Best Grants for Special Education in New Jersey

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Connelly Foundation Grant, established in 1955, aims to create access and opportunities for those in need, particularly in the Philadelphia area. Focused on education, human services, and cultural initiatives, it supports nonprofits that enhance Catholic education, address essential needs, and promote civic engagement. The Foundation seeks to partner with organizations demonstrating effective leadership and sustainable practices, while avoiding direct grants to individuals or funding for advocacy and charter schools.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Karma Foundation, established in 1996, provides grants to support organizations focused on Arts & Culture, Autism, Education, Health, and Jewish Life enrichment. Grants range from $500 to $25,000, with most between $1,000 and $10,000, primarily for non-profit organizations with 501(C)3 status. Local, national, and international organizations can apply, but New Jersey grants are limited to specific counties. The foundation encourages leveraging their grants for additional funding.

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey offers special one-time grants aimed at improving healthcare for underserved populations in Greater Newark and the Jewish Community of MetroWest NJ. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that demonstrate measurable impacts, partnerships, and sustainability. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health disparities. Proposals are evaluated based on mission alignment, systems impact, and the potential for lasting change in community health outcomes.

The Schumann Fund for New Jersey Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, early childhood education, and child welfare. With a commitment to fostering economic mobility and healthy communities, the Fund emphasizes collaboration and effective resource utilization. As of 2025, funding will primarily be available for renewal applications, while new proposals will be accepted starting January 15, 2026. This initiative aims to create lasting positive change in social and educational services for vulnerable populations.

The NJDOE (New Jersey Department of Education) Office of Special Education (OSE) is continuing the sponsorship of the grant opportunity-Engaging Parents of Students with Disabilities. The goal of this three (3) year grant is to continue the focus on enhancing parent/caregiver’s engagement in the education of their students who are referred for or receiving special education services.

This three (3) year grant program promotes the development of family-school collaborative partnerships, increasing family access to resources, and expanding parent/caregivers’ participation in placement and program decisions and their ability to support academic, behavior, and social-emotional development. The grant program is in direct alignment with New Jersey’s State Plan for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) initiative, and the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR), all of which strongly encourage increasing parent engagement in schools.

The Turrell Fund Grant focuses on supporting organizations that serve children and families, particularly in Vermont and New Jersey. Emphasizing early childhood development, K-12 education, and access to arts and social services, the fund aims to address systemic barriers and promote equity. Priority is given to initiatives that foster systemic change and advocate for policy improvements, ensuring every child has access to quality education and resources necessary for a strong start in life.

The Alfred N. Sanzari Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance community welfare in Northern New Jersey by focusing on healthcare, education, and support for disadvantaged populations. This includes initiatives for patient care related to Parkinson's Disease, educational programs for children, and services for women and children in need. With grants ranging from $500 to $10,000, the foundation seeks to make a significant impact in the lives of those it serves, continuing the legacy of generosity founded by Alfred N. Sanzari.

The Aaron & Rachel Meyer Memorial Foundation, established in 1964, aims to enhance the quality of life for people and animals in New Jersey and New York through charitable support. Focused on healthcare, education, research, and animal welfare, the foundation has funded diverse projects, from medical equipment to community services. By fostering relationships with local organizations, they address the pressing challenges faced by nonprofits in the tri-state area, ensuring a significant impact on the community.

The Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, supports local arts development in New Jersey. This competitive grant is open to nonprofit organizations based in Somerset County, aiming to enhance public access to the arts through various projects and programs. A significant portion of the funding is allocated for re-grants to eligible local arts organizations, promoting artistic excellence and community engagement.

The Mary Owen Borden Foundation, established in 1934, focuses on supporting disadvantaged youth in New Jersey's Mercer and Monmouth counties. The foundation provides grants averaging $10,000, with a maximum of $15,000, to nonprofit organizations addressing critical needs such as health, education, and counseling. It emphasizes local impact and requires organizations to demonstrate efficient use of funds. This commitment to enhancing community welfare reflects its founding principles and ongoing dedication to improving lives.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey focusing on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund prioritizes innovative youth programs and provides funding for new program development, staffing, and capacity building. However, it does not support cultural arts initiatives or programs outside the specified geographic area. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and typically only receive one-year grants.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Boskey Memorial Foundation Grant, established in 2000, honors James B. Boskey and promotes advocacy in children's rights, disability, LGBTQIA rights, and access to STEM education. With a focus on improving opportunities for the disadvantaged, the foundation supports research and education initiatives in New Jersey and New York. The foundation welcomes proposals related to mediation, reproductive justice, and housing justice, as well as co-funding opportunities with like-minded organizations.

The LGBTQ+ Emerging Needs Grant by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund aims to support organizations that address the evolving needs of the Greater Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community. With a focus on areas such as legal rights, arts, education, and health services, grants of up to $5,000 are available, encouraging applications from diverse and grassroots organizations. Since 1993, the fund has prioritized impactful initiatives that foster community growth and inclusion.

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 Leo Niessen, Jr. Charitable Trust Grant supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational activities. Established from a testamentary bequest in 1993, the trust honors Leo Niessen's philanthropic legacy, particularly benefiting Holy Redeemer Hospital and Red Cloud Indian School. While there are no geographic restrictions, preference is given to organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The foundation does not support endowment requests.

The Jewish Women's Foundation Grants, offered by the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, provide funding ranging from $500 to $2,000. These grants focus on areas such as food access, healthcare, housing, education, job training, and nonprofit sustainability. Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent before applying, as the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for community members and support various initiatives that benefit those in need.

The New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives (OFBI) aims to enhance the capacity of faith and community-based organizations to address community issues. The program supports diverse projects including civic engagement, food security, and services for seniors, focusing on innovative approaches to create meaningful change. By fostering partnerships and providing resources, OFBI is committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations and facilitating community-driven solutions.

The Montclair Fund for Women Grant supports innovative programs aimed at achieving educational success and social justice, particularly for women and girls of color in Montclair and North Essex. The fund prioritizes direct service work, community change, and projects that combat systemic racism and economic inequality. Additionally, it focuses on enriching educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. In 2025, the fund will consider multi-year grant applications, emphasizing community-driven change and empowerment.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

About Us

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) procures contracts with third party providers of services and training for the benefit of children and families. The Office of Grants, Integrity, and Auditing (GIA) of DCF administers a fair and open procurement process that allows for public competition through the development and processing of Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Information about the currently active opportunities to fund new contracts may be accessed in the chart below this section.

Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) New Jersey Program in Mercer County

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Family and Community Partnerships (FCP) announces its intent to award one contract for a Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) New Jersey program in Mercer County. DCF administers this contract in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family Development (DFD) and the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), Division of Family Health Services (FHS).

The NFP model is an evidence-based home visitation (EBHV) program that provides in-home health and parenting education, and supportive services to at-risk low income, first-time pregnant women and their families, especially those overburdened by stressors that may contribute to child neglect and abuse. Specially trained nurse home visitors educate families on important issues that impact on the health and well-being of the mother/parents and infant

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ (JCF) is offering one-year grants aimed at enhancing and transforming local community programs. These grants support a variety of impactful initiatives, including care for the elderly, Jewish education programming, and assistance for those in need. With funding opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, JCF seeks to empower organizations that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.

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 Hoffman Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on aiding the blind and conducting medical research to prevent blindness. Established through Helen C. Hoffman's will, the foundation prioritizes charitable, religious, and educational initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, primarily serving New Jersey and New York. The foundation only accepts applications year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for consideration in the August meeting. Organizations receiving grants for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying.