Best Grants for Visual Artists in New Jersey

U.S. college and university students pursuing fine, visual, performing, or technical arts degrees can receive $2,500 scholarships to support their studies, including those based in New Jersey. UNICO Foundation provides these awards to full-time students with at least a 3.0 GPA who reside in a state with an active UNICO chapter.

Individual artists in New Jersey creating choreography, crafts, music, photography, poetry, playwriting/screenwriting, or sculpture can apply for fellowships awarding US $3,000 - US $32,000 to advance their artistic work. With a mission to support the arts statewide, New Jersey State Council on the Arts offers these non–project-based awards, which include opportunities for visual artists.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

New Jersey arts organizations using visual, fine, performing, or literary arts to advance community health education and prevention can access funding through Horizon Charitable Foundation, with awards up to US $25,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups must be New Jersey-based, focus on health or arts in local communities, and address issues like obesity, behavioral health, or social determinants of health.

Early-career visual artists and other practicing artists interested in teaching can apply for the Princeton Arts Fellowship, funded in part by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, to spend two years at Princeton University in New Jersey. Fellows receive US $93,000 annually to teach light course loads or lead artistic projects while advancing their own work.

Nonprofit organizations offering established visual arts, wellness, or middle school elective programs in New Jersey and other eligible regions can apply for the Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation’s directed-invitation grants, typically around Approximately US $8,300, to support year-round, direct-service programming. Selected applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes, community need, and at least three years of organizational operation.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program support for visual or cultural arts, education, environment, religion, social justice, or print-based media can apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 grants. The Paulina and Stephen Cepreghy Charitable Foundation focuses on a small number of awards each year, favoring impactful, mission-driven projects.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits and visual artists focused on visual arts projects can seek funding for general operating or project support, including professional development. Focused on arts, animal welfare, and the environment, Joseph Robert Foundation invites Mid-Atlantic applicants to request up to US $10,000, with first-time organizational grants generally capped at US $5,000.

Visual arts nonprofits and accredited charities in New Jersey can seek funding for contemporary arts projects, cultural programming, and related educational or social initiatives. La Roche supports innovative, high-quality work worldwide in humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture, prioritizing projects that promote sustainable development and engage local partners and employees.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college studies in music, visual arts, dance, or drama may be eligible for the Shawnee Fine Arts Club Scholarship, supporting higher education in the arts. Focused on arts education, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma invites students connected to Shawnee, Oklahoma to apply; New Jersey visual artists planning college study may review details for fit.

Individual visual artists and arts nonprofits in New Jersey can apply for VIA Art Fund’s Artistic Production grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000 for new public or nontraditional visual art commissions. Projects must have a confirmed exhibition venue or presenting partner and emphasize artistic excellence, thought leadership, and strong public engagement.

Women-identifying visual artists in New Jersey developing environmental art projects may be eligible for up to US $20,000 to advance an existing project with public engagement in the U.S. or its territories. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support work addressing themes like regeneration, eco-social engagement, climate change, systems restoration, and related environmental issues.

American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students in fine and visual arts fields can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship; awards $100 to $30,000 per year for accredited U.S. study. New Jersey visual artists pursuing eligible degrees at nonprofit or Tribal colleges may benefit.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, university departments, and individual visual artists with projects tied to the Thoma collection areas can seek support for exhibitions, convenings, and scholarship, including in New Jersey. Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation particularly welcomes bold, innovative proposals and may prioritize rural and non-metro institutions in selected Southwestern states.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in the arts can receive US $100 - US $30,000 in need-based scholarship support for full-time study, including visual and fine arts, from Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help New Jersey visual artists who meet these criteria pursue advanced creative degrees at accredited institutions.

Community college and university students in New Jersey studying visual arts or music can receive scholarship support for degree programs through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Eligible rising sophomores through graduate students in BFA, BA Studio Art, MFA, or music degrees, including acoustic mandolin or guitar, may benefit from this fund.

Ann and Anthony La Pietra Scholarship

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts and achievements in an area that reflects the lifelong pursuits of Ann and Anthony La Pietra, longtime Marshall residents. These areas include the fine arts, community service and advocacy to support people in need, prevent discrimination, protect the environment and work toward peace and understanding. Applicants should be pursuing studies/majors related to one or more of these areas. Academic success and financial need may be considered but are not necessarily determining factors. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Anna Belle Mitchell Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate, graduate student or community member currently pursuing pottery. Three pictures of artwork must be included with application for consideration. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The AFNGA AusArt Scholarship, offered by the American Australian Association, supports Australian graduate students in fine arts or related fields for one year of artistic development in the US. With funding of US $30,000, recipients can cover travel, living, and tuition costs. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, emerging artists, and have a formal offer from an accredited US institution. This scholarship fosters cultural exchange and artistic growth between Australia and the US.

Focused on visual and design arts, Muskingum County Community Foundation invites Muskingum County undergraduate majors in fine arts, graphic design, art and design, or fashion design to apply for the Anne Gilbert Visual Arts Scholarship. College sophomores, and past recipients reapplying as juniors or seniors, may benefit, including New Jersey students who meet the residency requirement.

Students pursuing fine arts who have lived in Kent County for at least five years can use this scholarship to support higher education costs. Grants from Grand Rapids Community Foundation help visual arts and fine art students with significant financial need; New Jersey artists studying in eligible programs may be able to qualify if they meet the residency requirement.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program focuses on supporting artists and organizations that are often marginalized. In even years, proposals are accepted in fine arts, music, and photography. With a maximum grant size of $3,500, it aims to empower individuals and groups with limited resources to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring diverse artistic expressions thrive in society. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one proposal is permitted per year.

Final-year MFA students in painting or sculpture at U.S. programs, including those based in New Jersey, can receive up to US $15,000 to support their artistic practice. Grants from Dedalus Foundation help emerging visual artists transition from graduate school, with candidates nominated by their department chairs and selected by a committee of arts professionals.

Visual artists and arts organizations in New Jersey creating environmentally focused, solution-oriented projects can apply for support from Puffin Foundation. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artists, Puffin provides funding for U.S.-based fine art, media, photography, film, theater, and other art for social change addressing climate and environmental issues.

Female students in the U.S. pursuing full-time associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or study-abroad programs in liberal arts, humanities, history, philosophy, literature, fine arts (excluding performing arts), marketing, business administration, or international business can apply for the Lisa Walder Scholarship Fund. Awards from San Antonio Area Foundation help cover cost of attendance; New Jersey visual arts students may be eligible if their major fits.