Best Grants for Community Centers in New Jersey

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.

Pharmaceutical Services for Adults with Cystic Fibrosis Program (CYS)

To provide funding to a non-profit agency that will assist adults living with Cystic Fibrosis to purchase nutritional supplements, prescription drugs, medical supplies and equipment needed to manage the disease.

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.

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 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 Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program in New Jersey provides essential financial support for students enrolled in approved higher education institutions. It covers a portion of tuition for nearly one-third of full-time undergraduates, ensuring access to education for those with financial need. Since 1978, TAG has been instrumental in promoting economic mobility and affordability in higher education. Additionally, Summer TAG awards allow eligible students to take summer courses, further assisting them in completing their degree programs efficiently.

The NJCBIR: Pilot Research Grant aims to foster innovative research to treat and cure traumatic brain injuries in New Jersey. It encourages experienced and new investigators to explore groundbreaking approaches in brain cell regeneration. Through funding, the program supports feasibility studies and other research methodologies, ultimately aiming to improve treatment outcomes for individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries. The initiative also includes establishing a central registry for tracking brain injury cases to enhance research and prevention strategies.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

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.

New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS)

To provide support for statewide network of early intervention services for developementally delayed/disabled childen, birth to age three, and their families

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 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 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 Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

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.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowships, funded by the Breast Cancer Alliance, aim to cultivate talented surgeons into compassionate breast specialists. This prestigious one-year fellowship, running from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, offers a grant of $85,000. Eligible institutions must be accredited and located in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York, and only US citizens with completed general surgery residencies can apply. The initiative seeks to enhance surgical expertise and improve breast cancer outcomes.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Ena Zucchi Charitable Trust Grant aims to support public health, educational, and social services organizations in New Jersey. It provides funding for individuals pursuing doctoral education in public health, projects that engage children in environmental improvement, and initiatives that assist disadvantaged youths in social service careers. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate alignment with these causes to be eligible for funding.

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.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

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 NJ Opportunity Partnership Grant aims to assist displaced workers by providing essential occupational training aligned with employer needs. With $2 million in total funding, individual grants will not exceed $200,000. The program seeks to reconnect participants with sustainable employment opportunities, fostering workforce development in New Jersey. Compliance with registration deadlines is crucial for application acceptance, ensuring that eligible representatives complete the process by 3/3/25.

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).

New Jersey Youth Tobacco Prevention Program

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Office of Tobacco Control and Prevention (OTCP), is soliciting applications through this Request for Applications (RFA) to implement evidence-based tobacco prevention strategies for youth under the age of 21, with a strong focus on youth engagement, school-based policy efforts, and point-of-sale (POS) strategies. 

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.