Best Grants for Museums in New Jersey

The Frank Mongelli Jr. Scholarship, established by Donna Esposito and her late husband in memory of their son, aims to support students in New Jersey pursuing careers in substance use/addiction counseling. The scholarship addresses the ongoing epidemic of addiction through education and prevention. Administered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, it is part of a broader initiative that has awarded over $2 million to 271 scholars. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.

Local Public Health Outbreak Preparedness and Response Grant Program

This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks to fund Local Health Departments (LHDs) to design and implement targeted interventions that address emerging and persistent infectious disease threats, strengthen local public health infrastructure, and improve health outcomes through measurable impact.

Goal:

NJDOH will provide Outbreak Preparedness (OP) competitive funding for up to five (5) LHDs to strengthen infectious disease outbreak preparedness and response capacity.

Grant Program Priorities:

Applicants must propose projects that strengthen local and multi-jurisdictional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. Projects should align with one or more of the following priority areas:

• Infectious Disease Surveillance, Data Modernization, and Information Sharing
  • Strengthen surveillance systems, data integration, analytics, and real-time information sharing to support timely and effective public health action.
• Outbreak Preparedness, Response, and Containment Capacity
  • Enhance the ability of LHDs to rapidly detect, investigate, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks across community and high-risk settings.
• Workforce Development and Shared Services Models
  • Build, expand, or formalize cross-jurisdictional workforce capacity and shared service delivery models to improve efficiency, scalability, and regional response capability.
• Community-Based Prevention, Health Equity, and Risk Communication
  • Improve access to prevention services and strengthen culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education, and engagement in underserved and high-risk populations.
• Healthcare and Community System Coordination
  • Strengthen partnerships and coordination between LHDs, healthcare providers, schools, and community-based organizations to support a unified and effective response to infectious disease threats.

• Total Funding Available: $ 1,246,250
• Number of Awards: Up to five (5) awards
• Estimated Award Amount: Approximately $240,000 per LHD 

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

Coastal conservation organizations planning or implementing nature-based resilience projects in New Jersey and other eligible coastal areas can apply for the National Coastal Resilience Fund, awarding US $1,000,000 - US $10,000,000. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports efforts like restoring marshes, dunes, reefs, and living shorelines that protect communities and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, which may include museum-led coastal initiatives.

The NYSS Student Support program, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial assistance to students attending physics symposia. Grants of approximately $150 help cover travel and accommodation expenses, encouraging attendance at both sessions and the symposium banquet. Applications are open to students from New York and nearby states, with a focus on fostering educational outreach and engagement in physics. Each application must be signed by the student and their Department Chair, ensuring a streamlined process.

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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

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.

The Greenspring Grant Program, established in 2012, focuses on supporting local non-profits dedicated to economic and workforce development. With $100,000 in grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, the program is entirely employee-run, allowing teams to select deserving organizations. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) non-profits in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, while special consideration is given to local initiatives aimed at recovery, youth, and underserved populations.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The NJ Wildlife Fencing Grants provide cost-share funding for installing wildlife fencing on unpreserved farms in New Jersey. Eligible farm owners, operators, or tenants can receive up to 50% matching funds, up to $50,000, to help construct, maintain, or restore fencing for wildlife protection. The program aims to support agricultural sustainability while safeguarding crops from wildlife. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional/Financial Stabilization Grants for Arts Organizations to support nonprofit cultural institutions in addressing financial and operational challenges. These grants aim to enhance stability and capacity, allowing organizations to manage their work effectively. Eligible activities include establishing working capital funds, debt reduction, strategic planning, technology upgrades, and professional development. No match is required, and organizations must be designated as 'qualified' to apply.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust's Capital Historic Preservation Grant Program supports eligible organizations in preserving historic resources listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Organizations must be designated as "qualified" to apply for funding, which does not require a match. This program aims to foster financial stability and capacity for nonprofit cultural organizations by funding important capital projects that enhance cultural heritage in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for History and Humanities Organizations to strengthen the financial and operational capabilities of qualified organizations. This program aims to address challenges that threaten stability while enhancing capacity to fulfill missions. The grants support essential projects and are available to organizations designated as qualified by the Cultural Trust. Applications are reviewed following a Declaration of Intent to Apply by the specified deadlines.

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.

Municipal and county governments in New Jersey can receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 to develop Community Forestry Management Plans and conduct tree inventories that support healthy, sustainable urban forests. State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection funding may benefit museum properties managed by eligible local governments as part of broader community forestry efforts.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The Autism Basic Research Pilot Project RFA (NJ) aims to support innovative research into the mechanisms underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through two funding opportunities: Clinical Research Pilot Projects (3 years) and Basic Science Research Pilot Projects (2 years). This initiative encourages both established and new researchers to explore diverse approaches, including genetic and environmental factors, to improve understanding and treatment of ASD in New Jersey.

New Jersey Pre-K–12 schools and arts organizations seeking long-term, in-school arts residencies can apply for Young Audiences Arts Lab support, with awards from US $300 - US $2,000. These 20-day minimum residencies place professional teaching artists in classrooms, expanding arts experiences, integrating social-emotional learning, and offering professional development that museum education partners may also leverage.

New Jersey disadvantaged community water utilities and eligible public or nonprofit water system borrowers can use this grant for planning and design of clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. New Jersey museums that own or operate qualifying water or wastewater facilities may be eligible. Funding from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection supports technical assistance projects, including wastewater, stormwater, water supply, and nonpoint source management facilities.

The World Trade Center Scholarship in New Jersey provides financial support to dependent children and surviving spouses of residents who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. Administered by HESAA, this scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs at eligible institutions. Applicants must be full-time students and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The award amount varies each year based on funding and need, ensuring that assistance is available to those who have lost financial support due to these tragic events.

Grants from the State of New Jersey Department of Health help New Jersey public health providers expand STD testing, treatment, and disease intervention services. Municipalities, counties, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can request up to US $1,852,456 for DIS staffing, safety-net STD testing, expanded clinic hours, and integrated STD/HIV services, which may benefit museums offering community health outreach.