Best Grants for Museums in New Jersey

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The New Jersey Wine Industry Project Grants, awarded by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, support projects that enhance the state's wine industry through research and development in viticulture and winemaking. Eligible applicants include organizations and cooperatives, who must submit a member list to be considered. Projects should benefit all grape growers and wine producers, ensuring inclusive participation across the industry.

The NJ Soil and Water Conservation Grants, offered by the State Agriculture Development Committee, support up to 50% funding for soil and water conservation projects on preserved farms. Eligible projects include erosion control, water management, and sediment retention systems. Farmers must be enrolled in a farmland preservation program and complete projects within three years of funding approval. Priority is given to permanently preserved farms, ensuring that vital agricultural resources are maintained and enhanced for future generations.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Caroline Thorn Kissel Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship, established in 2003, supports environmental studies for New Jersey residents and nonresidents studying in the state. Funded by Frances Starr Todd in honor of her great grandmother, it provides $3000 annually to a scholar for summer environmental study. This scholarship encourages students from various educational backgrounds to explore environmental topics in New Jersey's unique ecosystems.

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.

Personal Responsibility Education Program NOFA

Statewide implementation of comprehensive sexual health education with the goal of preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections through sexual risk reduction including use of condoms, birth control, and sexual delay. Grantees will replicate evidence based programs to prevent teen pregnancy and reduce transmission of STI's with a focus on 3 adult preparation subjects (healthy relationships, adolescent development, life skills, or parent/child coummunication).

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 1,073,000

The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (NJTT) is pleased to offer the Cooperative Marketing Grants, Destination Marketing Organization Grants, and the NJ Agri-Tourism Grant Program. Each grant program aligns with the Division’s goal of promoting and marketing New Jersey as a premier destination.

 Agri-Tourism Grant Program 

The Agri-Tourism Grant Program is a collaboration between the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture travel industry. As a result, the New Jersey Agritourism Grant Program was created to support New Jersey Agritourism businesses to promote the expansion, diversification, and sustainability of New Jersey’s Agritourism industry.

The Agri-Tourism grant is open to New Jersey organizations who can demonstrate a significant interest in supporting New Jersey’s Agri-Tourism businesses in their efforts to attract, entertain and educate visitors.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention RFP aims to provide essential support services, including legal assistance and case management, to low-income tenants at risk of eviction in New Jersey. By consolidating funding streams, this program addresses the critical issue of homelessness, which affects over 58% of admissions annually in the state. With an estimated $7 million in funding, the initiative seeks to prevent displacement and ensure access to necessary resources for vulnerable households.

The Artificial Intelligence Technology in Career and Technical Education Pathways grant aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) by integrating high-quality AI applications. With funding of up to $250,000 available for fiscal year 2026, this initiative supports up to ten New Jersey districts in developing innovative, project-based learning experiences. Districts can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to cultivate AI competencies and foster partnerships with local businesses, ultimately preparing students for the future workforce.

New Jersey Department of Education

The New Jersey Department of Education mission supports schools, educators and districts to ensure all of New Jersey's 1.4 million students have equitable access to high quality education and achieve academic excellence. Our vision is to become a model organization that strengthens teaching, leading and learning in order to increase educational equity for all students.

The New Jersey Department of Education, Office of School Facilities, works to ensure that every child attends an educational facility that is safe, healthy, and educationally enhanced. The Office also supports the delivery of the thorough and efficient education to which all students are entitled under the New Jersey State Constitution and the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Universal Pre-K (UPK) Facilities Grant

The Fiscal Year 2023 annual appropriations act includes a $120 million allocation of Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) dollars that were established pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) for the expansion of preschool facilities. Applications are now available in Electronic Web Enabled Grants (EWEG) System in the NJDOE Homeroom portal. 

Under the Preschool Facilities Expansion program, regular operating districts (ROD) are eligible to receive at a minimum 40 percent of approved eligible project costs. The funding percentage for a grant is based upon each district’s District Aid Percentage (DAP) multiplied by the eligible project costs established by New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Districts must be able to demonstrate local matching funds for the balance of the project costs.

The Ron Goellner Conservation Fund Award, administered by the Cryptobranchid Interest Group, offers grants up to $2,000 for projects focused on the conservation of giant salamanders. This initiative supports innovative research, field conservation, and educational initiatives that aim to protect these species and their habitats. Open to all applicants, the fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate broad conservation impact and partnerships. Applications are automatically considered for two separate grants of up to $1,000 each.

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.

Healthy Women Healthy Families NOFA

Maternal and infant mortality and morbidity reduction activities focusing on racial and health disparities to improve health outcomes for women and infants. Maternal child health initiatives include community health workers, postpartum doulas, and breastfeeding education and support activities. Connecting NJ specialists to provide referrals to needed resources, linkages to core programs, and education and outreach in the community to pregnant individuals and families with young children to address their needs. 

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 5,000,000

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

New Jersey Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

New Jersey is responding to the crisis of violence that has emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic through an innovative approach to public safety. In September 2022, through an administrative directive, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS). In October 2023, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-4978/S-3086 into law, codifying VIVA within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

VIVA advances a unified strategy for public safety by bringing together victim services – including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and the Department’s violence intervention and prevention programming. Having previously been dispersed throughout the Department, VIVA centralizes under one roof services that were previously dispersed throughout LPS and provides staffing to support the programs statewide.

Competitive Community-Based Violence Intervention Program - Tertiary Prevention (Category 1)

The purpose of the CBVI program is to support non-profit community service providers in the development and implementation of community violence intervention programming for communities impacted by higher than average rates of community violence, with a focus on gun violence. Applicants may develop new initiatives or enhance already existing programs. This public health approach to addressing violence requires working collaboratively, creatively, and by addressing various levels of community and individual engagement, Primary/Secondary and tertiary prevention each have specific benefits, and all are part of our collective public safety ecosystem. 

Tertiary prevention (or violence intervention) strategies attempt to intervene with those already engaged in violent behavior or at high risk of violence due to past victimization or as a result of retaliation. Proposals must at a minimum provide tertiary prevention strategies, but may, in addition, provide hybrid strategies that include secondary approaches. 

The New Jersey Agritourism Grant Program (NJATP) aims to support local agritourism businesses with up to $100,000 in funding to enhance visitor engagement and education. Funded by the $5 million Agritourism Fund, the program encourages projects that align with agricultural education and entertainment, ensuring applicants are located in New Jersey. This initiative fosters economic growth in the state by promoting unique agritourism experiences.

New Jersey Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

New Jersey is responding to the crisis of violence that has emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic through an innovative approach to public safety. In September 2022, through an administrative directive, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS). In October 2023, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-4978/S-3086 into law, codifying VIVA within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

VIVA advances a unified strategy for public safety by bringing together victim services – including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and the Department’s violence intervention and prevention programming. Having previously been dispersed throughout the Department, VIVA centralizes under one roof services that were previously dispersed throughout LPS and provides staffing to support the programs statewide.

Competitive Community-Based Violence Intervention Program - Tertiary Prevention (Category 1A)

The purpose of the CBVI program is to support non-profit community service providers in the development and implementation of community violence intervention programming for communities impacted by higher than average rates of community violence, with a focus on gun violence. Applicants may develop new initiatives or enhance already existing programs. This public health approach to addressing violence requires working collaboratively, creatively, and by addressing various levels of community and individual engagement, Primary/Secondary and tertiary prevention each have specific benefits, and all are part of our collective public safety ecosystem. 

Category 1A would include Tertiary Prevention strategies described in Category 1 with the addition of a Violence Intervention Coordinator. A Violence Intervention Coordinator will assist the agency with capacity building efforts through implementing best practice community coordination strategies. A Violence Intervention Coordinator, in partnership with community utilizes data driven public health approaches to identify the most effective and coordinated strategies.

New Jersey Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

New Jersey is responding to the crisis of violence that has emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic through an innovative approach to public safety. In September 2022, through an administrative directive, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS). In October 2023, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-4978/S-3086 into law, codifying VIVA within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

VIVA advances a unified strategy for public safety by bringing together victim services – including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and the Department’s violence intervention and prevention programming. Having previously been dispersed throughout the Department, VIVA centralizes under one roof services that were previously dispersed throughout LPS and provides staffing to support the programs statewide.

Competitive Community-Based Violence Intervention Program - Primary/Secondary Prevention (Category 2)

The purpose of the CBVI program is to support non-profit community service providers in the development and implementation of community violence intervention programming for communities impacted by higher than average rates of community violence, with a focus on gun violence. Applicants may develop new initiatives or enhance already existing programs. This public health approach to addressing violence requires working collaboratively, creatively, and by addressing various levels of community and individual engagement, Primary/Secondary and tertiary prevention each have specific benefits, and all are part of our collective public safety ecosystem. 

Primary prevention strategies typically address risk factors associated with violence in the general population. These approaches include community-wide impact and awareness efforts in communities that are disproportionality effected by gun violence, as well as individual- or group-related activities for populations at risk of gun violence. Primary prevention programs create safe spaces for all, provide pro-social activities, and help bring community together. These approaches increase crucial protective factors.

Secondary prevention strategies focus on sub-populations with risk factors for future violence either as victims or perpetrators. Potential secondary prevention strategies may include, mentorship, skill-building in areas that promote protective factors, or restorative healing circles. Subpopulation focus on a secondary prevention model are those more acutely at risk for violence or recidivism due to the presence of one or more risk factors. 

The Scott Ralls Fund Grant, administered by the American Camping Association, NY and NJ, supports capital improvement projects for nonprofit accredited camps. Established in honor of Scott Ralls, a dedicated advocate for the camp industry, the fund has distributed over $372,000 to enhance the camp experience. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit accredited member camps, with a preference for projects that are standalone and can be completed within a year.

The Washington Biologists' Field Club (WBFC) Research Awards Competition offers grants to support field research focused on the Mid-Atlantic Region's natural history. This includes studies on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on organisms from Plummers Island and the Potomac River. The WBFC encourages proposals that enhance understanding of lesser-known taxa and has funded diverse research topics, such as fish behavior and conservation genetics.

The Frank H. Stewart Trust Grant aims to support the purchase of land for public parks, recreation grounds, and wildlife preservation in specific New Jersey counties. Established through Mr. Stewart's will, the Trust also funds maintenance and improvements of previously acquired lands. Eligible applicants include local municipalities within Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May Counties, ensuring that the land serves public interests and maintains ecological integrity.

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.

Healthy Corner Store NOFA

To improve the likelihood that persons who are eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose a physically active lifestyle consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate. 

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 875,000

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.

Transit Village Initiative

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and NJ TRANSIT spearhead a multi-agency Smart Growth partnership known as the Transit Village Initiative. The Transit Village Initiative creates incentives for municipalities to redevelop or revitalize the areas around transit stations using design standards of transit-oriented development (TOD). TOD helps municipalities create attractive, vibrant, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods where people can live, shop, work and play without relying on automobiles.

The Transit Village Initiative is an excellent model for Smart Growth because it encourages growth in areas where infrastructure and public transit already exist. 

In addition to community revitalization, the Transit Village Initiative seeks to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by increasing transit ridership. Studies have shown that adding residential housing options within walking distance of a transit facility; typically a one-half mile radius, increases transit ridership more than any other type of development. Therefore, one of the goals of the Transit Village Initiative is to bring more housing, businesses and people into the neighborhoods around transit stations.

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

In 1966, the legislature passed and the governor signed a law creating the NJ State Council on the Arts and directing us to do all that is necessary and appropriate to: support, encourage, and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey.

Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Project

FTAP grants provide $10,000 to support an individualized, structured learning opportunity between an Apprentice artist and one or more Mentor Artists. By providing funds to support artists’ time and project expenses, FTAP grants allow intermediate-level artists to significantly advance their skills and cultural knowledge in a specific folk and traditional art form. Strong apprenticeships foster the continuation of valued community traditions, contributing to the ongoing vitality of these specific folk and traditional arts.

The FTAP application process is a two-part process. After submitting Application Part 1, eligible applicants will be sent the link to Application Part 2.

Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program (LBPPAP)

The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan establishes a vision for New Jersey as a place where people choose to walk or bicycle because both activities are a routine part of the transportation and recreation systems. NJDOT has taken steps to fulfill this vision through the adoption of a Complete Streets policy through which the Department has committed to the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of facilities that provide for the safe access and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users of all ages and abilities.

In order to fully implement this policy and make New Jersey a safer and better place to bike, walk, and travel, it is important to build infrastructure that addresses the safety, mobility and access needs of cyclists, pedestrians, and individuals with disabilities. The benefits of facilities like sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic calming, and multi-use paths are maximized if they evolve from a rational planning process.

To facilitate this process, the Department offers support to communities with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Assistance program (BPPA). Under this program, NJDOT has retained the services of pre-qualified, on-call consultants with expertise in bicycle and pedestrian planning. These services are provided at no cost to counties and municipalities that demonstrate a need and desire to undertake planning activities that will lead to infrastructure projects that will improve travel for people who walk and bike or use scooters, wheelchairs, or transit.

Since 1997, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Assistance program has produced over 100 planning studies. These plans and studies have been used to prioritize local projects and often lead to applications for grant funding through NJDOT’s Division of Local Aid and Economic Development (Bikeways, Safe Routes to School, Transportation Alternatives, etc.).