction of a knowledgeable team.

As your community foundation, we provide services, guidance, and partnership. It’s our job to help you exercise generosity here, and to bring philanthropists together for maximum impact. We strive toward a vibrant, engaged, equitable community, from which all will benefit.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants provide support to nonprofits working to address the needs of under-resourced individuals, families, and communities in our regional footprint.

Our Community Impact Grant opportunity is focused serving children, families, and communities most impacted by poverty. In 2026, there will be one cycle to apply. Eligible nonprofits in our region may apply for unrestricted funding. If you have received funding through the Summer Initiatives grant, you still may apply for Community Impact Grants. If you have received a 2025 multi-year award, you will not be eligible to apply in 2026.

Funding considerations will prioritize requests that address under-resourced populations in our region such as children and adolescents, low-income seniors, returning citizens, immigrants, victims of domestic abuse, and others.

Funding priorities for this grant cycle:

• Education/Workforce Development
• Critical Needs (Food Security, Homelessness, Mental Health)
• Community/Capacity Building

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.