Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support, with typical awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants are generally limited to the greater Chicago area, New Jersey nonprofits with similar profiles may still find this opportunity informative when exploring small-grant models.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related fields, the American Water Works Association scholarship may benefit students connected to New Jersey institutions or water-focused nonprofit initiatives.

New Jersey agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Jersey. CSP offers five-year contracts with annual payments to maintain and improve practices that address soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and other environmental stewardship priorities on eligible operations.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides New Jersey nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource-use programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools serving New Jersey communities where Honda associates live and work can apply for this Environment Pillar Award.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advancing environmental and climate justice work in New Jersey may be eligible for funding to support grassroots organizing, advocacy, and movement-building. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led or BIPOC-accountable organizations focused on climate resilience, environmental justice, green jobs, and equitable mass transit, with a primary regional focus on New York and limited support in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

New Jersey nonprofits supporting women, children, and vulnerable families through humanitarian aid, education, job readiness, or basic needs can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective program backs projects that build self-sufficiency and resilience, including homelessness services, food security, microfinance, health care, disaster relief, and anti-human trafficking initiatives, with awards up to US $750,000.

New Jersey nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations offering nondiscriminatory social services can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Local groups in Atlantic County working on social equity, education, climate and food security, or responsible play and mental health may be considered for regional and property-based giving opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey planning sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, or resource conservation can apply for Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club Sustainability Grant, with awards of US $50,000 - US $400,000. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits strengthen environmental stewardship in eligible service-area communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in New Jersey conducting biomedical and health-related research can seek small-scale project funding that also provides research experiences for undergraduate students. The National Institutes of Health offers these AREA (R15) awards nationally, up to US $375,000, for colleges and universities that have historically received limited NIH support and award baccalaureate science degrees.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant; applicants must be based in an eligible Bank of America market and meet specific revenue, leadership, and organizational stability requirements.

New Jersey students pursuing conservation-related fields such as environmental science, forestry, soil science, or water resource management can access funding through the William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship, awarding US $2,500 to one recipient. Offered by Freehold Soil Conservation District, this scholarship supports academic advancement in natural resource protection and sustainable land use.

New Jersey accredited charities running humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts programs may be eligible for philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development. La Roche prioritizes innovative, high-quality projects that can engage its local affiliates and employees, respond to community needs, and involve collaboration with local authorities and established partners.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries, including those connected with New Jersey nonprofits, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health provide approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time and support.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 through the Best Life Community Awards. Funded organizations must impact Mercer County and be nominated by an Altra Federal Credit Union member who has supported them in the past year.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in New Jersey and New York can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to host in-person community engagement sessions on estuary issues and community needs. With a mission to protect and restore the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary, Hudson River Foundation supports sessions that especially involve multiple partners and disadvantaged or overburdened communities.

Early-career health researchers in low- or middle-income countries proposing mentored projects can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 to support 3–5 years of protected research time. This National Institutes of Health program may benefit New Jersey-based nonprofits collaborating with LMIC investigators on global health priorities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Central New Jersey can apply for up to US $12,000 to support education, arts, history, and community health and wellbeing programs. The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation prioritizes work with vulnerable residents, including the elderly and at-risk youth, and supports museums, community centers, and historic preservation projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey seeking funding for education-focused programs, youth initiatives, arts and culture, or community services may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on education and related enrichment, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust favors new or enhanced programs and short-term support to stabilize ongoing efforts.

Focused on arts, animal welfare, and environmental programs, nonprofits in New Jersey can seek funding for general operating or project support. 501(c)(3) organizations, including smaller groups under $300,000 in budget, may receive up to US $10,000, with first-time awards typically US $5,000 or less.

New Jersey nonprofits and institutions hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship that offers Biogen Foundation tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, or other recognition. Biogen considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, and evaluates requests based on alignment with its interests, event details, and geographic location.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Summit Foundation Grant aims to support various community needs in the Summit area, focusing on education, health, arts, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. The foundation encourages local nonprofits to apply for competitive grants to fund specific programs and initiatives that enhance community welfare. Eligibility requires organizations to be tax-exempt and serve Summit area residents. However, the foundation does not fund general operating support or religious programs. The goal is to create a positive impact on local communities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The Columbia Bank Foundation Community Grant Program aims to support local communities by funding innovative programs that benefit low-and-moderate income individuals. Grants between $7,501 and $15,000 are available for community-based nonprofits, civic organizations, and charities. Key focus areas include economic development, financial literacy, health services, food security, environmental sustainability, and the arts. The foundation encourages applications from eligible organizations year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that uplift communities.

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.