Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in New Jersey

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors in Montgomery County who are planning to attend an accredited college or university. Although there is no minimum ACT or SAT score, students must indicate by their academic performance the ability or motivation to graduate from college. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. Consideration is also given to students’ leadership, character, ability and participation in extracurricular activities. Scholarships will be awarded annually and are renewable for up to three years depending upon the student’s academic performance.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 to support partnerships among degree-granting institutions, focusing on student-centered solutions. These grants aim to explore innovative collaborations that enhance stability and success for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible institutions must demonstrate a commitment to transformational partnerships, with priority given to those serving diverse populations and improving educational outcomes. Interested applicants can find more information on the grant process and criteria.

Gibson County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship (College Scholarship Award)

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Dorothy M. Eykamp to encourage Gibson County residents and the children of employees of Mid-States Rubber Products to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential.

Award Amount

• $1,000

Renewal Details

May be renewable for consecutive junior and senior years. Renewal applications may be considered provided recipient has maintained a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) during the sophomore and junior years. Total awards will not exceed $3,500. Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award (anticipated renewal award amount for junior year is $1,000 and anticipated renewal award amount for senior year is $1,500). Renewal applications will be assigned to renewal candidates in their online student account.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Teresa Sue Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Teresa Sue Davis was born and raised in Battle Creek. Her name is not well-known, nor is she lauded for large philanthropic donations to the community. But like so many other city residents, she left an unforgettable mark on her family and the lives of others. Some may consider her contributions small. To those she touched, they were immeasurable. She was a 1984 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and held many jobs in the community. No job was perhaps more important than as a mother, where she often selflessly pushed her children to achieve their life goals. This scholarship was established as a helping hand to graduates of Battle Creek Public Schools so that they may pursue their dreams of higher education.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Stanley Ciejek, Sr. Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties

The Community Wellbeing Grant, offered by the Lululemon Centre for Social Impact, aims to enhance wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and connection. This grant supports community-led non-profits working to address systemic inequities, helping to build access to wellness resources. Applications are encouraged from organizations that prioritize diverse leadership and serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing. The goal is to impact 10 million individuals positively by 2025, fostering equity and resilience in communities worldwide.

Join Maddie's Fund every Monday at 11am PT for the Weekly Community Conversations, a supportive platform for animal well-being professionals. Engage in discussions about innovative programs and share valuable insights with peers. Each month, attendees have the chance to win up to $10,000 in grants by participating in the calls or watching on-demand. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses crucial topics in the field.

The Rotary Club Scholarship, administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers two $750 scholarships annually to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. Established in 1987, this nonprofit organization has provided over $55,000 in scholarships each year to Beatrice High School seniors. Priority is given to students exemplifying Rotary's ideals, while children of Rotary members are ineligible. This scholarship supports undergraduate studies, ensuring financial assistance is accessible when needed.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supporting African American graduates of Springfield high schools.

The JJF Grants for Youth Programs, established by the James Joseph Ford Foundation, aim to empower underserved youth through educational, social, and cultural initiatives. Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has prioritized equal opportunities for children, supporting various programs that enhance their potential. Annual grants are awarded based on applications, focusing on both capital and operational funding to foster impactful youth-centered services. The foundation remains dedicated to continuing Jim Ford's legacy of generosity and community support.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Matt Davidson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships to up to two eligible applicants, one male and one female in the amount of $500.00 each. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The PEN America: Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists awards $5,000 annually to authors of children's or young adult fiction. This grant supports writers at critical stages in their careers, specifically for a novel-in-progress. Candidates must have published works that received positive critical reception but limited sales. Self-published works and collaborative manuscripts are ineligible, ensuring that the grant focuses on authors with established literary merit.

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

The Reilly, Lucile V, Scholarship, presented by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers $500 to deserving students who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic involvement. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports Beatrice High School seniors with over $55,000 in scholarships annually. This award is available for undergraduate studies, ensuring that students in need can access higher education funding over a five-year period if necessary.

The Sports 4 Life Grants, co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN, aim to promote the health and development of girls in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on increasing participation and retention rates of Black, Hispanic, and Native American girls in sports through funding for coaching, equipment, and facilities. By fostering leadership and self-esteem, the program seeks to empower young girls and provide them with lifelong benefits from sports participation.

The Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports advanced research in atmospheric sciences through specialized facilities like the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF). These resources enable the geosciences research community to conduct essential fieldwork and studies by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and logistical support. Detailed information is available on the NSF website.

The Seeds For Stewardship Grant by the CHS Foundation aims to enhance agricultural leadership and improve rural community safety. This initiative supports member cooperatives and local organizations with matching grants, fostering innovative projects that benefit rural America. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 annually, promoting priority areas such as agricultural education and farmer well-being. The program has positively impacted over 200 communities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community investment in rural development.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Evergreen Award of Marquette County Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance to individuals residing in Marquette County who meet the following criteria: have not had the opportunity to continue their formal education, represent life-long learning interests, have an established history of service/commitment to others in the community, and demonstrate financial need for educational support. 

Distribution Process

• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Beyond Print Grant Program by The Lenfest Institute aims to support independent local newspapers in transitioning from print to digital formats. With funding of up to $400,000, the program encourages innovative strategies to enhance digital sustainability and engage younger audiences. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership commitment and focus on specified areas like communications, customer service, and digital revenue. This initiative is vital for fostering new revenue models and ensuring access to local journalism in the digital age.

The Kia Pet Adoption Grant, funded by the Petfinder Foundation as part of the Accelerate the Good program, supports organizations in the US, Canada, and Mexico with free or reduced-fee adoptions for dogs and cats. Grants are awarded monthly based on the number of adoptable pets listed on Petfinder.com until funds are depleted or November 1st. Grantees are required to report adoptions and share stories of pets adopted through this initiative.

The Youth Empowerment Program Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has been a member of the Youth Empowerment Project for at least one year. Applicants must submit an essay, a letter of recommendation from a project sponsor, and a transcript. This initiative aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions while fostering community engagement.

The Teiger Foundation Programming Grant supports innovative visual arts projects led by curators at smaller non-profit organizations with budgets under $3.5 million. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for three years, funding development, realization, and documentation of exhibitions and related programs. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, racial justice, and artistic experimentation while encouraging collaboration with other cultural institutions. Note: The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026.

The Strengthening & Sustaining Mobile Healthcare Grant Program, offered by the Mobile Healthcare Association, aims to enhance emergency preparedness for mobile health clinics. This annual grant supports activities such as developing action plans, training staff, and ensuring operational readiness for crises like hurricanes and floods. By facilitating these initiatives, the program works to reduce health disparities and promote equitable access to quality healthcare for all communities.