Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

New Jersey 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt nonprofits seeking support for education, human services, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation’s capacity-building grants, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. The foundation generally funds organizations in the greater Chicago area, so New Jersey groups may be eligible only if they meet its geographic priorities.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on advancing solutions to current water industry challenges, this American Water Works Association funding may benefit New Jersey nonprofits partnering with or supporting such graduate research.

New Jersey agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation practices on working lands can access funding through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This program offers five-year contracts with annual payments to maintain and improve soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental stewardship, which may strengthen long-term operational capacity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in New Jersey can seek programmatic funding for environmental initiatives that decarbonize operations, use clean energy, or conserve natural resources. With a mission to support sustainability, American Honda Motor provides US $25,000 - US $100,000 to programs that benefit communities where Honda associates live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in New Jersey working on environmental and climate justice may be eligible for funding to build grassroots power and capacity. Scherman Foundation supports BIPOC-led, movement-building efforts focused on climate justice, including renewable energy, environmental policy, mass transit equity, and climate resilience, with a primary emphasis on New York and limited New Jersey support.

Nonprofit organizations working on women’s and children’s services, homelessness, education, health, or humanitarian aid in New Jersey can seek funding to build program capacity and beneficiary self-sufficiency. The Father's Table Foundation provides grants up to US $750,000 for efforts like employment assistance, microfinance, food security, child welfare, and related community-strengthening initiatives, including emergency and disaster response.

New Jersey nonprofits and educational institutions working on social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation’s regional and property giving program. Organizations focused on capacity building in areas like workforce development, housing, community development, or human services may be eligible if programs align with Caesars properties in the U.S.

Grants from Green Mountain Energy help New Jersey nonprofits fund sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and resource conservation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) organizations in eligible New Jersey ZIP codes with at least $250K in annual revenue and strong public support can apply for US $50,000 - US $400,000 for impactful initiatives.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in New Jersey conducting biomedical and health-related research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. This Academic Research Enhancement Award strengthens research environments at baccalaureate science degree–granting institutions that have historically received limited NIH support, with awards up to US $375,000.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on income creation, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to strengthen their organizational capacity. Eligible organizations participate in a two-year leadership development program for their CEO and an emerging leader, receiving support to advance social mobility and economic opportunity in their communities.

New Jersey students pursuing conservation-related fields such as environmental science, forestry, or water resource management can access funding through the William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship, awarding US $2,500 to one recipient. Offered by Freehold Soil Conservation District, this scholarship supports higher education pathways that strengthen future environmental leadership and expertise.

Accredited charities in New Jersey working on humanitarian, social development, science and education, community and environment, or contemporary arts projects may be eligible for philanthropic support that strengthens their organizations and programs. La Roche prioritizes innovative, sustainable initiatives that engage its expertise, logistics, and employees, with local affiliate offices funding projects based and operating in the same country.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for National Institutes of Health Emerging Global Leader Awards to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from NIH help New Jersey-focused capacity-building partners collaborate with LMIC investigators on cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, environmental health, and other biomedical research, with awards of approximately US $140,000.

Focused on community-serving programs, Altra Foundation invites New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits to compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 in Best Life Community Awards funding. Eligible organizations must impact Mercer County and work in areas like education, health, human services, environment, cultural enrichment, or community development, with nominations submitted by Altra Federal Credit Union members.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in New Jersey and New York can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to host in-person community engagement sessions about estuary conditions and community needs. With a mission to guide estuary protection and restoration, Hudson River Foundation supports sessions that inform the Harbor & Estuary Program’s new 10-year Action Agenda.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those collaborating with New Jersey nonprofits, can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award; awards approximately US $140,000 for mentored health-related research and career development. Projects must address the applicant’s country health priorities with LMIC and U.S. mentors.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Central New Jersey can apply for Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation grants of up to US $12,000 to support education, arts, history, and community health and wellbeing programs. Funding can strengthen services for vulnerable residents, including seniors, at-risk youth, and people facing illness, poverty, hunger, abuse, or addiction, and may help build organizational capacity.

Focused on education and related community programs, nonprofits in New Jersey can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust for scholarships, tutoring, literacy, youth initiatives, arts education, and community services. Funding may also help strengthen or expand programs that build organizational capacity and serve disadvantaged youth and adults.

Focused on arts, animal welfare, and environmental programs, the Joseph Robert Foundation invites New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations to seek up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Smaller nonprofits, including those building capacity in visual arts, animal rescue, or community-based environmental initiatives, may be especially competitive; individual visual artists can also request limited project funding.

Organizations and institutions in New Jersey planning congresses, events, or similar initiatives can seek sponsorship funding that provides marketing or recognition benefits in return. Biogen Foundation offers corporate sponsorships across areas like neurology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and related diseases, with decisions based on alignment with its interests, event details, and location.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Summit Foundation Grant aims to support various community needs in the Summit area, focusing on education, health, arts, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. The foundation encourages local nonprofits to apply for competitive grants to fund specific programs and initiatives that enhance community welfare. Eligibility requires organizations to be tax-exempt and serve Summit area residents. However, the foundation does not fund general operating support or religious programs. The goal is to create a positive impact on local communities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The Columbia Bank Foundation Community Grant Program aims to support local communities by funding innovative programs that benefit low-and-moderate income individuals. Grants between $7,501 and $15,000 are available for community-based nonprofits, civic organizations, and charities. Key focus areas include economic development, financial literacy, health services, food security, environmental sustainability, and the arts. The foundation encourages applications from eligible organizations year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that uplift communities.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.