Best Grants for Community Centers in New Jersey

Community centers and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, health, conservation, and cultural programs. Grants from McGraw Foundation help organizations with general operating support, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, which may benefit centers offering tutoring, literacy, crisis intervention, or housing services.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support to advance actionable solutions for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students whose work may benefit New Jersey community centers concerned with safe, clean drinking water and public health challenges.

New Jersey agricultural producers and forest landowners seeking to enhance conservation on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Conservation Stewardship Program supports soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-resilient practices through customized five-year contracts, which may benefit community-centered farms, ranches, and forest operations across the state.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, Honda provides New Jersey community centers, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible projects must primarily benefit communities near Honda operations and can include solar or wind installations, energy upgrades, and recycling or zero-waste initiatives.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) community-based organizations and coalitions advancing environmental and climate justice may be eligible for funding to support grassroots organizing, advocacy, and movement-building. Scherman Foundation prioritizes BIPOC-led groups working on climate resilience, equitable mass transit, green jobs, and policy change that center racial, economic, and cultural transformation in frontline communities.

New Jersey community-based nonprofits serving women and children through education, homelessness services, humanitarian aid, or health care can access funding via The Father's Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 support programs that build self-sufficiency, such as employment assistance, microfinance, child welfare, and food security, with occasional support for immediate emergency and disaster relief needs.

New Jersey community centers and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits or educational institutions can seek monetary or in-kind support for programs in social equity and education, climate change and food security, or responsible play and mental health. Grants from The Caesars Foundation may benefit centers serving Atlantic County communities through education, workforce development, housing, food security, or mental health services.

Community-focused 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits planning environmental sustainability projects in New Jersey can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for initiatives like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible organizations with strong financial histories implement impactful sustainability projects that benefit local communities and community centers.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in New Jersey conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to support student research experiences and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support; community-centered colleges may be eligible.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing economic opportunity or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Awards include a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant for organizations focused on job readiness, small business resiliency, financial literacy, or equitable and affordable housing in eligible Bank of America markets.

New Jersey students pursuing conservation-related higher education can access funding through the William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship, which awards US $2,500 for academic study in fields like environmental conservation, forestry, soil science, or water resource management. Offered by Freehold Soil Conservation District, this scholarship may benefit students connected to local community center programs or initiatives.

Community centers and accredited charities in New Jersey can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, environmental, and arts initiatives that engage local partners and volunteers. La Roche supports high-quality projects in areas such as youth services, STEM education, health, disaster relief, and contemporary arts, with local affiliate offices managing country-specific and community-focused giving.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can receive approximately US $140,000 to conduct mentored clinical research and build independent careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help New Jersey-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, environmental health, and other biomedical projects serving global communities.

Community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in Mercer County, New Jersey on education, health, human services, cultural enrichment, environment, or community development can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 in project support. Focused on strengthening local communities, Altra Foundation invites eligible organizations, including qualifying faith-based social service programs, to be nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in New Jersey and New York can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to host in-person community engagement sessions on estuary health and local environmental priorities. With a mission to protect and restore the Harbor Estuary, Hudson River Foundation supports sessions that elevate community voices, especially in disadvantaged or overburdened neighborhoods.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with awards of approximately US $140,000. Community-focused health researchers connected to New Jersey partners may be able to strengthen global projects serving their home countries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating community centers, museums, or educational and health programs in New Jersey’s central counties can seek up to US $12,000 to support arts, history, and community wellbeing initiatives. The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation funds projects serving vulnerable residents in Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Somerset, and Warren counties.

Focused on education and related community programs, 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Community centers offering educational, youth, arts, literacy, or basic needs services may be eligible, with preference for new or enhanced programs and short-term or matching support.

Nonprofit community centers and 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey can seek funding for visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental programs, including general operating or project support. Focused on arts and environmental initiatives, Joseph Robert Foundation prioritizes smaller organizations, offering up to US $10,000, with first-time grants typically US $5,000 or less.

Organizations hosting health-related congresses, community events, or initiatives in New Jersey can seek sponsorship funding for activities that provide tangible visibility or marketing benefits. Biogen Foundation provides New Jersey community-focused groups with corporate sponsorships across many neurological and related disease areas, including Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, lupus, and more, subject to review criteria.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Summit Foundation Grant aims to support various community needs in the Summit area, focusing on education, health, arts, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. The foundation encourages local nonprofits to apply for competitive grants to fund specific programs and initiatives that enhance community welfare. Eligibility requires organizations to be tax-exempt and serve Summit area residents. However, the foundation does not fund general operating support or religious programs. The goal is to create a positive impact on local communities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The Columbia Bank Foundation Community Grant Program aims to support local communities by funding innovative programs that benefit low-and-moderate income individuals. Grants between $7,501 and $15,000 are available for community-based nonprofits, civic organizations, and charities. Key focus areas include economic development, financial literacy, health services, food security, environmental sustainability, and the arts. The foundation encourages applications from eligible organizations year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that uplift communities.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.