Best Essex County Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Essex County, New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Organizations serving youth, child welfare, children with disabilities, or related human and social services in communities where Costco operates may be eligible, with applications reviewed in about 4–6 weeks.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to social problems can apply for Creag Foundation’s invitation-only funding, which may include Essex County, New Jersey. Support can back new or evolving human services, health, environment, arts, literacy, safety, or community development initiatives addressing unmet or existing social issues.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or arts education programs may be eligible for more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help Essex County, New Jersey nonprofits that serve large constituencies and demonstrate measurable, lasting impact in culture-focused work.

Nonprofit charities in Essex County, New Jersey seeking support for humanitarian, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy program. Grants from Roche help accredited charities worldwide deliver innovative, sustainable initiatives that can engage Roche expertise, logistics, and employees in local social, educational, cultural, and community-focused activities.

Essex County pre-K–12 public, charter, and nonprofit private schools with at least 65% of students on free or reduced lunch, plus eligible local nonprofits, can receive up to US $1,500 for educational field trip expenses. Grants from Community Foundation of New Jersey support trips to arts and cultural venues, historical sites, nature preserves, science institutions, and college campuses.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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 Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Essex County, New Jersey working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek storytelling project support through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation. With a mission to partner with community-focused groups, the foundation provides more than US $50,000 to help capture and share the real-world impact of their work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Essex County, New Jersey supporting self-identifying women, girls, gender non-conforming individuals in female spaces, or women with their children can seek up to US $5,000 for impactful, time-sensitive projects or self-contained expenses. Grants from Jewish Women's Foundation of New Jersey prioritize smaller-budget organizations in northern-central New Jersey communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Essex County, New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. These grants support charitable organizations seeking to create positive change and respect for people, life, and the environment, and may benefit a wide range of local nonprofit programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or environmental programs in Essex County, New Jersey may be eligible for this community-focused funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects near its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability for local residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Essex County, New Jersey that support basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment or workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence may be eligible for TJX Foundation grants. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX location, meet mission and nondiscrimination criteria, and complete an eligibility questionnaire before submitting a letter of inquiry.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving women and girls in Essex County, New Jersey can seek funding for programs that promote social change and improve quality of life. The JWF of New Jersey Spring Grant Cycle – Large Grants offers up to US $25,000 for initiatives aligned with its mission, with a focus on New Jersey-based projects.

Essex County, New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities seeking capital funding for facilities, renovations, or equipment can access funding through the Hyde and Watson Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Eligible projects span human services, education, health, arts and culture, environment, and animal welfare, with spring and fall grant cycles each year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with health-related projects serving Essex County, New Jersey communities can seek up to US $10,000 to launch new initiatives or purchase necessary equipment. Overlook Foundation supports programs that align with Overlook Medical Center’s mission to build healthier communities within its broader regional catchment area.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Medical students pursuing MD or DO degrees who have lived in Adirondack Park or designated upstate New York counties and plan to practice in underserved areas can receive scholarship support for their education. With a mission to expand educational pathways, Adirondack Foundation provides competitive awards up to US $10,000 through the Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Essex County, New Jersey can apply for PSEG Foundation’s Neighborhood Partners Program, which provides US $500 - US $15,000 for program and capacity-building support. Funding focuses on environmental sustainability, social justice, equity, and economic empowerment, including clean energy, environmental justice, food security, workforce development, STEM education, and neighborhood revitalization.

Grants from Mutual of America Foundation help Essex County, New Jersey nonprofits that lead strong cross-sector community partnerships gain national recognition and support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working with public, private, or social sector partners on significant social issues may be selected through this annual Community Partnership Award competition.

501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on community development in Essex County, New Jersey can seek US $20,000 - US $1,000,000 to advance economic opportunity and mobility in low- and moderate-income communities. With a mission to strengthen communities, Goldman Sachs Bank USA supports affordable housing, essential services, small business growth, and neighborhood revitalization in eligible New Jersey counties.