Search Through Grants for Community Centers in New Jersey in the U.S.

Digital Equity Planning Grants 

Connect Humanity’s Digital Equity Planning Grants support communities to establish a holistic plan of action to achieve their digital equity goals.

As part of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), the US Government established Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and the Digital Equity Act (DEA). Together these programs provide $45 billion+ to support unserved and underserved communities to access the broadband, devices, and skills they need to participate fully in our digital world. Many of these communities currently lack the time, resources, and technical know-how to design the broadband plans they need to receive this funding. 

That’s why Connect Humanity supports low-income communities and communities of color to create Digital Equity Connectivity Plans. This process will identify the community’s digital needs and create a robust plan to meet them. The broadband networks that result will provide families and businesses with the reliable, affordable connectivity they need, leading to economic development, social mobility, and healthier communities.

A plan for better broadband

Efforts to bring better broadband to a community must start with a clear plan. This program provides grantees with funding and expertise to establish a holistic Digital Equity Connectivity Plan which will help them secure the partnerships and financing they need to advance internet access in their communities — and will be critical whether or not they receive government funding. We’ll tailor our support to meet you where you are, but typically we’d expect to partner with you to:

• Assess your community’s digital needs: to understand the current broadband market, where the gaps are, and the barriers to digital equity that need to be addressed.
• Create a network design: to define the technical requirements, operating and ownership model of the network.
• Build a business plan: with a sustainable revenue model, clear funding options, and a community engagement strategy.

Funding

Planning grants are a partnership effort between the community, the connectivity provider, external consultants, and Connect Humanity. The resulting Digital Equity Connectivity Plans are meant to support a community to pursue further funding for their networks and digital skills. For communities that have not completed much or any planning, more resources will be needed.

The full scope of our planning grants range from $10,000 to $120,000. This is dependent on the needs of the community. For example, while some communities have allocated public funding to support this work, others will need support for the full planning process.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

At Honda, we know the true measure of a company isn’t just great products but the impact that the company has on society. From reducing our impact on the environment to the life-saving technology in our vehicles to our associates’ community service work, we’re committed to making a difference in ways that extend across North America.

Honda Corporate Funding

Honda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision is to help people fulfill their life’s potential. We do this by supporting the communities where we live and work through financial contributions and the volunteer efforts of Honda associates. Honda offers funding opportunities for programmatic support and community event sponsorships. Each request is evaluated based on its own merit, taking into consideration community needs and available funding.

Community Event Sponsorships

As a company deeply embedded in the fabric of our communities, Honda is proud to support the places we call home. We aim to sponsor community events that celebrate and uphold the rich cultures, heritages, and traditions of the communities where we live and work. By valuing each person’s unique contributions and perspectives, Honda is committed to the collective strength of our communities. In doing so, we strive to be a company that society wants to exist.

Community event sponsorship requests can include, but not limited to parades, community festivals, galas, runs, walks.

Geographic Scope

Requests for community event sponsorships can be local, regional or national in scope, but must primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Eligible requests must serve one or more of the following states, where Honda has major operations in the U.S. and a strong community presence:

Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina,  andTexas.

TAAFF Grant Program

The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation (TAAFF)*, is a private grant-making organization with a mission to improve the lives of individuals and families.

Our priorities are derived from involvement in the local community of Central New Jersey.

We believe that the strength of a society can be measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens – we seek to provide stability and hope for the elderly and for at-risk children and youth, as well as persons suffering from illness, hunger, poverty, abuse, and chemical dependency. 

We strive to foster community involvement in education – we fund diverse educational programs. 

We place a strong priority on the improvement of our local community – we support  museums, community centers, and historic preservation.

For more than 20 years, The Baltimore Life Companies have viewed community involvement as our responsibility, not only through financial support of local organizations, but through our employees’ commitment to volunteerism. To further demonstrate our belief in good corporate citizenship, Baltimore Life has established a community grants program to help nonprofit organizations enhance the quality of life in communities—Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and the surrounding communities—where our employees live and work.

Grants of up to $500 will be awarded to multiple organizations. Our grants program is a continuation of Baltimore Life’s long-standing tradition of giving back to our communities.

Independence Public Media Foundation

The Independence Public Media Foundation connects creators, industry experts, community organizations, and philanthropists to support community-driven media-making and storytelling. We’re committed to transforming the Greater Philadelphia region into a hub for community-owned media, redefining the role of community in philanthropy, and evolving to best meet the needs of the people we serve.

Community Voices Fund

About the Fund

Independence Public Media Foundation's (IPMF) Community Voices Fund supports creative, community-centered media and media-making across Greater Philadelphia..

Grant Awards

The Community Voices Fund will award one-year, non-renewable project grants at three different amounts:

• Level 1: $10,000
  • Typically geared toward new or smaller-scale projects, community engagement, or experimentation.
• Level 2: $20,000
  • Generally seeks to support larger-scale projects or collaborations that result in innovative media that builds stronger networks and collective power.
• Level 3: $30,000
  • Will support existing programs to expand, evolve, or deepen their work focused on movement building or new, larger-scale projects that result in innovative media that builds stronger networks and collective power.

Please consider what level of funding works best for your proposed project and the scale of the work. Proposals will only be considered for the level of funding you request, so be sure to make a strong case for that tier and your project's budget. Historically, the average Community Voices grant has been $20,000. 

Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation Grant

The Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation's grant-making process is conducted by the Board Trustees in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each grant request and available funds. Even though a proposal meets established criteria, it may not be approved.

Priority Fields of Interest

The Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation awards grants to strengthen existing or seed innovative projects or programs that are central to the mission of the organization requesting funds that:

• address healthcare and related needs which relate to the following centers of excellence of the former Elizabeth General Medical Center:
  • Psychiatry/behavioral health
  • Renal Services
  • Pediatric Services
  • Nursing Education
• support Trinitas Regional Medical Center, especially in the areas noted above.
• recognize the value of addressing family needs in caring for the elderly and making children happier and healthier.
• promote better awareness and use of available health resources.

Other Funding Priorities

Other funding priorities include programs or projects that:

• promote cooperation among agencies to avoid duplication of effort and resources.
• build the capacity of an organization to improve its performance and impact (e.g. board leadership, strategic planning, consultants).
• are reasonably assured of continued support after the Foundation funding involvement is discontinued.

Connie Dwyer has always been passionate about ensuring that every woman, regardless of her financial situation, has access to quality breast health care. Her vision led to the creation of the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF), which has become a beacon of hope for women across New Jersey.

Over the past two decades, CDBCF has made a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. Through its unwavering commitment, CDBCF has provided thousands of uninsured or underinsured women with access to essential breast health services, including screenings, treatment, follow-up care, and ongoing support.

CDBCF has opened three centers in New Jersey including St. Michael’s Medical Center, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and the Mobile Mammography unit at University Hospital. These facilities ensure that women have access to the care they need. Additionally, the community grants program has further extended its reach, funding vital initiatives that support breast health education, prevention, and care throughout the state.

Connie’s dedication and CDBCF’s efforts continue to save lives, offering a lifeline to women who might otherwise go without the care they deserve.

Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation Grant

Through the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation sponsored facilities and its grants program, the Foundation serves underprivileged and vulnerable women by ensuring the availability of top-quality breast-health services that include screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. In addition, CDBCF provides financial support for programs that provide resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment for the women we serve.

• The CDBCF's first round of grant funding budget is $50,000.
• The Foundation supports community initiatives that further our mission to focus on breast health and well-being of underserved women in selected counties in New Jersey.

Schumann Fund for New Jersey Grant

Program Priorities

The Schumann Fund for New Jersey is a tax-exempt, private foundation, incorporated as a corporation not for pecuniary profit under the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Schumann Fund program priorities fall into three categories:

• Affordable homes & healthy communities: Foster affordable homes, economic mobility, and healthy, resilient communities for children and families.
• Early childhood & education: Support low-income children and families of color to thrive through opportunities in early childhood development and youth education.
• Child welfare & youth justice: Advance reforms in systems affecting children and youth, such as the child welfare, juvenile justice, and immigration systems, to support racial equity and youth justice.

We support organizations engaged in a range of complementary strategies, including:

• Organized and engaged communities
• Effective programs that center low-income children and families of color
• Equitable public policy

New Jersey Historical Commission

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency within the Department of State dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. All of its grant funding is provided by legislative appropriation.

The NJHC offers General Operating Support Grants, Project Grants, County History Partnership Grants and more to support a variety of programs and activities related to New Jersey history. It also offers prizes and free archival evaluation services through the Caucus Archival Projects Evaluation Service or CAPES.

Inclusive History Grants

Inclusive History Grants will fund the exploration of under-represented narratives in New Jersey history with a goal of expanding inclusive, community-centered interpretation and resources offered by historic sites and history organizations. Grants can be utilized in support of research and interpretative planning efforts that seek to tell a more diverse and complex story for a public audience.

The Inclusive History Grant Program was developed in alignment with Revolution NJ’s Strategic and Interpretive Frameworks. Grants will actively address the initiative’s goals to:

• Tell a diverse and inclusive story about America’s past that invites participation from all New Jerseyans.
• Encourage the growth of organizational capacity at New Jersey’s history organizations so that they are better able to attract, engage, and serve visitors, both during and after Revolution NJ.
• Demonstrate how understanding the complexity of our history helps us to respond to the present and prepare for the future.

Mission

The Joseph Robert Foundation is a small Pennsylvania private foundation whose primary purposes are to provide financial support for the arts, animal welfare, and the environment. Our main geographic focus is the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., but in special cases we may provide support to organizations located outside this area.

We are interested in awarding grants to non-profit organizations addressing significant issues of interest to our Board. We are especially interested in supporting smaller, local organizations that have fewer resources and more limited objectives, although we may also help fund regional or national organizations having specific program or project objectives. Both general operating and project/program support is available.

We welcome first-time grant seekers, support applications from prior grant recipients, and reach out to find eligible organizations that share our goals and interests.

What We Fund

Arts

We believe strongly in the power of the arts to transform both individuals and communities and are committed to reinforcing the importance of the arts as a vital component of our culture. In challenging political times such as these, the role of the arts is too often overlooked, or even denigrated. We want to play our part in asserting the value of the arts by encouraging artists to take risks, explore new possibilities, and reach out to both new and familiar audiences. By nurturing creativity and innovative thinking, we can help artists make an impact on the world around them.

While we are supportive of all forms of creative expression, the interests of the Foundation are primarily in the visual arts. We will also look favorably upon interdisciplinary projects/programs with a visual arts component, or an arts program/project that would further the goals of either of the other of the Foundation’s areas of interest.

Animal Welfare

The plight and circumstances of animals, whether domestic, farm or wild, are areas of deep concern to the Foundation. We are interested in rescuing, protecting, rehabilitating, and providing homes and sanctuaries for the non-human inhabitants of this planet. We are especially interested in helping organizations that identify and provide resources for animal populations in underserved communities. We are also interested in helping with programs that train and educate wildlife rehabilitators and other animal rescue workers.

Environment and Sustainable Resources Management

With ever increasing attacks on the environment and environmental protection, it is critically important to protect and preserve our natural resources, open lands, forests, oceans, waterways, watersheds, and green spaces. The Joseph Robert Foundation is primarily interested in supporting smaller, local organizations that can have a direct impact on their communities, whether through education or through sustainability projects. We may also be interested in contributing to larger organizations that provide essential services to protect and safeguard the environment from threats of all natures.

Grant Period

The normal grant period will be one year, starting from the date the award has been granted. When appropriate, grantees may reapply for Joseph Robert Foundation funding upon the submission of a final report at the end of the funding period.

Grant Amount

Most grant awards to organizations will be under $10,000. First-time grant awards will be limited to $5,000 or less, unless there are compelling circumstances. Determination of the grant amount will be made based on organizational and/or program/project budgets, scope of proposal, organizational qualifications, and overall application quality. Grants to individuals will be limited to $2,000 or less, with sources of matching and in-kind funds considered.  

Grant Type

Organizations may apply for general operating (GO) and/or program/project funds, but larger organizations are limited to applying for program/project funding.

Individual applicants may only apply for project funds.

About

"Enriching people's lives" is the global vision of Nissan and all its operating companies across the world. Nissan supports this vision by improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates.

Two impactful programs for our communities:

• Nissan Foundation
  • Since 1992, the Nissan Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to 150+ organizations promoting respect and understanding of America's rich cultural heritage.
• Nissan Neighbors
  • Nissan Neighbors provides charitable giving and employee volunteer support for initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian services.

Nissan Foundation

Nissan formed the Nissan Foundation in 1992 in response to the civil unrest that occurred near its then U.S. sales operations following the Rodney King trial verdict. Since its founding, the Nissan Foundation has annually awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations that support the Foundation’s mission.

The primary mission of the Nissan foundation is to award grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs explore and celebrate cultural diversity and heritage.

CHPRD Mission and Goals

The mission of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development is to improve the quality of life and empower the state's Hispanic community using CHPRD’s new model of community development.

Its goals are:

• Increase public and private resources invested wisely in the growth, development, and long term stability of high-quality Hispanic Community-Based Organizations.
• Develop public/private partnerships that enrich and promote the office’s programs and initiatives in support of Hispanics across the state.
• Provide the necessary tools and assistance in creating training and employment opportunities for Hispanics.
• Facilitate the professional and leadership development of Hispanics.

Funding Categories

• Hispanic Entrepreneurship
• Citizenship and Integration
• Workforce Development
• Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program
• Community Service
• Health and Wellness

Applicants may seek funding from up to three (3) programs.

New agencies applying for CHPRD funding are limited to one (1) funding program, and are defined as organizations that have neither applied for nor received funding from the CHPRD within the past 5 years.

Citizenship and Integration Program

The primary goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to enhance the accessibility of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents nationwide. It aims to offer opportunities for lawful permanent residents to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for seamless integration into the fabric of American society.

Program Goals

• Provide citizenship instruction to help permanent residents enhance their English language proficiency, increase knowledge of U.S. history and civics, and understand the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
• Offer naturalization application services to support permanent residents in the naturalization application and interview process.
• Ensure families have access to high-quality legal services, thereby avoiding immigration fraud and understanding their rights.
• Engage the community in the successful integration of newcomers, promoting welcoming, inclusive communities where residents of New Jersey share cultures and build stronger neighborhoods

Funding

The maximum amount that can be applied for is $80,000.

• Citizenship Instruction ($40,000)
• Naturalization Application ($40,000)

CHPRD Mission and Goals

The mission of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development is to improve the quality of life and empower the state's Hispanic community using CHPRD’s new model of community development.

Its goals are:

• Increase public and private resources invested wisely in the growth, development, and long term stability of high-quality Hispanic Community-Based Organizations.
• Develop public/private partnerships that enrich and promote the office’s programs and initiatives in support of Hispanics across the state.
• Provide the necessary tools and assistance in creating training and employment opportunities for Hispanics.
• Facilitate the professional and leadership development of Hispanics.

Funding Categories

• Hispanic Entrepreneurship
• Citizenship and Integration
• Workforce Development
• Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program
• Community Service
• Health and Wellness

Applicants may seek funding from up to three (3) programs.

New agencies applying for CHPRD funding are limited to one (1) funding program, and are defined as organizations that have neither applied for nor received funding from the CHPRD within the past 5 years.

Community Service Programs

This category advocates for and supports culturally competent community service programs. These effective services focus on addressing the following target areas:

• Children at Risk
  • Program Goals
  • Provide academic enrichment activities to help youth meet state and local achievement standards.
  • Offer a diverse array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as youth development activities, designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program, positively impacting student outcomes like school attendance and engagement while reducing behavioral risk factors.
  • Provide literacy and educational development services to the families of children served in the program.
• Preventing Health Risks and Disease
  • Program Goals
    • Assist and educate individuals in enrolling for health care coverage and practicing self-care.
    • Provide access to quality health care.
    • Develop relationships with health care clinics and other health professionals.
    • Engage and empower individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors.
    • Implement changes that reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other morbidities prevalent in the Hispanic community, such as heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and respiratory diseases.
• Senior Citizen Assistance
  • Program Goals
    • To enrich the lives of older adults by preventing, improving, and maintaining their physical, mental health, and social well-being through the provision of tailored senior services.

CHPRD Mission and Goals

The mission of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development is to improve the quality of life and empower the state's Hispanic community using CHPRD’s new model of community development.

Its goals are:

• Increase public and private resources invested wisely in the growth, development, and long term stability of high-quality Hispanic Community-Based Organizations.
• Develop public/private partnerships that enrich and promote the office’s programs and initiatives in support of Hispanics across the state.
• Provide the necessary tools and assistance in creating training and employment opportunities for Hispanics.
• Facilitate the professional and leadership development of Hispanics.

Funding Categories

• Hispanic Entrepreneurship
• Citizenship and Integration
• Workforce Development
• Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program
• Community Service
• Health and Wellness

Applicants may seek funding from up to three (3) programs.

New agencies applying for CHPRD funding are limited to one (1) funding program, and are defined as organizations that have neither applied for nor received funding from the CHPRD within the past 5 years.

Hispanic Entrepreneurship Assistance Program

The Hispanic Entrepreneurship Assistance Program (HEAP) is specifically crafted to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate business education and mentorship services. It aims to support Hispanic residents who have recently initiated a business and offer comprehensive assistance to individuals aspiring to establish a new business.

CHPRD Mission and Goals

The mission of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development is to improve the quality of life and empower the state's Hispanic community using CHPRD’s new model of community development.

Its goals are:

• Increase public and private resources invested wisely in the growth, development, and long term stability of high-quality Hispanic Community-Based Organizations.
• Develop public/private partnerships that enrich and promote the office’s programs and initiatives in support of Hispanics across the state.
• Provide the necessary tools and assistance in creating training and employment opportunities for Hispanics.
• Facilitate the professional and leadership development of Hispanics.

Funding Categories

• Hispanic Entrepreneurship
• Citizenship and Integration
• Workforce Development
• Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program
• Community Service
• Health and Wellness

Applicants may seek funding from up to three (3) programs.

New agencies applying for CHPRD funding are limited to one (1) funding program, and are defined as organizations that have neither applied for nor received funding from the CHPRD within the past 5 years.

Workforce Development Supportive Services for Adults and Dislocated Workers Program

This initiative aims to deliver high-quality employment-focused activities and services to tackle specific challenges encountered by New Jersey's Latino adult population.

• Job Search and Job Placement
• Job Readiness Program
• Supported Work Program

The primary purpose is to guide participants toward economic self-sufficiency and long-term employment by facilitating the acquisition of the following:

• Attainment of work readiness skills, competencies, and attitudes necessary for placement into employment.
• Assistance in developing a career path for increased employability and preparation for seeking and attaining employment.
• Introduction to current Labor Demand Occupations in the state and regional economy.
• Knowledge of community services and programs available for utilization if necessary.

The CHPRD strongly encourages innovative service delivery proposals aligned with the objectives of this RFP, characterized by integration, accountability, continuous improvement, and tangible results.

CHPRD Mission and Goals

The mission of the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development is to improve the quality of life and empower the state's Hispanic community using CHPRD’s new model of community development.

Its goals are:

• Increase public and private resources invested wisely in the growth, development, and long term stability of high-quality Hispanic Community-Based Organizations.
• Develop public/private partnerships that enrich and promote the office’s programs and initiatives in support of Hispanics across the state.
• Provide the necessary tools and assistance in creating training and employment opportunities for Hispanics.
• Facilitate the professional and leadership development of Hispanics.

Funding Categories

• Hispanic Entrepreneurship
• Citizenship and Integration
• Workforce Development
• Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program
• Community Service
• Health and Wellness

Applicants may seek funding from up to three (3) programs.

New agencies applying for CHPRD funding are limited to one (1) funding program, and are defined as organizations that have neither applied for nor received funding from the CHPRD within the past 5 years.

Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program

The Youth Workforce Investment In-School and Out-of-School Program is tailored to offer workforce experience services to at-risk youth.

CHPRD is particularly interested in program proposals targeting specific groups, including pregnant and parenting teens, youth on probation and parole, those in foster care or aftercare, homeless youth, English Language Learners (ELL), dropouts or those without post-secondary education, and individuals with basic skills deficiencies requiring additional assistance for educational program entry or completion or securing/holding employment.

Program Goals

• Help youths understand proper workplace behavior and the necessary steps to attain and retain employment.
• Assist youth in acquiring the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to secure employment and advance in their careers

About The New Jersey State Council on the Arts

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts (Arts Council), created in 1966, is a division of the New Jersey Department of State and a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts Council was established to support, encourage, and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey.

Creative Aging Initiative Grant

The Creative Aging Initiative Grant (CAI) provides $10,000 to eligible arts organizations, libraries, veterans homes, senior and community centers, colleges/universities, and units of government to cover costs for arts learning experiences with New Jersey older adults aged 55 and over. Successful applicants will receive $10,000 of funding for each year of the two-year grant cycle, pending available resources.

A CAI project is defined as an arts-based learning experience that directly engages older adults for multiple sessions. Projects may be sequential and build to a project culmination (residencies) or include a series of individual workshops that focus on skill-building and development in the performing, visual, media, or literary arts.

Our Mission

The Scherman Foundation invests in the economic, political, and cultural transformation necessary for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to reclaim and build power.

Our Strategic Framework

We believe that investing in cultural, political, and economic transformation together advances justice to realize our vision. We support organizations working at the intersections of these transformation areas inside our strategic framework. This framework is the foundation of our more specific and evolving program priorities.

• Economic Transformation
  • Our focus on economic transformation acknowledges that the root causes of economic inequity are linked to white supremacy and racial injustice and that the economic well being of BIPOC individuals and communities is critical for liberation.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Strategies and models that provide BIPOC communities with greater access to capital, assets, and opportunities
    • Economic stability and security for BIPOC individuals and families
    • Advocating for more equitable economic systems through policy reform, institutional changes, and increased transparency
• Political Transformation
  • We believe that those who have been excluded must lead the way in dismantling current political structures and creating new, inclusive, and reflective democratic processes.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Work and priorities that are driven by BIPOC communities
    • Forging multi-racial coalitions working toward racial justice
    • Reforming political structures and processes to make the political system more accessible and accountable to BIPOC communities
    • Increasing the participation of BIPOC communities in democratic processes and decision-making at all levels
• Cultural Transformation
  • Recognizing the crucial role of culture in advancing justice, we support organizations that harness storytelling, expression, and artistic activism to drive systemic change.
  • Our focus is on collaborative narrative change strategies, innovative storytelling frameworks, and equitable media accessibility.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Public Narrative Change: Combating misinformation and harmful stereotypes through investments in journalism, local news outlets, and nonfiction narratives
    • Artistic Expression: Supporting the creativity and work of BIPOC artists and communities without imposing agendas or conditions and transforming the field to do the same
    • Artivism: Using art as a tool for organizing grassroots movements and collective action, including funding on-the-ground storytelling and public art projects

General Criteria

We consider the following general criteria in our grantmaking process.

• Organizations that are accountable to or directed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
  • While we prioritize BIPOC leadership, our main focus is on organizations where BIPOC communities have clear influence and decision-making power over the organization's strategy, direction, programmatic work, and finances.
• Organizations that are intersectional in their work and practices.
  • Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities, shaping their experiences with power. 
  • We look for organizations that demonstrate a deep understanding of intersectionality in their mission, programs, and practices; center the voices and experiences of those most affected by multiple forms of oppression; and address the interconnectedness of racial justice with economic status, gender, LGBTQ+, and/or disability justice as well.
• Organizations that work with others to build movements toward racial justice.
  • Movement-building is the long-term process of organizing and empowering individuals and organizations to collectively work towards systemic change and a shared vision.
  • We look for organizations and coalitions that reflect key characteristics of movement building including an authentic mass base; grassroots leadership; a shared ideology or narrative; broad coalition-building; and strategy to create and sustain structural change beyond specific organizations or campaigns.
  • The Foundation supports organizations focused on organizing and advocacy, while our Arts funding includes a wider range of approaches.

Democracy Program

The Democracy program is driven by the belief that a vibrant democracy requires consistent and meaningful political and civic participation by the vast majority of the population, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities that have long been excluded from power. To this end, we must protect and expand access to the right to vote, build strong inclusive civic engagement infrastructure and practices, strengthen democratic institutions, and reform democratic processes and systems to make them fairer, more accessible, and more accountable to a broader constituency, including BIPOC communities. A core tenet of our grantmaking will be to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in their efforts to reclaim and build political power. 

State-level work is a key lever for building that power, and the Foundation will provide support to locally-based BIPOC and multi-racial groups that are rooted in their communities, are trusted sources of information, encourage year-round civic engagement in local, municipal, state, and federal elections, and build the power of BIPOC communities to achieve a reflective and responsive multi-racial democracy at the state level. Building state-level power and statewide civic engagement infrastructure will allow BIPOC communities to achieve more racially just democratic, economic, climate, cultural, and reproductive policies, create a pipeline for BIPOC leadership, and make state and federal institutions more accountable. 

Our Mission

The Scherman Foundation invests in the economic, political, and cultural transformation necessary for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to reclaim and build power. 

Our Strategic Framework

We believe that investing in cultural, political, and economic transformation together advances justice to realize our vision. We support organizations working at the intersections of these transformation areas inside our strategic framework. This framework is the foundation of our more specific and evolving program priorities.

• Economic Transformation
  • Our focus on economic transformation acknowledges that the root causes of economic inequity are linked to white supremacy and racial injustice and that the economic well being of BIPOC individuals and communities is critical for liberation.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Strategies and models that provide BIPOC communities with greater access to capital, assets, and opportunities
    • Economic stability and security for BIPOC individuals and families
    • Advocating for more equitable economic systems through policy reform, institutional changes, and increased transparency
• Political Transformation
  • We believe that those who have been excluded must lead the way in dismantling current political structures and creating new, inclusive, and reflective democratic processes.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Work and priorities that are driven by BIPOC communities
    • Forging multi-racial coalitions working toward racial justice
    • Reforming political structures and processes to make the political system more accessible and accountable to BIPOC communities
    • Increasing the participation of BIPOC communities in democratic processes and decision-making at all levels
• Cultural Transformation
  • Recognizing the crucial role of culture in advancing justice, we support organizations that harness storytelling, expression, and artistic activism to drive systemic change.
  • Our focus is on collaborative narrative change strategies, innovative storytelling frameworks, and equitable media accessibility.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Public Narrative Change: Combating misinformation and harmful stereotypes through investments in journalism, local news outlets, and nonfiction narratives
    • Artistic Expression: Supporting the creativity and work of BIPOC artists and communities without imposing agendas or conditions and transforming the field to do the same
    • Artivism: Using art as a tool for organizing grassroots movements and collective action, including funding on-the-ground storytelling and public art projects

General Criteria

We consider the following general criteria in our grantmaking process.

• Organizations that are accountable to or directed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
  • While we prioritize BIPOC leadership, our main focus is on organizations where BIPOC communities have clear influence and decision-making power over the organization's strategy, direction, programmatic work, and finances.
• Organizations that are intersectional in their work and practices.
  • Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities, shaping their experiences with power.
  • We look for organizations that demonstrate a deep understanding of intersectionality in their mission, programs, and practices; center the voices and experiences of those most affected by multiple forms of oppression; and address the interconnectedness of racial justice with economic status, gender, LGBTQ+, and/or disability justice as well.
• Organizations that work with others to build movements toward racial justice.
  • Movement-building is the long-term process of organizing and empowering individuals and organizations to collectively work towards systemic change and a shared vision.
  • We look for organizations and coalitions that reflect key characteristics of movement building including an authentic mass base; grassroots leadership; a shared ideology or narrative; broad coalition-building; and strategy to create and sustain structural change beyond specific organizations or campaigns.
  • The Foundation supports organizations focused on organizing and advocacy, while our Arts funding includes a wider range of approaches

Environmental & Climate Justice Program

Over the next 20 years, and likely beyond, climate chaos will be a primary driver of economic, social, cultural, and political change in the U.S.  But while transformation is inevitable, a Just Transition one that replaces fossil fuel systems that drive racial and economic inequality with structures that are decentralized, equitably distributed, and democratically controlled—will only be achieved through grassroots climate organizing and movement-building that embodies racial justice.

Climate change disproportionally harms Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, whether it is adjacency to noxious fossil fuel facilities that drive sky-rocketing asthma rates, the poisoning of Indigenous peoples’ lands, or the ocean inundation of unprotected communities already suffering from climate-driven heat waves. In New York, these harms will be increasingly exacerbated by climate-driven immigration, pitting one historically oppressed group against another. This reality is central to the environmental and climate justice movement. It is also the movement’s strength because frontline communities of color are the natural leaders to build economic, cultural, and political power in the fight to shape climate transformation. Local and state based community organizations and mass-based coalitions embody the intersectionality, first-hand knowledge, and determination rooted in lived experience that informs and drives systemic change.  

Funding Priorities

New York Regional Focus

The Foundation will focus its support on New York City and State in order to seek synergies with grantees in its other programs, facilitate deep staff engagement and support of the field, and take advantage of the moment. The state and city are at dramatic climate policy tipping points, positioned to demonstrate that a transition to climate sustainability is inextricably interwoven with the fight for racial justice. Having won historic legal commitments to a Just Transition—the CLCPA, Local Law 97, etc.—our grantees are working to defend those wins and fight for aggressive implementation. 

In order to leverage regional synergies (and confront regional challenges), the Foundation will continue to fund a limited number of grassroots groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Local Frontline Organizations and Allies

The Foundation funds multi-issue, BIPOC, community-based organizations, or coalitions of such groups, with a primary focus on racial justice and climate sustainability, from democratically controlled renewable energy projects and local/state policy to local climate resiliency and green jobs. These groups approach climate through the lens of local needs and concerns of historically oppressed communities. They are not first and foremost focused on emissions reductions (the usual measure of climate strategies) but on intersectional approaches such as asthma and PEAK plant transition; community self-sufficiency and solidarity through renewable energy microgrids and resilient, community-controlled community infrastructure; and the creation of energy efficient housing and green jobs. This complex intersectionality requires the Foundation to vet groups on the viability of their goals and strategies and on the authenticity of their community roots, power building, and accountability.

The Foundation provides targeted support for mass transit work. The city and region are uniquely shaped by the benefits and inequities of mass transit. These systems intersect with issues of economic access, health inequities, affordable housing, and, of course, climate. While almost all of the ECJ program’s grantees work at least tangentially on transportation issues, the Foundation funds a core group of grassroots organizing, advocacy, and policy groups and campaigns working exclusively for equitable mass transit.

The Foundation also supports a limited number of policy, legal, and technical support organizations allied with, and accountable to, frontline groups and coalitions.

National Climate Justice Groups

The Foundation will support a limited number of national Climate Justice groups distinguished by the following characteristics:

• A strong grassroots base in New York BIPOC communities, primarily through affiliations
• The capacity to both support and amplify New York climate justice groups
• An intersectional approach addressing racial, political, and economic justice in addition to climate
• A cohesive racial justice narrative built with other organizations and community partners

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Grant

It is the intent of the 21st CCLC Program to provide opportunities for communities to establish or expand activities in community learning centers that:

• increase academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools, to meet the challenging State academic standards
• offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as youth development activities, service learning, nutrition and health education, drug and violence prevention programs, counseling programs, arts, music, physical fitness and wellness programs, technology education programs, financial literacy programs, environmental literacy programs, mathematics, science, career and technical programs, internship or apprenticeship programs, and other ties to an in-demand industry sector or occupation for high school students that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students; and
• offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a five-year grant program. This competitive grant program is open to open to all New Jersey non-profit organizations, local education agencies (LEAs), which include charter schools, educational service commissions, jointure commissions, and special services school districts; nonpublic schools; community-based organizations; city or county government agencies; faith-based organizations; institutions of higher education; for-profit agencies; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or consortiums of two or more such agencies, organizations, or entities. However, eligibility is limited to those entities that will serve students in grades three through 12 who primarily attend schools implementing comprehensive or targeted support and improvement activities under section ESSA 1111(d) or other schools determined by the LEA to be in need of intervention and support. Based on the availability of FY24 federal Title IV, Part B Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) funds, this first year of this five-year grant program will begin September 1, 2023 and will end on August 31, 2024. 

City of Water Day

Join hundreds of organizations in all five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, and New Jersey that have joined City of Water Day by signing up to host free in-person community programs on and about local waterfronts.

For a limited number of participating organizations, the New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) can provide funding support ranging between $1,000-$4,000. This support can be used for costs associated with producing an event on City of Water Day. We encourage organizations to work with local artists, schools and universities, agency partners, and community-based organizations to creatively raise awareness of climate change and resilience in their local communities. This year’s theme centers on uniting NY and NJ communities in a celebration of our interconnected waters and a commitment to a brighter, more climate resilient future.

Participating organizations and their City of Water Day events will be listed on the official website and shared widely by the New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) and Waterfront Alliance across social media platforms, through press releases, and more.

City of Water Day events are independently produced by the many wonderful, diverse civic organizations and public agencies that steward our waterfront and waterways. For all the organizations registering their July 12th City of Water Day celebration, Waterfront Alliance and New York & New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) will provide a partner “toolkit,” which will include guidance on messaging and educational takeaways for your community participants.

City of Water Day is a region-wide day of free, family-friendly events on or near the water!

Now in its 18th year, City of Water Day—taking place this year on Saturday, July 12—is a region-wide day organized by Waterfront Alliance and New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), to champion a climate-resilient New York and New Jersey harbor. 

Dozens of communities across all five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, and New Jersey will host events on and near the water that celebrate the importance of a resilient and equitably shared waterfront. From free kayaking to rowing to hands-on workshops, these events offer community members opportunities for fun, education, and access to their local waterfront.

The scope of work for the public health system is ever-expanding, and the Department is on the frontlines in leading the response to public health challenges.

The Department has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system.

Our Mission

Protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

Diabetes Prevention & Control NOFA

To provide funding for evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage prediabetes and diabetes in adult, high-burden populations/communities across the state. 

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Processor Innovation Grant program, which will provide grants for dairy processors to better position their businesses long-term. Key dairy consumers are shifting their purchasing choices to those that support small businesses, rural communities, and have direct, positive impacts to the climate. Leading reasons consumers are switching brands include a desire to support local businesses and companies that share their values as well as a perception that products are better quality, natural/organic, and more environmentally sustainable. Projects funded through this program will support longterm business investments that increase dairy processor business consumer appeal and marketability of value-added dairy products. 

This grant will fund a wide range of projects. Projects may address improvements in topics such as: sourcing, product development, transportation/distribution, marketing/supply chain, operations, employee welfare, consumer experience, utilization of materials or systems that reduce carbon footprint and, and beyond.  

Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Award

Grants will range from $75,000 to $250,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Total funds available: $1,000,000. 

This grant round will include a two-step application process. Following the review of pre-applications, a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.  

Purpose: 

It is the intent of the Nita M. Lowrey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program to provide opportunities for communities to establish or expand activities in community learning centers that:

• increase academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools, to meet the challenging State academic standards
• offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as youth development activities, service learning, nutrition and health education, drug and violence prevention programs, counseling programs, arts, music, physical fitness and wellness programs, technology education programs, financial literacy programs, environmental literacy programs, mathematics, science, career and technical programs, internship or apprenticeship programs, and other ties to an in-demand industry sector or occupation for high school students that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students; and
• offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a five-year grant program. This competitive grant program is open to open to all New Jersey non-profit organizations, local education agencies (LEAs), which include charter schools, educational service commissions, jointure commissions, and special services school districts; nonpublic schools; community-based organizations; city or county government agencies; faith-based organizations; institutions of higher education; for-profit agencies; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or consortiums of two or more such agencies, organizations, or entities. However, eligibility is limited to those entities that will serve students in grades three through 12 who primarily attend schools implementing comprehensive or targeted support and improvement activities under section ESSA 1111(d) or other schools determined by the LEA to be in need of intervention and support. Please refer to the Notice of Grant Opportunity (NGO) for further guidance.

Art Works

Founded in 2021 by Forman Arts Initiative and Philadelphia Foundation, Art Works is a joint $3 million grant program designed to support Philadelphia arts and cultural organizations and artists working in partnership with BIPOC and other underserved communities.

Art Works accepts applications from local cultural nonprofit (or fiscally sponsored) organizations with annual operating budgets between $250,000 and $5 million as well as individual artists with a commitment to incorporating community perspectives into their work.

• Four Philadelphia-based artists will be selected annually to receive two-year grants of $25,000 per year. Grants can be used freely by artists. Some artists may wish to use the grant to support the development of new work while others may use it to pay for living or studio expenses. Artists will be chosen based on how closely their work aligns with Art Works’ programmatic goals.
• Four community-based organizations will be selected annually to receive two-year, unrestricted grants ranging from $75,000-$150,000.  Organizations will be chosen based on how closely their work aligns with Art Works‘ programmatic goals.

In addition to the awarded funds, all grantees will have access to experiential professional development workshops and pro bono professional consulting services designed to provide strategic and tactical support on a range of topics including legal, marketing, communications, budgeting and finance, among others.

Art Works also provides grantees the opportunity to host co-operative education students from Drexel University to support programs and operations.

These placements, administered by Drexel’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships, are designed to provide students with meaningful work experience in the arts and culture sector. 

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development 

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is dedicated to protecting our workforce, strengthening our businesses, and promoting the dignity of work.

New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) is to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities, and capabilities.

Innovative Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Purpose for Which Funds will be Used

In response to the dynamic landscape of today's job market, there is an imperative need to acknowledge the communication gaps and lack of awareness that exists in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). To address these concerns, we are seeking robust Pre-ETS programs that are tailored to equip Students with Disabilities (SWD) with the skills and experiences essential for success. DVRS is seeking providers who will implement innovative and unique methodologies in delivering Pre-ETS. These methodologies may include new, creative, interdisciplinary, scalability, sustainability, technology integration, and person-centered approaches. Providers should also focus on serving SWD, specifically those affected by substance use disorders, justice-involved, mental health diagnoses, or underrepresented youth (youth who may face systemic barriers due to factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, geographic location, or immigration status). In addition, services should improve awareness of Pre-ETS, increase outreach, and foster communication between DVRS, schools, students, families, community resources, and other stakeholders.

Available Funding

DVRS will be awarding a total of five (5) contracts for this initiative. The total amount of funding available for this program in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 will be up to $2,750,000 with no more than $550,000 per contract per year