Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in New Jersey

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for up to US $25,000 to run programs that transform the lives of women and girls and strengthen the broader community. JWF of New Jersey supports initiatives rooted in Jewish values, including those focused on women’s rights, safety, health, and Jewish culture, primarily in Essex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community on women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity can apply for Hadassah Foundation’s Core Grants, offering up to US $80,000 over three years. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, this program provides program-based or unrestricted support for U.S. and Israeli initiatives using a gender lens.

Natan's Jewish Connections Grants empower innovative initiatives connecting diverse individuals to Jewish culture and practices. Aimed at organizations with budgets under $1.5 million, these grants foster inclusivity and creativity within Jewish communities in North America. By supporting emerging leaders and new methodologies, Natan strives to create systemic change and engage populations historically overlooked by mainstream Jewish organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $30,000, promoting a collaborative approach to philanthropy.

Background

Natan’s Confronting Poverty committee requests proposals from organizations that are addressing poverty in their communities across the United States. This grant area is primarily focused on new models of direct services focused on Jewish poverty.

We understand that most social service organizations serve a diverse audience, but we anticipate that most of the funding will go towards organizations that have a special and particular interest in serving the Jewish community, in addition to other audiences.

We are particularly interested in;

• New models of direct services within existing agencies that address food insecurity, housing, job training, health and older adult care;
• New models of education, communications and awareness building around poverty
• New organizations and start ups that bring a fresh lens and voice to these matters

Natan seeks to sponsor or catalyze the creation of innovative, grassroots, and scalable strategies that address poverty and the factors that contribute to these challenges. This RFP targets both early-stage organizations and early-stage projects within larger institutions.

Natan anticipates awarding up to five grants of $30,000 - $35,000. The selected programs may be eligible for second year funding. Grant recipients will have the opportunity to work with a consultant to develop measures of success and evaluation plans.

Natan’s Confronting Poverty initiative is in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation with the goal of surfacing new ideas in the Jewish anti-poverty space. Consideration will be given to applicants that incorporate voices of those with lived experience in their program development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and incorporated synagogues or churches launching Jewish values-based programs in New Jersey can receive up to US $5,000 for new, innovative, or expanding initiatives. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation of Southern New Jersey prioritize projects benefiting Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester county residents, especially ongoing, collaborative efforts addressing emerging community needs.

Jewish nonprofits in New Jersey can apply for US $500 - US $2,000 to support programs in food access, health care, housing, education, job training, or nonprofit sustainability. Jewish Women's Federation of Southern New Jersey provides these grants for work serving Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties and strengthening Jewish life and community.

Jewish and community-based nonprofits in New Jersey can seek one-year program grants to enhance and transform the Greater MetroWest area, with awards up to US $20,000 for elderly care, Jewish education, and care for the needy. The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ accepts one application per organization across eligible local counties.

Jewish nonprofits and community organizations in New Jersey with innovative, charitable projects can access funding through the I Could Do Great Things Foundation to turn concrete ideas into reality. Individuals and businesses with education, community, or Jewish-focused initiatives may be eligible, provided their plans have clear public benefit and do not fund organizational overhead or profit-making ventures.

Jewish nonprofits and community organizations serving Judaism or Jewish culture in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, or Israel’s Akko and Matte Asher region, can seek project or capital support through the Thomases Family Endowment. With a mission to promote tzedakah, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides US $1,500 - US $22,000 to eligible applicants with a U.S. mailing address.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in New Jersey working on Holocaust education, interfaith understanding, or combating antisemitism may be eligible for support from the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute, part of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Projects using Holocaust history to promote dialogue and challenge hatred, including Jewish cultural and educational initiatives, are encouraged.

Jewish educational nonprofits in New Jersey can apply for Covenant Foundation Signature and Ignition Grants to develop or test innovative, financially responsible approaches to Jewish education that can be adapted in other settings. Grants from Covenant Foundation support tax-exempt organizations in North America, including schools, JCCs, camps, museums, and similar institutions, with awards up to US $35,000.

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) or registered charity Jewish organizations in New Jersey and across North America can apply for the Wexner Davidson Fellowship. This three-year program offers intensive leadership training, Jewish learning, coaching, professional development funds, and access to a global network of Jewish community leaders.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or education programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically around US $5,000. New Jersey Jewish nonprofits with secular, non-religious programming for youth may be eligible if their primary mission is supporting America’s children and their families.

Jewish nonprofits working on Judaism or Jewish culture, including those serving New Jersey communities, can apply for Zera Foundation’s grants to support programs improving quality and equality of life. Funding priorities include poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based organizations, with interest in new programs, direct services, and strong volunteer engagement.

Jewish and other community-focused nonprofits addressing Judaism and Jewish culture in New Jersey may be eligible for funding to meet social and spiritual needs in multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and public settings. Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help organizations in Israel and North America strengthen civic leadership, urban planning, and community chaplaincy; letters of inquiry are accepted year-round.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in New Jersey or with a fiscal sponsor can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Jewish Community support to advance education, advocacy, and experiential projects. Eligible programs may combat antisemitism, address social issues like climate or gun violence, or enhance contemporary Jewish life, including nationally implemented initiatives.

Jewish organizations and nonprofits supporting young people with disabilities or related social services, including those in New Jersey, can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts grants, with awards up to US $40,000. Programs connected to Judaism or Jewish culture, Muskogee-area nonprofits, and causes important to the Kirschner family may be prioritized.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in New Jersey and beyond can seek support for programs that strengthen Jewish life, protect and nurture children, and address basic needs. Focused on Judaism and Jewish culture, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation also funds initiatives in Israel, mental health and substance abuse, and food security.

The Colonel David Marcus Memorial Scholarship Award supports students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education, particularly in military programs. Established by the Jewish Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes candidates who embody Col. Marcus's ideals. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and may apply for multiple awards. The fund has a strong community leadership background, managing over $35 million in assets to support educational initiatives.

The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Ed & Stacey Rivkin Aspiration Award supports Jewish students pursuing post-high school education with demonstrated financial need. Established to honor Ed and Stacey's contributions to the Jewish community, this award assists recipients in covering educational costs such as tuition, books, and room and board. Eligible applicants must reside in specific New Jersey counties and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The award aims to empower future leaders by facilitating access to higher education.

The Branfman Family Scholarship Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, supports students of all faiths from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education. Eligible candidates, including graduating seniors and undergraduates, must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Awards can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses, ensuring vital financial assistance for students. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to community support and educational access.

The Benjamin Asbell Youth Award, presented by the Jewish Community Foundation, recognizes outstanding Jewish youth in high school who demonstrate leadership and serve as role models within their communities. Open to members of Jewish congregational youth groups, this award aims to inspire recipients to engage in Jewish communal life and promote the continuity of Jewish identity among peers. Nominations must be submitted by a youth group advisor or rabbi, supporting the development of future leaders.

About JCF

• Extensive History: Founded in 1979 as the Bequest & Endowment Society of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. is a separately-incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• Community Leadership: With upwards of $35 million in funds under management, and with an estimated $40 million in future expected endowment assets, the JCF has grown into the leading community foundation in South Jersey.

JCF Scholarship Awards are available for all students pursuing post-high school education and who are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in full-time studies for the Fall 2026 school year or for experiential travel in the upcoming year.

Who May Apply for JCF Scholarship Awards?

• Local Residents: An applicant's home residence must be in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County ("B/C/G County) in Southern New Jersey, but noting the following exceptions:
  • Stuart & Marylee Alperin Jewish Communal Service Professional Development Award: Must be a B/C/G County resident OR reside elsewhere in Southern New Jersey;
  • Jewish War Veterans Post 126 Award: Applicant may live outside the B/C/G County area, but is a child or grandchild of a JWV Post 126 member in good standing;
  • Col. David Marcus Memorial Award: Priority will be given to B/C/G County residents

• Candidates Who Qualify Based on Award Criteria: To determine which award(s) to apply for, a prospective applicant should review each award's criteria, and apply accordingly. Note that criteria can vary per award based on such requirements as an applicant's age, merit vs. financial need, gender, etc. Most, but not all, awards are for applicants of Jewish faith. An applicant may apply to multiple awards each year.
• Reapplying: Each award is for a one-year time period. Applicants may reapply in subsequent years to any JCF award for which they qualify.

Valerie Gladfelter Scholarship Award

The Valerie Gladfelter Scholarship Award is for Jewish girls and women residing in Burlington, Camden or Gloucester Counties who plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college or university degree-related program.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.

Scholars engaged in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research on Jewish history or culture can apply for American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee fellowships, including applicants from New Jersey. Awards of US $2,500 support research conducted in the JDC Archives and require fellows to deliver a public presentation on their findings.

Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides New Jersey Jewish nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support 501(c)(3) work tied to Israel’s general welfare, care for the sick or aged, South Florida education, or faith-supported services. U.S.-based Jewish organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible, including those assisting communities in Israel.