Best Grants for Charities in New Jersey

The Emergency Department Peer Navigator Program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to tackle opioid-related challenges by embedding peer navigators in emergency departments in Newark, NJ. These navigators, who have lived experience with substance use, facilitate access to care and resources, thereby reducing overdose risks and unnecessary emergency department visits. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance addiction recovery services across the state.

About DEP

A national leader. A balanced approach. A commitment to be guided by science. That is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For over 50 years, DEP has made New Jersey a stronger and fairer state by protecting our environment and public health. With hard work, exceptional knowledge and expertise, the DEP’s staff has made the agency an unfailing guardian of New Jersey’s precious natural and historic resources.

The DEP was established on April 22, 1970 – America’s first official Earth Day. Today, DEP employees in dozens of programs continue to advance innovative strategies to safeguard and enhance New Jersey’s air, water and land, and the health of its residents.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants

ORLP funds the acquisition or development of new parks, or substantial renovation of parks, in low-income communities of at least 25,000 people. ORLP focuses on providing new or significantly improved nature-based parks in urban, disadvantaged communities lacking adequate access to walkable outdoor recreation (a.k.a. park deserts).

The program priorities described below are established by the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (Public Law 118-234), which represents a historic bipartisan commitment to expanding outdoor recreation on public lands and waters for all Americans.

Anticipated Award Amounts:

ORLP is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant program, with a minimum award of $300,000 and maximum award of $15M. ORLP is a reimbursement program. Grant recipients must use their own resources to pay for all project costs.

Cost Share Requirements:

The required 50% grant match must come from eligible (typically non-federal) sources, such as Green Acres park development or acquisition grants, county and municipal open space funding, and philanthropic organizations, among others.

Technical Assistance Grants

These grants provide funding to nonprofit community groups to employ independent Licensed Site Remediation Professionals to perform activities designed to help improve the community’s understanding of the environmental conditions at, and remediation of, a contaminated site. The bulk of the funds must be used to hire an independent Licensed Site Remediation Professional as a technical advisor to help interpret and comment on site related documents. Funded by the DEP, grants are available to community groups during the remedial investigation phase and the remedial action phase of a cleanup of a contaminated site. DEP will award a maximum of $10,000 for a single remedial investigation and a maximum of $10,000 for a single remedial action. DEP will not award a Technical Assistance Grant to more than one community group at any one time for any contaminated site.

GRANT LIMITATIONS 

TAG funds are available to community groups during the Remedial Investigation (RI) phase and the Remedial Action (RA) phase of a cleanup of a contaminated site. DEP will award a maximum of $10,000 for a single RI and a maximum of $10,000 for a single RA. DEP will not award a TAG to more than one community group at any one time for any contaminated site.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The Wawa Foundation offers Financial Grants through its Local Connection Grants program, providing funding under $2,500 to support local non-profit organizations. This initiative emphasizes health, hunger, and community heroes, ensuring that support is directed toward registered 501(c)(3) organizations within Wawa's operational areas. Applicants can expect feedback within four weeks after submission, with ongoing inquiries accepted until budget limits are reached, encouraging re-application for future funding.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.

Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction at Harm Reduction Centers NOFA

To support the State Opioid Response (SOR) by conducting Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction at Harm Reduction  Centers (HRCs) that provide access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), reduce unmet treatment need, and reducing  opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment and recovery activities for opioid use  disorder. 

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

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

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program

Purpose for Which the Grant Program Funds Shall be Used

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program supports pregnant people and parents with young children who live in communities that face greater risks and barriers to achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes. Families choose to participate in home visiting programs and partner with health, social service, and child development professionals to set and achieve goals that improve their health and well-being.

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, Newborn Screening and Genetic Services Grant Program

Partial support to regional agencies providing pediatric specialty care for infants/children identified via newborn screening to ensure access to confirmatory testing, comprehensive treatment, counseling services and professional/patient/community education/information.

The CFNJ Empower New Jersey Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, supports organizations in New Jersey focused on economic empowerment. This initiative aims to enhance economic stability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and financial literacy through effective projects. With a history of granting over $100 million to non-profits, CFNJ seeks to fund innovative programs that foster access to opportunities. Up to two grants will be awarded, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to community progress.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust, established in 2002, focuses on supporting organizations that aid the visually impaired, religious institutions aligned with the Episcopal Church, and services for the homeless or substance-dependent. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 are offered for impactful projects. Priority is given to organizations in New Jersey, particularly those enhancing capacity or making capital improvements. Applications must include a detailed budget and project outline.

The Sidney J. Harris Trust Grant supports organizations in Middlesex County, New Jersey, focusing on services for senior citizens, children's health and education, and public health projects. Established in memory of Mr. Harris, the trust has been providing grants since 1988, typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in Middlesex County and cater to specific community needs.

Action Against Hunger Grants provide essential financial support to small independent programs in New Jersey that assist women, children, and families facing food insecurity. Offered by the Womens Foundation of New Jersey, these grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are awarded each fall based on recommendations from the Food Insecurity Task Force. Interested parties can apply through the Letter of Inquiry form on the foundation's website.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance ecosystems in the Delaware River watershed through grants supporting habitat restoration and water quality improvement. With $72.1 million awarded to 239 projects, it has significantly impacted over 26 miles of riparian habitat and 77 miles of stream habitat, along with conserving 1,176 acres of wetlands. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also emphasizes outdoor recreation and community vitality in the region.

The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI) aims to enhance the capacity of faith and community-based organizations to address community issues. The program supports diverse projects including civic engagement, food security, and services for seniors, focusing on innovative approaches to create meaningful change. By fostering partnerships and providing resources, OFBI is committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations and facilitating community-driven solutions.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Ann E. Talcott Fund Grant supports charitable organizations in New Jersey, focusing on religious, scientific, educational, and humanitarian efforts. Established as a perpetual trust by Ann Earle Talcott, the fund prioritizes assistance to the indigent and aims to enhance public safety and welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt entities, ensuring financial support for those dedicated to meaningful community service and improving the lives of vulnerable populations.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Request for Proposals: Launchpad Funds

Background

Coefficient Giving is increasing its giving, primarily to prepare for the billions of dollars in new philanthropic capital that may become available in the coming years. Our increased giving in global health and wellbeing is a temporary surge, with two objectives: to smooth funding and pull forward initiatives we expect to be cost-effective, and to help create an ecosystem of regrantors and implementers with the capacity to allocate this new money as cost-effectively as possible. Additional context on our scaling is provided in this blog post. 

With new potential capital on the way, we want to increase the supply of actionable and fundable plans to address some of the world’s hardest problems. We’re looking for specific, credible strategies to convert funding into measurable progress. Our ideal funds are:

However, we are also open to funds that are thematic and don’t have a quantified goal — for example, a fund organized around a promising type of intervention. Such funds still need to be led by a single, identifiable person who is accountable for the fund’s direction.

Through this request for EOIs, we aim to seed or scale Launchpad Funds that can grow to $100m+ over the next few years. We don’t seek scale for its own sake; it is a proxy for the ambition of the fund, and a signal that the problem is large and tractable enough to justify deploying significantly more capital over time.

What we will fund

• We expect to support established ideas that have either not yet secured anchor support or could significantly scale beyond their existing level of funding.
• This funding can cover operating expenses, but we expect most of it to be used for activities that make progress on the fund’s goals — whether through regranting or direct implementation.
• For exceptional proposals, we may consider funding levels beyond $50m. We anticipate higher funding levels will involve more thought partnership from our team.
• While we don’t expect to make grants longer than 36 months, funded proposals may later be considered for additional funding beyond the initial period.