Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in New Jersey

The James S.T. Yao Resident Research Award encourages early-career physicians in the U.S. and Canada to engage in groundbreaking research on vascular diseases and therapies. Awarded by the SVS Basic and Translational Research Committee, it includes a $5,000 prize, a presentation opportunity at the Vascular Annual Meeting, and a subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. This award honors the legacy of Dr. James S.T. Yao, a prominent figure in vascular research.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards, overseen by the Family Caregiver Alliance, recognize organizations that enhance support for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These awards highlight innovative approaches in three categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy. Each award is valued at $20,000, and applicants must be non-profit organizations, government agencies, or universities operating within the U.S. that focus on the needs of unpaid caregivers.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative Grant aims to promote innovative educational programs and enhance diversity within the nurse anesthesia profession. This grant supports efforts such as workshops, lectures, and online learning modules that address DEI issues. By funding these initiatives, the AANA Foundation seeks to foster an inclusive environment and advance the understanding of equity and diversity in the anesthesia community, benefiting both current and future practitioners.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Non-Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K22) aims to support postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds in transitioning to tenure-track positions. This award provides essential funding for salary and research support for three years, enabling candidates to establish independent biomedical careers. Key deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for eligible researchers to secure funding for their career development.

The Bar Success Intervention Grant Program, funded by AccessLex Institute, aims to enhance bar exam passage rates for at-risk law students and graduates. With grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 for programs lasting 12 to 24 months, the initiative seeks data-driven solutions that are scalable and replicable. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations and law schools. Programs should feature clear goals, measurable objectives, and a robust evaluation plan to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

The St. Clare’s Children’s Behavioral Health Fund Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, aims to enhance children's behavioral health services in Sussex and Morris counties. With a funding opportunity of $6,000, the grant focuses on community-driven initiatives that promote equity and address the needs of historically underserved populations. Eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for this vital support, fostering impactful change in local communities.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) offers Donor Designated Grant Programs aimed at funding innovative projects addressing childhood cancer. These grants support researchers dedicated to finding cures, enhancing treatment, and improving care. With an annual commitment to extraordinary researchers, PCRF ensures funds are directed towards promising advances in prevention and treatment. Since 1982, PCRF has raised over $51 million, significantly impacting survival rates and striving to eliminate childhood cancer through collaborative efforts and cutting-edge research.

The St. Clare’s Cancer Support Services Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, aims to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families in Sussex and Morris Counties. With a funding award of $10,000, this grant supports organizations that provide essential cancer programs and services, targeting historically underserved communities and promoting equitable access to resources and support.

The Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant For All (AARGA) Program supports early-career investigators in their first seven years as independent researchers. This grant aims to fund projects that develop preliminary data and test new hypotheses in Alzheimer’s and related dementia research. Areas of interest include disease mechanisms, biomarker development, and health equity. Applications are welcome from both U.S. and international researchers, fostering innovation and collaboration in the fight against dementia.

The American Epilepsy Society offers Seed Grants to support established researchers in exploring innovative research methodologies and collaborations. These grants aim to foster new lines of inquiry in epilepsy research. Notably, proposals that align with specific partner priorities may enjoy waived eligibility criteria, enhancing funding opportunities. This initiative seeks to advance understanding and treatment of epilepsy through novel research avenues.

The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP) aims to advance cancer interception and prevention strategies for patients with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder. This initiative, supported by the American Cancer Society, focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind leukemia development and fostering innovative research leading to effective treatment options. Grants of up to $215,000 per year for four years are available, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted therapies in high-risk populations.

The Jacques Pepin Foundation (JPF) is dedicated to advancing culinary arts education by supporting community kitchens that provide culinary training to individuals facing employment barriers. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for nonprofits to enhance their culinary programs, including operating costs and facility improvements. Eligibility extends to organizations funded in prior cycles, those that applied but were not funded, and newcomers to JPF funding. This initiative aims to empower underserved communities through culinary skills.

The Can'd Aid: Crush It Crusade Grant empowers nonprofits, local education, and government organizations to enhance recycling efforts. With grants ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, the program supports initiatives that promote recycling at community events, engage volunteers, and foster inclusive outreach. Since 2014, over 125 organizations have benefited from this funding, driving impactful change through community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites research proposals for early phase clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements, emphasizing scientific validity for further testing. Applicants may receive up to three years of funding for pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies, with potential for an additional three years to evaluate clinical outcomes. This initiative aims to optimize natural product delivery through innovative study designs.

The Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund, established by a passionate anonymous donor through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Davidson County graduates of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. With a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a 21 ACT score, eligible students can pursue higher education without financial barriers. Preference is given to first-generation college attendees and those maintaining good academic standing for renewal. This initiative embodies the belief that education opens doors to opportunity.

The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP) aims to advance cancer interception and prevention for patients with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD). This program supports interdisciplinary research teams investigating the mechanisms of leukemogenesis and innovative treatment strategies. With funding of up to $430,000 per year, LEAP encourages projects focused on both understanding clonal evolution and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The initiative seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and provide urgent interventions for high-risk populations.

The NCB - Botany Research Scholarship Program, offered by Northern California Botanists, targets undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research in botany and plant ecology. Scholarships of $1,500 support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects within a specific geographic area of Northern California. Eligible applicants may reapply for funding for up to four years. This initiative aims to foster academic careers in botany and promote valuable ecological research.

The NSCDA National American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program provides scholarships to students of American Indian descent, originally focusing on women in nursing. Launched in 1928, the program now supports males and various health-related fields. Eligible applicants must demonstrate tribal enrollment or ancestry, maintain academic standing, and have a commitment to serving their communities. The scholarship awards $1,500 each semester for tuition and academic expenses, helping students fulfill their educational and career goals.

The Solidaire Network's Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund supports frontline organizers facing security threats while fostering long-term safety. With $7.9 million allocated, the fund aids groups working towards racial, climate, gender, and reproductive justice. Despite a pause on new applications due to high demand, the fund remains committed to resourcing movement partners and addressing the disproportionate targeting of marginalized leaders amidst rising aggression from right-wing forces.

The APA Congressional Fellowship offers psychologists a unique opportunity to engage in public policy, enhancing the application of psychological knowledge in government. Over a year, fellows work alongside Congress members, drafting legislation and participating in oversight activities. The fellowship is available for APA members, with stipends ranging from $75,000 to $90,000, in addition to health insurance reimbursement and professional development funds. This initiative aims to support psychologists interested in societal challenges and policy issues.

The Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Fellowship, funded by the American Kidney Fund, supports nephrologists pursuing academic careers. This prestigious program enhances training and promotes clinical research aimed at improving patient care and outcomes for those with chronic kidney disease. With a funding maximum of $90,000 per year for two years, it covers salary and training-related expenses, fostering the next generation of leaders in nephrology.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks to enhance the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment through its UH3 funding mechanism. This initiative supports multi-disciplinary collaborations to validate existing assays over three years using clinical trial specimens. Emphasis is placed on harmonizing laboratory tests and validating pharmacodynamic markers. Projects should not focus on early-stage technology development but aim for integration into clinical studies as investigational assays.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

The Peyronie's Disease Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial burdens for underinsured patients suffering from Peyronie's disease. This condition involves the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the penis, leading to painful erections and erectile dysfunction. The fund provides financial assistance for prescription drugs and related healthcare costs, ensuring that patients receive necessary treatment without the stress of high out-of-pocket expenses. HealthWell is committed to improving access to essential healthcare for America’s underinsured population.

The Peer Education Grant, offered by the Organization for Autism Research, aims to enhance autism acceptance among children by providing educational resources and funding for initiatives. Grants of up to $10,000 support school-wide projects, with smaller grants available for other activities. Eligible applicants include educators and community organization leaders focused on autism awareness, particularly in low-income areas. This initiative fosters inclusive relationships and understanding between children and their autistic peers.

The APRA AMCOS Global Professional Development Award, offered by the American Australian Association, provides US$10,000 to an emerging or mid-career Australian artist for career development in the United States. This includes opportunities for recording, collaboration, and travel. Applicants must be APRA AMCOS members and demonstrate how their project enhances cross-cultural exchange. The scholarship supports artistic growth in various fields, fostering connections between Australia and the USA.