Best Grants for BIPOC in New Jersey

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

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).

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) program. This funding opportunity aims to explore innovative methods for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adults facing health disparities. The initiative seeks research proposals that will implement and evaluate SBIRT/P strategies in collaboration with healthcare and community partners. This approach is crucial for enhancing public health and ensuring effective interventions.

The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program Grant aims to support women and minority veterans in overcoming economic barriers to access training in construction trades. This initiative offers funding for eligible organizations to provide comprehensive training, placement services, and support to prepare these veterans for successful careers in the construction industry. With a funding amount of $1,500,000, the program is focused on enhancing workforce diversity and inclusion within the sector.

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Outreach and Education NOFA

Provide outreach and education to healthcare providers and the community to increase awareness of maternal and fetal mortality, identify risk factors, and develop preventive strategies to decrease the incidence of occurrence. Provide quick access and information for healthcare services and resources in NJ. Provide data collection, management, and analysis. 

Estimated amount in the grant program

• $ 843,160

The Compassion Fund Grants, provided by the Womens Foundation of New Jersey, support agencies responding to natural disasters and community crises, such as floods, fires, and health emergencies. This funding is crucial during traumatic events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. To quickly access assistance, applicants can complete the Letter of Inquiry form on the foundation's website, ensuring timely support for urgent needs.

Department of Law & Public Safety

Under the direction of the Attorney General, the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Law & Public Safety are dedicated to making New Jersey safe for all its residents and visitors. Its diverse and complex responsibilities focus on protecting the lives and property of New Jersey citizens. In addition to providing statewide law enforcement and emergency response services, this Department and its approximately 7,700 employees are responsible for protecting citizens’ civil and consumer rights, promoting highway traffic safety, maintaining public confidence in the alcoholic beverage, gaming and racing industries and providing legal services and counsel to other state agencies.

SFY26 Non-Competitive Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program

Since September 2019, Governor Murphy and the Department of Law and Public Safety have invested in the development, implementation, and sustainability of hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) across New Jersey. These programs are designed to engage victims of gun and other community based violence at the time of crisis, providing immediate support and connecting them to critical services.

This funding supports programs that connect victims of crime to services, starting in hospitals or other medical settings and continuing into the community aiming to enhance support, improve outcomes, and reduce the risk of future victimization. 

This funding is limited to recipients who received SFY25 NJHVIP Continuation Funding and who have:

• Met the program’s goals and objectives,
• Submitted all required reports on time,
• Remained in compliance with all grant conditions, and
• Satisfied any additional criteria determined by the Department of Law and Public Safety.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children WIC

To improve the nutrition and health status of eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5; encourage the utilization of each WIC participant of available health and social services ; and promote and support breastfeeding.

The Odessa and Henry Kahrs Trust Grant provides funding for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational purposes in southern New Jersey, particularly Atlantic County. Established in 1970, this private trust aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Eligible applicants must be located within the specified region, and preference is given to those within Atlantic County. Applications are accepted year-round, making it an accessible funding source for local nonprofits.

The Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention (OEHP) program, initiated by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, aims to combat housing instability by consolidating critical funding streams for eviction defense and homelessness prevention. This program provides essential financial assistance, legal support, and resource navigation to households facing imminent eviction. By adopting a Housing First framework, OEHP ensures timely intervention to prevent homelessness, thereby stabilizing families and promoting safe, permanent housing solutions.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Knight Family Charitable Foundation, established by Peg and Bill Knight, focuses on enhancing community welfare through humanitarian support, education, and the arts. It aims to protect native wildlife and their habitats while promoting projects aligned with its mission. The foundation continues the legacy of giving back, inspired by the Knights' lifelong commitment to community service. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations are eligible for support, fostering initiatives that resonate with the foundation's vision.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Climate Literacy for Community Resilience grant program aims to enhance climate change education for K-12 students in New Jersey. It focuses on providing equitable access to high-quality educational resources, promoting experiential learning, and fostering collaboration among local education agencies. The program encourages student-led initiatives that address climate action within their communities. With funding up to $30,500, this grant supports innovative projects that will commence on June 1, 2026, and conclude by May 31, 2027.

The Survivor Tuition Benefits (STB) Program in New Jersey provides scholarships for children and surviving spouses of firefighters, emergency service workers, and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This program covers tuition at eligible institutions, ensuring access to higher education. Awards are renewable and contingent on available funding, with a maximum of eight payments allowed for students. Surviving spouses have no time limit to apply, promoting educational opportunities for those affected by tragedy.

The Citizens Philanthropic Foundation Grant focuses on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment, supporting nonprofits that create measurable impacts through innovative programs. Eligible organizations must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) entities located in NJ or Metro New York. The foundation prioritizes grant applications that demonstrate alignment with its goals and emphasize partnerships that foster colleague engagement and volunteerism. Funding is aimed at projects that serve diverse, underserved populations, and exclude certain organizations and activities.

The Sexual Risk Avoidance Education program by the New Jersey Department of Health aims to promote the delay of sexual activity among youth, significantly reducing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This initiative is comprehensive, trauma-informed, and inclusive of LGBTQ youth, with regional grants available for organizations capable of implementing effective health education services. This non-competitive continuation grant is open only to current eligible grantees, supporting its mission to enhance public health in New Jersey.

The Artificial Intelligence Technology in Career and Technical Education Pathways grant aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) by integrating high-quality AI applications. With funding of up to $250,000 available for fiscal year 2026, this initiative supports up to ten New Jersey districts in developing innovative, project-based learning experiences. Districts can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to cultivate AI competencies and foster partnerships with local businesses, ultimately preparing students for the future workforce.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI) aims to enhance access to funding for faith and community-based organizations. Their Social Innovation Program includes initiatives like the College Readiness Program, which supports young individuals in accessing higher education, and the Trade Readiness Program, designed to connect participants with trade schools and apprenticeship opportunities. These programs work to foster community and economic transformation through innovative approaches.

The County Environmental Health Act Grants (CEHA) provide funding to certified local health agencies in New Jersey to enhance environmental health services. Administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, these grants support essential health assessments and improvement plans. Agencies are required to match state funds and attend an informational meeting to apply. This initiative promotes sustainable community development and environmental justice across the state, ensuring public health is prioritized.

The Fund for Women & Girls Grant aims to empower economically vulnerable women and girls in greater Mercer County through community investment and education. By supporting diverse projects such as early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development, the grant fosters a collaborative environment for nonprofits. Eligible organizations must possess tax-exempt status and operate within specified geographical areas, ensuring targeted assistance. This initiative reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, enhancing the quality of life for those in need.