Best Grants for Museums in New Jersey

The NJ Youth Workforce Investment Grant Program aims to provide essential workforce experience services to at-risk youth, including those in foster care, homeless youth, and English Language Learners. The program focuses on improving workplace behavior, developing personal attributes, and equipping participants with the skills necessary for employment and career advancement. By fostering public/private partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance training and employment opportunities for the Hispanic community in New Jersey.

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 NJ Community Service Grant Programs, managed by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development, aim to enhance the quality of life for New Jersey's Hispanic community. The program focuses on empowering organizations through funding in areas like community service, health, and workforce development. New applicants are advised to register early and can apply for multiple funding categories, promoting initiatives that address educational enrichment, health risks, and senior assistance.

The NJ Health and Wellness Programs aim to enhance the well-being of families in crisis through mental health services and family violence prevention. Managed by the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development, these programs focus on strengthening resilience, providing essential support, and connecting families with community resources. Applicants can seek funding from multiple categories including health and wellness initiatives, aiming to address domestic violence and mental health challenges effectively.

New Jersey Learning Acceleration Program: High Impact Tutoring Grant-Cohort 3

Purpose: 

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) continues to support local education agencies’ (LEAs) efforts as they respond to student's increased academic needs and the necessity to accelerate learning through the continuation of a state-supported tutoring initiative. This has become a priority strategy, as high-impact tutoring is an effective, research-based method LEAs can use to optimize learning acceleration. In late 2023 and early 2024, $52 million was disbursed across almost 300 grantees supporting the first two rounds of a statewide tutoring initiative.

The FY26 Appropriations Act includes $7.5 million for the Department to continue to support LEAs high-impact tutoring programs through a third competitive grant opportunity. The goal of this grant opportunity is to accelerate students’ learning in math and/or ELA through the effective intervention model of high-impact tutoring. A total of $7.5 million is anticipated to be dispersed to approximately 100 LEAs through awards ranging from $20,000 to $400,000 based on LEA enrollment and student performance (see Appendix B). Eligibility is limited to LEAs whose average student proficiency on the 2024-2025 New Jersey Student Learning Assessments in grades 3-8 was less than 50% in ELA and/or mathematics.

Grant Type:

• Limited Competitive

Number of Award(s) Anticipated:

• 150

Total Amount Available:

• $7,500,000

Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning Grant Program

Purpose: 

The Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning grant supports the planning, implementation, and expansion of innovative work-based learning (WBL) practices designed to increase student engagement in high-demand career pathways. Eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must propose creative strategies to expand access to high-quality WBL opportunities, whether focused on career preparation or career training.

Career preparation experiences involve sustained, interactive engagement with professionals from business and industry to deepen students’ understanding and build essential skills aligned with their chosen career pathway. Examples include internships and cooperative education.

Career training experiences represent the highest level of WBL. These are paid opportunities that provide targeted instruction and hands-on learning to develop the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies required for a particular job or occupation. Examples include pre-apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and clinical experiences.

Through this competitive grant, LEAs dedicated to establishing and strengthening WBL programs and partnerships rooted in meaningful stakeholder collaboration, will develop sustainable pathways that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career opportunities.

This NGO is open to LEAs with grades 9-12 currently eligible to receive Perkins funding. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program(s) of study referenced in the grant application must be currently approved and are actively serving students.

Eligible applicants may apply for awards up to $15,000, $30,000, or $50,000 based on the LEA’s combined total percentage of student participation in both career preparation and training WBL experiences as indicated in the 2024 NJSMART CTE Data submission.  Twelve (12) awards are expected to be made.

This is a single fifteen (15) month grant program.

Based on the availability of FY26 State Career Readiness and Technical Education Aid appropriations, this single project period grant program will begin April 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

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 Exhibitions Abroad Support Grant Program, initiated by the Japan Foundation in New York, offers financial aid to U.S. museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that showcase Japanese art and culture internationally. This program supports a range of events, including biennials and triennials featuring Japanese artists. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations from designated states, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The New Jersey Afterschool Program - Competitive aims to enhance out-of-school time (OST) programs across New Jersey by engaging youth in high-quality activities. This initiative seeks to improve college and career readiness and foster positive behavior among students aged 5-18. Eligible applicants include public and private 501(c)(3) organizations with proven afterschool programs, emphasizing academic support, career exploration, and community service, ensuring a focus on low-income families.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program aims to enhance flood risk management through collaborative efforts by FEMA and local communities. With a total funding of $41 million across nine regions, the program supports the development of flood hazard data and maps to improve public awareness and informed decision-making. By strengthening local capacities, CTP recipients play a critical role in reducing flood risks and fostering responsible planning across government and private sectors.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

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.

Autism Medical Home Center of Excellence

Purpose for Which the Grant Program Funds Shall be Used

Approximately $3,5000,000 may be allocated to the following NJ Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism research projects: Predoctoral Fellowship Research (CAUT27GFP), Postdoctoral Fellowship Research (CAUT27DFP), Postdoctoral Associate Research (CAUT27DAP), Basic Research (CAUT27BRP), Clinical Research (CAUT27CRP), and Autism Medical Home Center of Excellence (CAUT27AMH), contingent on the availability of NJDOH funding.

Award Period: From: 8/1/26 Through: 6/30/31

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

Graduate students in entomology who are ESA student members in the Eastern Branch region, including New Jersey, can receive support for professional development and conference participation. Grants from Entomological Society of America help cover an all-expense-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting plus a US $100 cash prize and certificate.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Sustainable Jersey-PSE&G Partnership Program aims to enhance energy efficiency across New Jersey by providing support to municipalities, schools, and small businesses. This initiative, backed by the New Jersey Clean Energy Act, offers valuable resources and funding options to help eligible entities implement cost-effective energy solutions. By focusing on local needs, the program seeks to maximize both economic and environmental benefits, making energy efficiency accessible to all communities.

Eligible New Jersey municipal and county governments, tribal governments, hospitals, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive support to deliver community-level cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship programs. Focused on cancer control, the New Jersey Department of Health funds outreach, education, palliative care, and transportation for screenings, which may benefit museums offering health education or community wellness initiatives.

New Jersey health and human service organizations working in maternal and perinatal health or substance use can seek funding to improve perinatal outcomes and postpartum support. Focused on maternal and perinatal health, the State of New Jersey Department of Health invites New Jersey providers to enhance trauma-informed care, strengthen service delivery networks, and expand education and training for clinical staff, with awards up to US $800,000.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

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.