Best Grants for Charities in New Jersey

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.

Healthy Women Healthy Families NOFA

Maternal and infant mortality and morbidity reduction activities focusing on racial and health disparities to improve health outcomes for women and infants. Maternal child health initiatives include community health workers, postpartum doulas, and breastfeeding education and support activities. Connecting NJ specialists to provide referrals to needed resources, linkages to core programs, and education and outreach in the community to pregnant individuals and families with young children to address their needs. 

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 5,000,000

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 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 NJ Water Bank's Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants program provides vital funding for municipalities to address combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater management. With approximately $12 million available for SFY 2025, eligible projects include planning, design, and construction of infrastructure, with a funding cap of $2 million per project. Grants prioritize environmentally innovative practices and support financially distressed communities.

New Jersey Department of Health

The scope of work for the public health system is ever-expanding, and the Department is on the frontlines in leading the response to public health challenges. The Department has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system.

Our Mission: Protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

Autism Medical Home Center of Excellence

Purpose for Which the Grant Program Funds Shall be Used

Approximately $3,5000,000 may be allocated to the following NJ Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism research projects: Predoctoral Fellowship Research (CAUT27GFP), Postdoctoral Fellowship Research (CAUT27DFP), Postdoctoral Associate Research (CAUT27DAP), Basic Research (CAUT27BRP), Clinical Research (CAUT27CRP), and Autism Medical Home Center of Excellence (CAUT27AMH), contingent on the availability of NJDOH funding.

Award Period: From: 8/1/26 Through: 6/30/31

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.

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 Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

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 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 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 Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

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.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The New Jersey Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Health, supports projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for nursing home residents. These funds, derived from penalties imposed on non-compliant facilities, can be utilized for quality improvement initiatives, such as resident relocation assistance and family council support. Eligible organizations include advocacy groups and certified long-term care facilities, fostering a commitment to improving care standards.

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.

Special Child Health Services, Hemophilia Services Grant Program

To provide partial support to currently funded regional hemophilia treatment centers for patients residing in New Jersey and partial support or the purchase of health insurance policies, co-payments and deductibles for individuals with hemophilia. 

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 Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Diabetes Capacity Building Grant Program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to combat diabetes and prediabetes in high-burden communities. By funding evidence-based strategies, this initiative focuses on improving disease management and expanding access to effective interventions. The program seeks to reduce diabetes risk and address health disparities, ensuring healthier outcomes for populations most affected by diabetes across New Jersey.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The HOME Community Housing Development Organizations program in New Jersey aims to provide funding for creating affordable housing units for low-income households. This initiative is targeted at certified non-profit developers with proven experience in affordable housing development and management, ensuring they meet specific criteria set by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The program supports various project-related costs while excluding ineligible activities like public housing modernization.

The New Jersey Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. With $1,260,000 in funding, the program prioritizes support for underserved communities, including the economically disadvantaged and racial minorities. Grants of up to $45,000 will be awarded for projects focusing on essential services like crisis response, advocacy, and outreach, ensuring comprehensive support for vulnerable populations across New Jersey.

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.

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (TPC) Services

Funds will be used to prevent tobacco youth initiation and decrease youth smoking prevalence by developing and implementing programming aimed to increase tobacco awareness and environmental policy development within communities as well as the promotion of intervention cessation services to qualified tobacco users.

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.

WISEWOMAN Program

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) - WISEWOMAN: Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation program seeks to fund evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease in women aged 35-64, at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, are under-or-uninsured, and are enrolled in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Funding will address the burden of cardiovascular disease and its riskfactors by implementing prevention and self-management strategies, system-level bi-directional e-referral structures, implementing or expanding team-based care, and improving the capacity of the cardiovascular disease workforce to address social determinants of health (SDOH).

The RFA - Housing Production Investment Fund aims to enhance affordable housing availability by leveraging federal HOME funds. This program, established under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, provides state and local governments with essential resources to create decent housing for low- and very low-income households. It also strengthens governmental capacity and promotes private sector participation, thereby expanding the role of nonprofit housing providers in community development.