Best Community Development Grants in New Jersey

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

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 FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust Grant aims to support charitable organizations, focusing on arts, education, and social services primarily in the northeastern United States. Established in 2024, the Trust continues the legacy of the Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation. It emphasizes funding for programs that assist the needy or disabled, while adhering to strict eligibility criteria, including a requirement for tax-exempt status under I.R.C. Section 501(c)(3).

Columbia Bank Foundation

Since 1927, Columbia Bank has evolved alongside the communities and businesses we serve. What began as a single branch in Fair Lawn has grown into a regional bank serving New Jersey, Staten Island and Brooklyn. Throughout that growth, we have remained focused on providing the stability, convenience and service customers expect from a trusted financial partner. Today, we offer the strength and capabilities of a larger financial institution while continuing to provide the personal service and practical financial guidance that have long defined Columbia Bank.

Alongside Columbia Bank’s mission to serve the community, the Columbia Bank Foundation helps support local charitable causes and communities with grants on a sustained basis. Our goal is to make a difference in as many people’s lives as we can and to do our part to help make our communities better, stronger and safer.

Columbia Bank Foundation Micro Grants

The Columbia Bank Foundation is committed to serving the needs of its local communities. The Foundation actively seeks and focuses on innovative programs that provide a measurable impact in the communities that it serves.

Our Micro Grant Program allows organizations that meet one of our focus areas to apply for smaller grants under a streamlined application process. Applications under the Micro Grant Program will be accepted anytime throughout the year for $1,000 to $4,999. These are reviewed internally each month. Our Focus Areas:

• Housing Programs
• Community Investment and Economic Development Programs 
• Financial Literacy and Education 
• Health & Human Services
• Food Insecurity 
• Environmental Sustainability 
• The Arts

The New Jersey Agritourism Grant Program (NJATP) aims to support local agritourism businesses with up to $100,000 in funding to enhance visitor engagement and education. Funded by the $5 million Agritourism Fund, the program encourages projects that align with agricultural education and entertainment, ensuring applicants are located in New Jersey. This initiative fosters economic growth in the state by promoting unique agritourism experiences.

About DCA 

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Planning Program

Purpose of Grant: to assist qualified non-profit organizations to prepare a neighborhood plan that meets the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program requirements.

Population to be Targeted: Residents of an identified neighborhood within a Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit eligible municipality.

Holman Enterprises Community Grants aim to support low-income communities by providing essential resources like food, housing, education, and healthcare. With financial aid of $10,000 for single-year support or $15,000 for multi-year commitments, these grants focus on organizations dedicated to enhancing opportunities for low-income individuals in the areas served. This initiative reflects Holman Enterprises Inc's commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

The Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund provides grants and loans to public and private entities for the assessment, investigation, and cleanup of hazardous substance discharges at brownfield sites. Established in 1993, it aims to support redevelopment efforts by covering 100% of assessment costs and up to 75% of remedial action costs. Funded by a portion of the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax, it fosters collaboration between the Department of Environmental Protection and the Economic Development Authority.

The FirstBank Charitable Foundation (FBCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2008, focused on supporting charitable organizations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. With over a million dollars awarded, FBCF aims to enhance community well-being through partnerships in health, housing, and education. Nonprofits aligning with FBCF's mission and demonstrating significant service impact are encouraged to apply for grants, fostering a stronger fabric within their neighborhoods.

The CRDA Government Grants aim to stimulate economic growth and community development in Atlantic City. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits with a proven track record of community service. These grants support projects that will directly benefit local residents, enhancing tourism and revitalization efforts. Ineligible expenses include operational costs and prior agreements. The CRDA is committed to leveraging public and private investments to create sustainable initiatives that will attract visitors and improve the quality of life in Atlantic City.

Technical Assistance Grants

These grants provide funding to nonprofit community groups to employ independent Licensed Site Remediation Professionals to perform activities designed to help improve the community’s understanding of the environmental conditions at, and remediation of, a contaminated site. The bulk of the funds must be used to hire an independent Licensed Site Remediation Professional as a technical advisor to help interpret and comment on site related documents. Funded by the DEP, grants are available to community groups during the remedial investigation phase and the remedial action phase of a cleanup of a contaminated site. DEP will award a maximum of $10,000 for a single remedial investigation and a maximum of $10,000 for a single remedial action. DEP will not award a Technical Assistance Grant to more than one community group at any one time for any contaminated site.

GRANT LIMITATIONS 

TAG funds are available to community groups during the Remedial Investigation (RI) phase and the Remedial Action (RA) phase of a cleanup of a contaminated site. DEP will award a maximum of $10,000 for a single RI and a maximum of $10,000 for a single RA. DEP will not award a TAG to more than one community group at any one time for any contaminated site.

The Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, supports 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in New Jersey. It funds a variety of areas including education, health, and the arts, with grants typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. The Trust prioritizes requests that demonstrate community need and administrative stability, while excluding individuals and for-profit entities. Its mission embodies a commitment to charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities supporting rural community vitality can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs and projects. Eligible efforts include ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development in Land O’Lakes dairy communities.