Best Grants for Youth Programs in New Jersey

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Gender-Specific Services Grant, offered by the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, aims to support programs that address the unique challenges faced by girls and gender-expansive youth. This initiative fosters safe, inclusive environments where participants can heal from trauma and build confidence. By promoting trust, creativity, and leadership, the grant seeks to empower young people to connect with role models, express their identities, and envision a brighter future.

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The New Jersey Department of Health leads the state’s response to public health challenges and works to improve health outcomes for all New Jersey residents. Through its three primary branches—Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health—the Department collaborates across programs and partners to strengthen New Jersey’s health system. Guided by its mission to protect public health, promote healthy communities, and improve the quality of health care, the Department supports initiatives that advance prevention, system integration, and equitable access to health services statewide.

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (TPC) Services

Funds will be used to prevent tobacco youth initiation and decrease youth smoking prevalence by developing and implementing programming aimed to increase tobacco awareness and environmental policy development within communities as well as the promotion of intervention cessation services to qualified tobacco users.