Best Grants for Special Education in New Jersey

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in northern New Jersey can seek funding for education, youth and family services, health, employment, and related programs that serve local communities. Grants from Achelis and Bodman Foundation help New Jersey special needs education providers and other service organizations that fit its program areas and are based in Essex or Monmouth counties.

Columbia Bank Foundation

Since 1927, Columbia Bank has evolved alongside the communities and businesses we serve. What began as a single branch in Fair Lawn has grown into a regional bank serving New Jersey, Staten Island and Brooklyn. Throughout that growth, we have remained focused on providing the stability, convenience and service customers expect from a trusted financial partner. Today, we offer the strength and capabilities of a larger financial institution while continuing to provide the personal service and practical financial guidance that have long defined Columbia Bank.

Alongside Columbia Bank’s mission to serve the community, the Columbia Bank Foundation helps support local charitable causes and communities with grants on a sustained basis. Our goal is to make a difference in as many people’s lives as we can and to do our part to help make our communities better, stronger and safer.

Columbia Bank Foundation Micro Grants

The Columbia Bank Foundation is committed to serving the needs of its local communities. The Foundation actively seeks and focuses on innovative programs that provide a measurable impact in the communities that it serves.

Our Micro Grant Program allows organizations that meet one of our focus areas to apply for smaller grants under a streamlined application process. Applications under the Micro Grant Program will be accepted anytime throughout the year for $1,000 to $4,999. These are reviewed internally each month. Our Focus Areas:

• Housing Programs
• Community Investment and Economic Development Programs 
• Financial Literacy and Education 
• Health & Human Services
• Food Insecurity 
• Environmental Sustainability 
• The Arts

Nonprofit organizations providing education, human services, arts, or civic programs in Camden County, New Jersey can access funding through Connelly Foundation for programs, direct services, general operations, and capital projects. Eligible groups must demonstrate strong leadership, a solid track record, and alignment with focus areas such as Catholic education, basic needs, workforce development, and youth pathways.

New Jersey nonprofits providing education, literacy, autism, or related human services can apply for Karma Foundation grants of US $500 - US $25,000 to support programs, operations, equipment, capital needs, or start-ups. Grants from Karma Foundation help New Jersey special needs education organizations, including those serving students with autism, strengthen and expand their services locally, regionally, or statewide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving health and wellness can seek funding in New Jersey for programs, capital needs, equipment, or capacity-building that serve underserved populations. The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey provides up to US $35,000 for initiatives in greater Newark, the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest NJ, and select vulnerable groups in Essex, Morris, and Union Counties; special education-related health programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations serving economically disadvantaged youth and families in New Jersey can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $15,000 to support health, education, counseling, childcare, substance abuse, delinquency, and related services. Grants from Mary Owen Borden Memorial Fund may benefit special needs education programs in Mercer and Monmouth counties.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations piloting or expanding youth, education, or health programs can access funding through Frances & Edwin Cummings Memorial for program development, staffing, and capacity building. Eligible projects must operate in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, or Union Counties and may include K–12 education, literacy, after-school, college prep, or related social welfare services.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering special needs education or related services may be eligible for Penn National Gaming Foundation support in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Grants from Penn National Gaming help local organizations address community development, education (including special education), human services, health, cultural affairs, and veteran and military support where the company has a business interest.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting affordable housing, early childhood and youth education, or child welfare and youth justice can apply for grants to strengthen programs for children and families. Schumann Fund for New Jersey backs efforts that center low-income children and families of color, including community organizing, direct services, and equitable public policy work that may benefit special education populations.

Nonprofit organizations supporting disability services, disability rights, or related justice work in New Jersey can seek funding for research, education, or advocacy projects. James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation also backs programs in children’s rights, LGBTQIA+ services, reproductive health, food and housing justice, and access to STEM and legal education, with awards up to US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups serving majority-LGBTQ+ constituents with legal, educational, arts, health, or social service programs in New Jersey counties can seek up to US $5,000 for emerging community needs. The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund prioritizes organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous, trans, gender-nonconforming, and low-income LGBTQ+ people, including grassroots groups.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey working in visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental and sustainability programs can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for project or general operating support. Smaller organizations and community-based initiatives are prioritized, and first-time applicants start with a letter of interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and music education organizations in New Jersey can seek funding for general operating support or resilience efforts, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to advance musical education and philanthropy, Presser Foundation supports pre-collegiate programs that may serve students in special needs education settings.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for educational, health, human services, religious, or other charitable programs can apply for funding from the Leo Niessen Charitable Trust. The trust makes grants nationwide but often supports Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, so New Jersey special education providers may be competitive if they fit its broad charitable mission.

Focused on community needs, Jewish Women's Federation of Southern New Jersey invites New Jersey education and human service organizations to apply for US $500 - US $2,000 grants supporting food access, health care, housing, education, job training, and nonprofit sustainability. Programs serving individuals with special needs in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties may be especially relevant.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, especially from birth to five, can access funding through the Turrell Fund for early childhood programs, K–12 education, arts education, and direct social services. Special education providers supporting young children and families, particularly in high-need communities, may be eligible if they demonstrate exceptional quality and a focus on systems or policy change.

New Jersey faith-based and community organizations can seek funding for civic engagement, food security, or senior services projects that serve local residents. The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives offers Special Project grants up to US $40,000, which may benefit programs supporting families and youth with special education or related needs.

Nonprofit organizations providing education, healthcare, research, or animal welfare services in New Jersey, especially Northeast New Jersey, can seek support for projects that improve quality of life for families and communities. The Aaron and Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation supports local charitable initiatives, and New Jersey special education programs that fit these priorities may be eligible.

Focused on special needs education, New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations can seek $2,500 - US $15,000 from Montclair Fund for Women to run educational and social justice programs for women and girls, especially of color. Programs in Montclair and North Essex are prioritized, with multi-year support possible starting in 2025.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing special needs education and related services in New Jersey can receive two years of flexible funding for programs, projects, or initiatives. Focused on education, human services, and workforce development, Provident Bank Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for community-enhancing efforts within its New Jersey branch network.

Nonprofits and synagogues in New Jersey offering care for the elderly, Jewish education, or support for the needy can seek one-year program funding, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ help local organizations, including those serving special needs students, enhance and transform the Greater MetroWest community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey, Maryland, or Pennsylvania working on workforce and economic development can apply for Greenspring Advisors’ Greenspring Grant Program, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000. Funding can support general operations or programs like job training, internships, entrepreneurship, or financial literacy, which may benefit special education transition or career-readiness initiatives.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting programs for blind individuals or medical research to prevent blindness in New Jersey or New York can apply for grants of approximately US $15,000. Grants from William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation may benefit special education organizations serving students with vision impairments.

New Jersey school districts and education-focused organizations can seek funding to strengthen parent and caregiver engagement in special education through the New Jersey Department of Education. This three-year program supports family-school partnerships, improved access to resources, and greater parent participation in placement and program decisions, with awards up to US $400,000.