Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Judith Markelz Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing various degrees, including associate, bachelor's, and vocational certifications. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners, it prioritizes applicants with a military connection and a demonstrated financial need. The fund fosters community engagement and aims to enhance educational opportunities for individuals committed to personal and academic growth.

The Loretta B. Simpson Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing various degrees in the USA. This renewable scholarship is aimed at high school seniors from the San Antonio area who are involved in community or extracurricular activities. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and remain enrolled in accredited educational institutions. The fund emphasizes the importance of education in enhancing community quality of life.

MATRA Scholarship

Awards:

One time award of $7,500. Students may reapply for this scholarship for continued support based on their GPA for up to three years.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation – MaKenzi Rae Cash Memorial Military Service & Leadership Scholarship

To honor and support future military leaders who embody courage, respect, and kindness, carrying forward MaKenzi Rae Cash’s legacy of standing up for others, promoting a culture of kindness, and taking action against bullying in every community.

The Marshall O. Bell Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to current high school seniors in Bexar County. This scholarship supports students pursuing any area of study, requiring full-time enrollment in an accredited institution. Renewable for up to three years, it aims to alleviate the financial barriers to higher education, assisting students in achieving their academic goals and enhancing their community.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

Big 30 Athletic Fund

This scholarship is for four graduating high school seniors from Big 30 participant schools. One award overall from any Big 30 school, one for a student from Cattaraugus County, one for a student from Allegany County, and one for a student from Pennsylvania. Students must have participated in at least two sports for all four years of high school. Emphasis will be placed on involvement in sports, but academic achievement will also be considered. Financial need may be considered.

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).

Daniel and Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Given through the generosity of the Catherine M. Cridler Trust and named in honor of Daniel McCarthy, one of the founders of Olean Business Institute, this scholarship is available to students pursuing undergraduate business studies. The fund was renamed in 2023 to include Patrick McCarthy, son of Daniel, who also served as director of Olean Business Institute for many years.

Chautauqua Cattaraugus Board of Realtors Scholarship 

This scholarship benefits students in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, in good academic standing, with a preference for those entering a business-related field of study. Two $500 awards are made to two students each from Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties.

The Harry A. Saunders III Memorial Fund, established in 2025 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing higher education. This fund aims to empower students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The fund embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and enriching the lives of young Hawaiians.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible. We believe in a world in which music is cherished and respected for the immense value it brings to humanity, where every person who seeks to pursue music has the means to do so.

Our mission is to give everyone the power to create and express themselves through music. Since 2005, we have supported hundreds of music education and therapy programs and reached over 300,000 people. With your generous support, we aim to assist many more.

Guitar Center Music Foundation Grants

The Guitar Center Music Foundation awards musical instruments and equipment in-kind to public schools and music programs in need. 

Instrument grants range from up to $1,000 to $5,000 based upon need.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants by the Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) aim to support innovative pilot studies in hand surgery and plastic surgery. Grants of up to $10,000 are provided for projects that enhance scientific knowledge and clinical practices. Eligibility requires applicants to be MDs, DOs, or PhDs in U.S. or Canadian institutions, and membership in AAPS is encouraged to facilitate collaboration and mentorship.

The Western Institute of Nursing Research Grant is designed to support registered nurses in advancing nursing through research. Funded jointly by the Sigma Foundation for Nursing and WIN, this grant offers $10,000 annually for pilot or developmental research projects. Eligible applicants must hold a current nursing license, possess a doctoral degree or be enrolled in a doctoral program, and be a member of Sigma and WIN. Applications are accepted through an online submission system.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Teacher Development Grants to support K-12 educators in enhancing their classroom instruction. With grants up to $10,000 per year, individuals or small teams can implement innovative teaching strategies that foster critical inquiry and improve student engagement. This initiative aims to boost educational experiences for diverse learners, encouraging teachers to document and share their methods, ultimately promoting a culture of continuous professional growth.

The Pre-College Education Grant from the United States-Japan Foundation aims to foster mutual understanding between young Americans and Japanese through innovative educational projects. The Foundation supports K-12 initiatives that enhance teacher training, develop curriculum materials, and promote Japanese language instruction. With a focus on engaging underserved regions and utilizing technology, this grant encourages collaborative efforts to build networks among educators and students, ensuring a rich exchange of cultural knowledge and experiences.

The Jim Blount Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support graduates from Bremen, John Glenn, LaVille, and Plymouth High Schools in Indiana. This fund provides annual scholarships to assist students pursuing education in vocational and technical fields. By fostering local talent, the foundation connects community members with opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their careers and lives.

The Lozier Foundation

The Lozier Foundation is a private family foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for people and families who have historically had less access to resources.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is grounded in a long-term commitment to Omaha and the surrounding region. We are especially interested in work that helps level the playing field, supports people during important moments of need or transition, and gives individuals and families greater ability to make choices about their own lives and futures.

The Foundation’s support has historically focused on established nonprofit organizations working in areas such as education, human services, youth development, health, family stability, and community well-being. While those areas describe much of our grantmaking, they are not intended to serve as fixed categories or a comprehensive list.

The Foundation is selective in its grantmaking. We generally support organizations with a meaningful operating history, capable leadership, sound governance, financial discipline, and a demonstrated ability to serve the community effectively. The Foundation does not typically support early-stage organizations, small projects or organizations with limited reach, or requests that fall outside our geographic and charitable priorities.

The Foundation also considers whether a request reflects a clear understanding of the existing community landscape. We are generally skeptical of efforts that duplicate services already being provided effectively by other organizations, particularly when collaboration, coordination, or partnership would better serve the community. Organizations seeking support should be prepared to explain how their work fits within the broader field, who they collaborate with, and why the proposed work is needed.

Grants

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Program Application

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

The Program Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

100 Club of Arizona Scholarship

The 100 Club of Arizona scholarship program provides financial education assistance to immediate family members-children, spouses, or stepchildren (cousins, aunts/uncles or other extended family are not eligible) of sworn or certified public safety or fire employees of any local, municipal, county, state, federal or tribal agency in Arizona.

Ellwood City Community Health Foundation Scholarships

The Ellwood City Community Health Foundation will issue scholarships each year to individuals who enroll in higher education to pursue a career in the medical field. The individual needs to be a resident of either Ellwood City, Lawrence County, or Beaver County, Pennsylvania. 

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Alexandra Ryan Swanson Live Your Dream Scholarship

This scholarship was created to support residents and participants in United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) Housing Programs earn a GED, College Degree, or certificate from a trade or vocational program. Applicants must list out program and supply expenses in the additional questions. Previous recipients may continue to apply in subsequent years through the same application process.

Earl Wineinger Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to current graduating Marion County high school seniors who are furthering their careers through higher educational or vocational pursuits. 

Final candidates may be invited for a personal interview in Hillsboro, Kansas. The dollar amount given is based on money available. Recipient will be notified of their award status.

Robert B. Baumann Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to senior and graduates of any Harvey County, Kansas High School or be a resident of Harvey County, Kansas graduating from a neighboring area high school. Applicants must be pursuing career path in a mechanical or building trade (i.e. carpenter, electrician, auto mechanic, HVAC installer, carpet installer, heavy equipment operator, insulation installer, landscaper, painter plumber, machinist, mechanical drafter, locksmith, mechanical insulator, elector mechanic, mechanical installer, machine and manufacturing field, welder, diesel technologist, and heavy equipment operator). Qualified candidates may plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university, community college, trade, technical or vocational school. 

If recipient is interested in reapplying, they must reapply annually. No reminder will be sent to recipients. Consecutive awards are not guaranteed.   

Council on Foundations

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a guide for philanthropies as they advance the greater good. Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 1,000 member organizations in the United States and around the world to build trust in philanthropy, expand pathways to giving, engage broader perspectives, and co-create solutions that will lead to a better future for all. 

Council Awards

Our awards program recognizes excellence in philanthropy and honors leaders for their dedication to explore creative ways to advance the common good and fund solutions for complex issues. The Council Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the philanthropic sector.

Building Together Award

The Building Together Award grew out of the Council on Foundations’ strategic focus on Building Common Ground. The award:

• Celebrates work that builds the heart set, mindset, and skill set to connect and collaborate across differences. This may include efforts that foster dialogue, promote understanding, create belonging, transform conflict, and engage in collaborative problem-solving.
• Recognizes those doing the courageous and complex work of bringing people together across lines of difference. This includes creating space where diverse voices can be heard, finding shared purpose, and shaping a collective future.  

Award Criteria

Nominators will be asked to share a story (with quantitative and/or qualitative evidence) about how the philanthropic organization, initiative and/or collaborative:

• Meaningfully and intentionally advances belonging, pluralism, collaborative problem-solving, and social cohesion and
• Demonstrates the heart set, mindset and skill set to connect and collaborate across differences.

The nominee will provide evidence of meaningful outcomes and impact for the following criteria:

• Intentionally advanced values: meaningfully and intentionally advanced values such as tolerance, pluralism, and social cohesion.
• Heartset: meaningfully and intentionally institutionalizing the HEARTSETS of building common ground.
• Mindset: meaningfully and intentionally institutionalizing the MINDSETS of building common ground?
• Skillset: meaningfully and intentionally institutionalizing the SKILLSETS of building common ground? 

One supplemental material upload is required (no more than five total items) may be uploaded to provide documentation and support of achievements. These supplemental materials may include, but not limited to: reference letter, endorsement, or letter of support for the nomination from the community leadership (i.e., nonprofit, grantee partner, or a government leader), videos, news articles, report, or publication, organizational strategic plan or annual report, or individuals resume.

The Council on Foundations prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, to each such award.

The Lozier Foundation

The Lozier Foundation is a private family foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for people and families who have historically had less access to resources.

The Foundation’s grantmaking is grounded in a long-term commitment to Omaha and the surrounding region. We are especially interested in work that helps level the playing field, supports people during important moments of need or transition, and gives individuals and families greater ability to make choices about their own lives and futures.

The Foundation’s support has historically focused on established nonprofit organizations working in areas such as education, human services, youth development, health, family stability, and community well-being. While those areas describe much of our grantmaking, they are not intended to serve as fixed categories or a comprehensive list.

The Foundation is selective in its grantmaking. We generally support organizations with a meaningful operating history, capable leadership, sound governance, financial discipline, and a demonstrated ability to serve the community effectively. The Foundation does not typically support early-stage organizations, small projects or organizations with limited reach, or requests that fall outside our geographic and charitable priorities.

The Foundation also considers whether a request reflects a clear understanding of the existing community landscape. We are generally skeptical of efforts that duplicate services already being provided effectively by other organizations, particularly when collaboration, coordination, or partnership would better serve the community. Organizations seeking support should be prepared to explain how their work fits within the broader field, who they collaborate with, and why the proposed work is needed.

Grants

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation General Application

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

The General Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

The Friends of Carver Scholarship - Barrett Scholarship, provided by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors from IDEA San Antonio schools or Carver Academy with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years for students pursuing full-time education in any accredited U.S. institution. Preference is given to Black/African American young women, promoting educational equity and community development in San Antonio.

The Lozier Foundation

Formed in 1986, The Lozier Foundation is a family foundation funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The foundation’s focus is education, social services and issues involving women and children with an emphasis on the inner city and underrepresented populations.

Our Mission: The Lozier Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the underrepresented communities in the Omaha/Metro area.

Grants

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Education Application

The Education Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.