Best Essex County Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey offers renewal grants aimed at reducing health disparities for at-risk individuals and families in Newark and the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest NJ. These grants support various projects including program grants, capital requests, and capacity-building initiatives that enhance healthcare access and quality. Applications are accepted quarterly, with eligibility limited to tax-exempt organizations serving specified communities. Note that individual support and non-healthcare-related projects are not funded.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

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.

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.

The Citi Foundation's Global Innovation Challenge invites proposals from community organizations worldwide developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth aged 15 to 24. This initiative aims to enhance youth employability, addressing global unemployment challenges faced by millions. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial education to empower young people. The deadline for application registration is March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

Impact100 Essex is a women-led giving circle dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities in Essex County, NJ. Each year, they award a $100,000 grant to support innovative projects from local non-profits. The grants aim to foster measurable, sustainable change, encouraging organizations to expand their impact. Eligible applicants must operate within Essex County and be established 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring they meet the community's most pressing needs.

The Pathways to Recovery - Round 2 NGO grant aims to support individuals impacted by the opioid epidemic through training, career services, and employment opportunities. It will award funds to five organizations across New Jersey's North, Central, and South regions. The initiative focuses on enhancing workforce readiness and providing essential supportive services, fostering effective transitions to employment over a 24-month period starting June 1, 2025.

Benjamin Moore & Co. Charitable Giving is dedicated to uplifting North American communities through support for educational programs, housing development, and preservation efforts. They focus on workforce development, community transformation, and sustainable practices. The initiative emphasizes philanthropy through financial and in-kind donations, alongside volunteer work from employees. Partnering with various organizations, they aim to create lasting impacts on local communities while adhering to strict eligibility criteria for support.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Kayasa Foundation Grant aims to uplift individuals from poverty and foster self-reliance. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the NYC area that provide tools and resources for housing and employment. Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 annually for up to three years. Applicants must use the NY/NJ Common Application Form and submit proposals via email by the specified deadline. This initiative is designed to empower the most needy through targeted support.

The Love Your Block Mini-Grant, funded by the City of Newark, aims to enhance community engagement and beautification efforts. This program invites individuals, resident groups, and community organizations to apply for funding to tackle blight through various projects, such as litter reduction and revitalization of public spaces. Grants up to $5,000 will support initiatives that foster pride in neighborhoods and involve local volunteers. Applications are subject to review, ensuring alignment with community needs and city objectives.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Health Care Foundation of the Oranges (HCFO) addresses critical public health challenges in East Orange, Orange, Irvington, and West Newark. By supporting local nonprofits focused on mental health, food security, and health education, HCFO aims to promote wellness and eliminate barriers to healthy living for vulnerable communities, including the elderly and those in financial distress. Their commitment ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

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.

The New York Mets Donation Requests support non-profit organizations in the tri-state area by providing ticket donations. Requests must be submitted three weeks before the event, and only one request is allowed per organization within a year. Donations are strictly for charitable purposes and cannot be used for personal items or online auctions. The program does not accommodate requests from September 1 to February 28/29. This initiative aims to assist local fundraising efforts while ensuring fair access to resources.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers Community Grants to support organizations in New York and New Jersey addressing economic security for low-income Korean and Asian Americans. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects focused on education, workforce development, and community advocacy. Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum operational history of six months. KACF prioritizes comprehensive support and measurable outcomes in its funding decisions.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The Patrina Foundation Grant supports educational, cultural, and social service organizations, primarily in the New York Metropolitan area. The foundation focuses on enhancing the skills and leadership abilities of girls and women through general operating support, program support, and funding for pilot projects. Grants are available exclusively to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants may apply once a year, ensuring a dedicated approach to community improvement.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

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 TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.