Best Grants for Charities in New Jersey

The Education & Leadership Impact Grants by BLBB Charitable aim to support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Greater Philadelphia. Grants under $15,000 facilitate programs in college access, economic self-sufficiency, K-12 education, and local environmental education. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote long-term connections and leadership development, ultimately aiming to break the cycle of poverty and foster sustainable community growth.

The Education & Leadership Impact Grants by BLBB Charitable support nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on college access, economic self-sufficiency, K-12 educational opportunities, and environmental education. Grants over $15,000 are available for multi-year projects aimed at enhancing the lives of disadvantaged youth. Eligible nonprofits must have filed at least two consecutive Form 990s and cannot be public or charter schools. Contact the foundation for guidance before submitting a request.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded by the USDA. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, which include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and horticultural products. Eligible projects should focus on improving marketing and research related to these crops. This program supports the growth of agriculture in New Jersey by fostering innovation and sustainability in the specialty crop sector.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Frank Mongelli Jr. Scholarship, established by Donna Esposito and her late husband in memory of their son, aims to support students in New Jersey pursuing careers in substance use/addiction counseling. The scholarship addresses the ongoing epidemic of addiction through education and prevention. Administered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, it is part of a broader initiative that has awarded over $2 million to 271 scholars. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.

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 Child Evaluation Mini

Provide partial support to develop and produce public awareness materials regarding the lifesaving benefits of transplantation for the purpose of increasing potential organ donors. The grantees have been appointed by the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Fund per P.L. 2001, CHAPTER 164, approved July 17, 2001, Assembly No. 3235.

Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP)

 The FY 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) is being funded to provide in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16-24, with valuable summer work experiences in order to help them successfully transition to the world of work.

Start Date and End Date of Grant Program:

• April 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026

Funding Amount:

• $8,000,000

Applications must not exceed a maximum cost per participant of $4,160. The cost-per participant is calculated as the total grant funds requested (including administrative costs) divided by the proposed number of participants to be enrolled. Further detail regarding allowable costs can be found in Section H.8.

Final awards are contingent upon State allocation of funds. The applicant’s budget must be well considered, necessary for the implementation of the program, and within the funding parameters. Final amounts will be determined at the time of pre-contract revisions. Ineligible, inappropriate or undocumented costs will be removed from the funding request. SYWEP programs may be considered for a continuance of up to an additional year, contingent upon successful performance of the program/grantees and upon the availability of funds.

The NJ Emergency Watershed Protection Program provides critical technical and financial support to communities facing imminent threats from natural disasters like floods and erosion. Crucially, it doesn't require a formal disaster declaration, allowing for swift action. Assistance includes debris removal, streambank restoration, and land buyouts to mitigate future risks. The program emphasizes collaboration with local sponsors to ensure effective watershed management and environmental sustainability.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The NJ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing agricultural land easements, helping to preserve cropland, grassland, and pastureland from non-agricultural use. With NRCS contributing up to 75% of the fair market value for special grasslands, the program ensures long-term conservation of vital agricultural resources in New Jersey, promoting sustainable farming and protecting essential habitats for endangered species.

The Hoffman Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on aiding the blind and conducting medical research to prevent blindness. Established through Helen C. Hoffman's will, the foundation prioritizes charitable, religious, and educational initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, primarily serving New Jersey and New York. The foundation only accepts applications year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for consideration in the August meeting. Organizations receiving grants for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying.

The NJ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program: Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) supports private and tribal landowners in protecting, restoring, and enhancing degraded wetlands due to agricultural activities. This program encourages collaboration among state agencies, local governments, and organizations to enroll eligible lands into easements, thereby improving water quality, providing wildlife habitat, and promoting biodiversity. The voluntary nature of the program ensures effective integration of wetland restoration into working landscapes, benefiting both landowners and their communities.

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.

Sickle Cell Disease Pilot Program

To improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with SCD. The program provides coordinated, comprehensive care through an integrated model that combines medical, behavioral, social, and educational services. It emphasizes strong communication pathways with external providers and delivers ongoing education and outreach to patients, caregivers, staff, and the broader community.

Local Public Health Outbreak Preparedness and Response Grant Program

This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to fund Local Health Departments (LHDs) to design and implement targeted interventions that address emerging and persistent infectious disease threats, strengthen local public health infrastructure, and improve health outcomes through measurable impact.

Goal:

NJDOH will provide Outbreak Preparedness (OP) competitive funding for up to five (5) LHDs to strengthen infectious disease outbreak preparedness and response capacity.

Grant Program Priorities:

Applicants must propose projects that strengthen local and multi-jurisdictional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. Projects should align with one or more of the following priority areas:

• Infectious Disease Surveillance, Data Modernization, and Information Sharing
  • Strengthen surveillance systems, data integration, analytics, and real-time information sharing to support timely and effective public health action.
• Outbreak Preparedness, Response, and Containment Capacity
  • Enhance the ability of LHDs to rapidly detect, investigate, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks across community and high-risk settings.
• Workforce Development and Shared Services Models
  • Build, expand, or formalize cross-jurisdictional workforce capacity and shared service delivery models to improve efficiency, scalability, and regional response capability.
• Community-Based Prevention, Health Equity, and Risk Communication
  • Improve access to prevention services and strengthen culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education, and engagement in underserved and high-risk populations.
• Healthcare and Community System Coordination
  • Strengthen partnerships and coordination between LHDs, healthcare providers, schools, and community-based organizations to support a unified and effective response to infectious disease threats.

• Total Funding Available: $ 1,246,250
• Number of Awards: Up to five (5) awards
• Estimated Award Amount: Approximately $240,000 per LHD 

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

In 1966, the legislature passed and the governor signed a law creating the NJ State Council on the Arts and directing us to do all that is necessary and appropriate to: support, encourage, and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey.

Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Project

FTAP grants provide $10,000 to support an individualized, structured learning opportunity between an Apprentice artist and one or more Mentor Artists. By providing funds to support artists’ time and project expenses, FTAP grants allow intermediate-level artists to significantly advance their skills and cultural knowledge in a specific folk and traditional art form. Strong apprenticeships foster the continuation of valued community traditions, contributing to the ongoing vitality of these specific folk and traditional arts.

The FTAP application process is a two-part process. After submitting Application Part 1, eligible applicants will be sent the link to Application Part 2.

The EMS Stakeholder Conference, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to deliver a comprehensive educational experience for Emergency Medical Services professionals. This inclusive conference will enhance patient care and operational efficiency through targeted sessions addressing the needs of various EMS personnel. By aligning with current medical knowledge and national standards, the conference seeks to improve clinical practices and support system integration, ultimately benefiting public health in New Jersey.

The Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention RFP aims to provide essential support services, including legal assistance and case management, to low-income tenants at risk of eviction in New Jersey. By consolidating funding streams, this program addresses the critical issue of homelessness, which affects over 58% of admissions annually in the state. With an estimated $7 million in funding, the initiative seeks to prevent displacement and ensure access to necessary resources for vulnerable households.

The NJCCR: Pilot Program Research Grant, offered by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to tackle priority areas related to the causes of cancer. This two-year grant focuses on research into genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors, as well as behavioral and socioeconomic aspects. It encourages innovative approaches to pain management and cancer health disparities, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to improve outcomes for high-burden communities in New Jersey.

The Preventive Health Services Grant Program, offered by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to implement evidence-based strategies to combat chronic diseases in vulnerable communities. This initiative seeks to enhance health outcomes by promoting education and awareness of chronic disease prevention. Eligible applicants must demonstrate knowledge in this area and provide necessary compliance documents. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of life and foster healthier living for New Jersey residents.

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.

Continued Access in Underserved Communities Pilot Program

Purpose and Background

On January 20th, 2026, Governor Murphy approved P.L. 2025, c.402, “An Act establishing a ‘Continued Access in Underserved Communities Pilot Program,’ supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation.” The purpose of this act is to ensure continued access to care for patients residing in underserved areas. Grant funds shall be used to provide financial assistance to cover some of the costs associated with maintaining certain services at the original location when relocating. 

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.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

The purpose of the grant program is to improve family engagement and partnership with the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, and provide support to families of children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH). 

Qualifications Needed by Applicant to be Considered for a Grant

Non-competitive renewal funding will be given to existing grantee with satisfactory performance. If a need is identified which cannot be met by the existing project, EHDI will release a competitive Request for Application (RFA). Qualifications needed include demonstrated ability and capacity to meet the programmatic requirements identified in the RFA

The Strengthening Local Public Health Capacity Grant Program, offered by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to enhance public health infrastructure and outbreak preparedness. This initiative focuses on addressing chronic diseases through evidence-based strategies, collaborating with local stakeholders to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. By supporting workforce development and data modernization, the program seeks to ensure a healthier future for all New Jersey residents, ultimately reducing premature deaths and disabilities.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Rudolph Williams Charitable Trust Grant aims to support charities dedicated to providing benefits to blind individuals. It primarily funds organizations within the United States, particularly in New Jersey, that qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. Key program areas include education, health, human services, and public benefit. However, it does not support requests from private individuals or for political activities. This grant represents a valuable resource for organizations helping blind persons.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) offers General Operating Support Grants to enhance the preservation and understanding of New Jersey's history. Established in 2000, this program aims to support organizations engaged in historical research and public engagement. The grants foster innovation and excellence, promoting underrepresented aspects of New Jersey history and broadening access to historical resources for diverse communities. Through various initiatives, NJHC strives to strengthen local history organizations and ensure the state's rich heritage is preserved and appreciated.