Best Grants for Charities in New Jersey

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

The Community Chest Annual Grants provide financial support to nonprofits in New Jersey, focusing on key areas including mental health services, food insecurity, home care, educational enhancement, and racial justice education. Organizations that have been operational for over two years and comply with diversity guidelines are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by the pandemic. Grants can support a range of programs aimed at fostering community well-being and resilience.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Dombal-Vogel Foundation Grant supports children under 18 facing socio-economic challenges, offering funds for physical, mental, educational, adaptive, and legal needs. Established by Helen Dombal and Dolores Vogel in memory of their husbands, the foundation aids individuals and non-profits. Additionally, it provides financial assistance for young adults in health-related studies and those pursuing courses in hydrology, honoring Edward Dombal's legacy in water management.

The New Jersey Department of Health is launching the 'Rapid Referral for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: Telehealth' initiative to enhance access to emergency assessments and treatment via telemedicine. This grant aims to support a telehealth provider in delivering Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) to patients, as part of a broader strategy to combat the opioid crisis and improve substance use disorder care throughout the state.

The AgEnhancement Grant, awarded by Farm Credit East and CoBank, provides funding between $500 to $10,000 annually to support projects that enhance agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in the Northeast. Since 1996, over $3.5 million has been distributed to various organizations. The program seeks initiatives that promote diversity and provide opportunities for all-sized farms, ensuring long-term benefits to the community and industry.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.

The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program, celebrating 100 years of supporting research, offers financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students. Members can receive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, while non-members can apply for up to $1,000. Additionally, there are specific funds available for astronomy and vision-related research. This program fosters collaboration between students and mentors, promoting scientific excellence through hands-on experience.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

Dover Grants, offered by Speedway Children's Charities, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on children's welfare in Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region. The grants prioritize initiatives assisting homeless, foster children, and victims of trafficking. Applicants must complete a two-phase application process, beginning with a Pre-Proposal and followed by a Full Proposal if selected. The organization emphasizes funding for critical, medical, and educational needs to foster a brighter future for children.

The AW Environmental Grant Program, backed by American Water Works Company, Inc., aims to support community-driven projects focused on water conservation and the protection of vital water resources. Since 2012, the foundation has invested over $15 million in innovative initiatives that enhance access to clean water and promote responsible water usage in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities and educational institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

The Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program invites proposals for funding to tackle aquatic invasive species (AIS) challenges. Key priorities include research on AIS management, innovative control methods, and educational outreach. Eligible applicants range from individuals in government agencies to non-profit organizations. The program seeks to support initiatives that align with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force standards and aims to enhance regional AIS management strategies.

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey (JWF) aims to uplift women and girls through collective grantmaking, enhancing community quality of life. The Spring Grant Cycle invites 501(c)3 organizations to submit Letters of Intent for funding programs aligned with JWF's mission. Focused on New Jersey counties, JWF prioritizes initiatives that address women's challenges and promote social change, rejecting grants for individuals or political purposes.

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.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention NOFA

To develop regional projects to prevent alcohol and drug use before, during, and after pregnancy. To increase the number of pregnant women screened for risk of substance use/abuse and refer them to appropriate services. Provide state wide education and leadership training for CHWs, doulas and peer mentors (frontline staff) specifically related to working with vulnerable birthing people.

Estimated Amount of money in the grant program

• $ 886,400

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

Rural Health Transformation Program: Building Rural Hospital Capacity

The RHT Program is designed to provide funding for investments that will transform and sustain the way care is delivered in rural communities, specifically to improve access and outcomes, especially for individuals who are uninsured and underinsured. 

Scope of Work

The NJDOH’s Rural Health Transformation Program 2026: Building Rural Hospital Capacity focuses on increasing hospitals’ capacity to provide healthcare services to New Jersey’s rural population. The goal is to build long-term capabilities that will serve the target population for years, even after the program’s funding has ended. To achieve this goal, the program supports targeted initiatives that could include improvements in rural healthcare, workforce development and increased accessibility of healthcare services.

By increasing accessibility, supporting improvements and workforce development, the funding will help strengthen the overall health of rural New Jersey communities, in line with the DOH’s vision of making New Jersey the healthiest state in the union. 

Applicants are not required to serve exclusively uninsured or underinsured populations across their entire organization, and programs or positions supported by this grant may interact with or serve insured individuals. However, grant funds may not be used to pay for or support any services or activities that are reimbursable by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. 

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant (NJ) provides up to $12 million in funding for municipalities to address combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater management. Prioritization is given to financially distressed communities and projects that utilize green technology. Grants can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, with a maximum project cap of $2 million. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure while promoting environmental justice.

The Greenspring Grant Program, established in 2012, focuses on supporting local non-profits dedicated to economic and workforce development. With $100,000 in grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, the program is entirely employee-run, allowing teams to select deserving organizations. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) non-profits in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, while special consideration is given to local initiatives aimed at recovery, youth, and underserved populations.

The Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) supports women and minority students pursuing certificates or degrees in construction-related fields. Funded by the Schools Development Authority and administered by HESAA, this scholarship can cover up to $2,000 per year or the full cost of tuition, minus any other financial aid. It is renewable for one year, contingent on future funding availability, and awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The F25AS00332 Highlands Conservation Act provides competitive funding for land conservation projects in the Highlands Region, which includes Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this program allows eligible state, county, or municipal entities to request grants covering up to 50% of project costs. The program aims to protect vital natural resources and is divided into Base and Competitive funding categories, with specific proposals invited for the Competitive Funding Round.

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.