Best Grants for BIPOC in New Jersey

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program in New Jersey provides essential financial support for students enrolled in approved higher education institutions. It covers a portion of tuition for nearly one-third of full-time undergraduates, ensuring access to education for those with financial need. Since 1978, TAG has been instrumental in promoting economic mobility and affordability in higher education. Additionally, Summer TAG awards allow eligible students to take summer courses, further assisting them in completing their degree programs efficiently.

The NJ Child Care Facility Grant provides financial assistance to licensed child care centers for site remediation costs, with grants up to $1,500. Eligible applicants must meet specific qualifications, including completing a Preliminary Assessment Report per NJ regulations. This funding aims to support child care providers in maintaining safe environments for children, while certain costs, such as site investigation fees, are excluded from coverage.

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 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program aims to assist municipalities, developers, and non-profit organizations in creating affordable housing throughout New Jersey. This initiative not only addresses the need for quality housing but also promotes neighborhood revitalization and economic growth. By leveraging state and local investments, the program supports court-approved housing settlements and encourages innovative public-private partnerships. With funding up to $3 million per project, it is designed to facilitate smaller-scale developments that integrate seamlessly into local communities.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program aims to enhance affordable housing in New Jersey by providing financial support to municipalities and developers. This initiative not only addresses the urgent housing needs of residents but also promotes neighborhood revitalization and economic growth. The Innovation Fund component encourages unique housing solutions, including tiny homes and healthy living projects, particularly for the ALICE population. With a focus on public-private partnerships, the fund seeks to maximize the impact of investments in sustainable housing solutions.

The Youth Transitions To Work (YTTW) Grant Program, led by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, aims to support high school juniors, seniors, and out-of-school youth in transitioning to high-skill, high-wage employment. By facilitating connections to labor demand occupations, the program promotes long-term career growth and encourages youth to pursue further education and lifelong learning opportunities. This initiative strengthens the workforce and fosters economic development in New Jersey.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, offers grants between $2,500 and $50,000 to support music organizations across diverse genres. Focused on fostering music education and philanthropy, the Foundation seeks to empower non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. However, it does not fund theater or dance productions. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational accomplishments, community value, stability, and overall contributions to the music community.

The Natural Climate Solutions Grants, offered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aim to fund projects that enhance and restore the state's carbon sinks such as forests, salt marshes, and urban parks. By supporting initiatives like blue carbon and green carbon projects, the grant seeks to promote climate resilience, improve air and water quality, and advance environmental justice, aligning with New Jersey's commitment to sustainable practices and clean energy goals.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, supports music education and philanthropy through capital support grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible organizations include non-profit, 501(c)(3) music education and performance entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Projects funded may include construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance music education while excluding non-music related venues and general operating expenses.

The Ena Zucchi Charitable Trust Grant aims to support public health, educational, and social services organizations in New Jersey. It provides funding for individuals pursuing doctoral education in public health, projects that engage children in environmental improvement, and initiatives that assist disadvantaged youths in social service careers. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate alignment with these causes to be eligible for funding.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The New Jersey Wine Industry Project Grants, awarded by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, support projects that enhance the state's wine industry through research and development in viticulture and winemaking. Eligible applicants include organizations and cooperatives, who must submit a member list to be considered. Projects should benefit all grape growers and wine producers, ensuring inclusive participation across the industry.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

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.

New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS)

To provide support for statewide network of early intervention services for developementally delayed/disabled childen, birth to age three, and their families

New Jersey Youth Tobacco Prevention Program

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Office of Tobacco Control and Prevention (OTCP), is soliciting applications through this Request for Applications (RFA) to implement evidence-based tobacco prevention strategies for youth under the age of 21, with a strong focus on youth engagement, school-based policy efforts, and point-of-sale (POS) strategies. 

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The NJ Opportunity Partnership Grant aims to assist displaced workers by providing essential occupational training aligned with employer needs. With $2 million in total funding, individual grants will not exceed $200,000. The program seeks to reconnect participants with sustainable employment opportunities, fostering workforce development in New Jersey. Compliance with registration deadlines is crucial for application acceptance, ensuring that eligible representatives complete the process by 3/3/25.

The Building Responsive Instruction through Data-Guided Evaluation (BRIDGE) grant aims to enhance literacy instruction for grades K-3 in New Jersey by utilizing evidence-based data protocols. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are encouraged to implement strategies that inform tier one literacy instruction, monitor student progress, and foster inclusive educational practices. This grant focuses on leveraging data to support all students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, ensuring effective literacy outcomes.