Best Technology Grants in New Jersey

BASF Corporation, a leading chemical company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, is committed to charitable giving that aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals. The focus areas include science education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Donations are only made to eligible non-profit organizations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that contributions support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in BASF communities and promote a sustainable future.

The Charles Edison Fund Grant supports initiatives in science and technology education, medical research, and preserving the legacy of Thomas Edison. Established in 1948 by Charles Edison, the fund has allocated over $35 million in seed money to various organizations. It primarily focuses on projects within the New York-New Jersey Metropolitan area, ensuring that contributions are directed toward impactful efforts that align with its mission of fostering innovation and education.

The Fidelity Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aim for high impact in areas like Arts, Education, and Health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with operating budgets over $1 million and project budgets of at least $100,000. The foundation seeks transformative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, it does not fund start-up organizations, capital campaigns without prior support, or emergency funding, ensuring a focus on long-term effectiveness.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The NJ eMobility Rolling Grant Program aims to reduce transportation emissions in New Jersey, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. By promoting electric mobility solutions like rideshare and electric vehicle infrastructure, the program addresses health disparities linked to pollution. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and scalability, ensuring access to clean transportation options while improving air quality and public health. The funding prioritizes shovel-ready projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of community needs.

The Discover NJ History License Plate Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to enhance heritage tourism in New Jersey. Supported by sales of the Discover NJ History license plate, this fund aims to develop visitor-ready sites. Eligible activities include visitor assessments, signage design, and website development. The program is open year-round, with specific deadlines for applications. This initiative promotes historical awareness and preservation, ensuring New Jersey's rich history is accessible to all.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

The Champions in Action Grant, offered by the Citizens Charitable Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Southern Florida. This funding, totaling $50,000, aims to empower nonprofits addressing social challenges through innovative solutions. With an application deadline extended to August 22, 2025, eligible organizations can gain not only financial support but also media coverage and volunteer assistance to enhance their community impact.

The UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program aims to assist New Jersey employers by reimbursing up to 50% of training costs for current frontline employees, helping them acquire essential skills for future roles. Open to all businesses, the program particularly targets nine strategic sectors outlined in the Governor's Economic Development Plan, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, and Technology. This initiative supports workforce development and enhances New Jersey's economic competitiveness.

The Electric School Bus Grant Program in New Jersey aims to transition the state's school bus fleets to electric, addressing the health impacts of fossil fuel-powered buses. With a funding limit of $15 million annually for three years, the program supports individual school districts and contractors in acquiring electric buses and charging infrastructure. Eligible applicants include school districts and bus contractors, with a focus on those serving Overburdened Communities. The program also offers reimbursement options for upfront costs of new buses and chargers.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The NJCBIR: Pilot Research Grant aims to foster innovative research to treat and cure traumatic brain injuries in New Jersey. It encourages experienced and new investigators to explore groundbreaking approaches in brain cell regeneration. Through funding, the program supports feasibility studies and other research methodologies, ultimately aiming to improve treatment outcomes for individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries. The initiative also includes establishing a central registry for tracking brain injury cases to enhance research and prevention strategies.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists honor exceptional faculty-rank scientists and engineers in the U.S. Recognizing achievements in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences, each Laureate receives $250,000 in unrestricted funds. Nominations come from a select group of institutions and previous Laureates, emphasizing innovation and impact. The awards celebrate the future potential of young researchers, fostering diversity in STEM fields. The ceremony takes place annually in New York City.

The Sidney J. Harris Trust Grant supports organizations in Middlesex County, New Jersey, focusing on services for senior citizens, children's health and education, and public health projects. Established in memory of Mr. Harris, the trust has been providing grants since 1988, typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in Middlesex County and cater to specific community needs.

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The New Jersey Department of Health leads the state’s response to public health challenges and works to improve health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. Through its three primary branches—Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health—the Department collaborates across programs and partners to strengthen New Jersey’s health system. Guided by its mission to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of health care, the Department supports initiatives that advance prevention, system integration, and equitable access to health services statewide.

Rural Health Transformation Program_Advancing Technology, Prevention, and Workforce Capacity

The Rural Health Transformation Program 2026: Advancing Technology, Prevention, and Workforce Capacity focuses on expanding healthcare access, strengthening preventive services, integrating technology-driven solutions, and supporting training and capacity building to improve health outcomes in rural New Jersey. 

The Rural Business Development Grants in New Jersey aim to enhance economic development and create jobs through financial support for eligible entities. Grants are available in two categories: Opportunity grants, which prioritize smaller requests, and Enterprise grants, designed for projects benefiting small and emerging businesses in rural areas. These grants can be utilized for various purposes, including training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community development, fostering sustainable growth in rural communities.

The Montclair Fund for Women Grant supports innovative programs aimed at achieving educational success and social justice, particularly for women and girls of color in Montclair and North Essex. The fund prioritizes direct service work, community change, and projects that combat systemic racism and economic inequality. Additionally, it focuses on enriching educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. In 2025, the fund will consider multi-year grant applications, emphasizing community-driven change and empowerment.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional/Financial Stabilization Grants for Arts Organizations to support nonprofit cultural institutions in addressing financial and operational challenges. These grants aim to enhance stability and capacity, allowing organizations to manage their work effectively. Eligible activities include establishing working capital funds, debt reduction, strategic planning, technology upgrades, and professional development. No match is required, and organizations must be designated as 'qualified' to apply.

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program provides opportunities for New Jersey communities to enhance academic enrichment and support for students in grades three through twelve. This competitive grant program encourages organizations to offer a variety of services, including tutoring, youth development, and family engagement initiatives. Eligible entities include non-profits, schools, and local government agencies, aiming to address the needs of students in low-performing schools.

The purpose of Digital Literacy Training is to create strategic partnerships with qualifying agencies to deliver digital skills training to the WorkFirst New Jersey population to overcome the digital divide and empower participants by improving skills with technology-based learning and resources.