Best Library Grants in New Jersey

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that demonstrates measurable community impact. Focused on youth, education, and human services, Costco Foundation invites organizations, including those with library-based youth or educational programs, to apply; proposals are reviewed within 4–6 weeks based on need, collaboration, and budget.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

New Jersey accredited charities running community, education, humanitarian, environmental, or arts projects can access funding through Roche, supporting work from youth services and STEM education to cultural programs and disaster relief. Local Roche affiliates fund organizations and programs that are based and operating in the same country, with priority for innovative, sustainable, high-quality initiatives.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations providing charitable, educational, scientific, or medical services can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and demonstrate broad impact and strong management, which may include library-related services.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Libraries and other 501(c)(3) organizations in the Southern U.S. seeking single-year support for education, poverty relief, disaster relief, or family and youth services may be eligible; awards cannot fund capital projects. Grants from Robinson Foundation help mission-driven groups, including those with library services, create tangible, meaningful impact for their communities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community-based organizations can seek funding for specific projects that enhance family life, safety, or community quality of life. Focused on community enhancement, Baltimore Life Foundation invites applicants to request up to US $500 for initiatives such as child safety education, community clean-ups, or neighborhood watch activities.

With a mission to support charitable work, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides New Jersey library-related nonprofits with funding for community services, environmental education, and peacebuilding initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations that incorporate library services into programs serving people, communities, or the environment may be eligible to apply.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. The Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes organizations within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities whose programs enhance long-term well-being and sustainability in these areas, which may include library-related services.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Independent colleges and universities in New Jersey and nearby states seeking capital funding for undergraduate academic facilities can apply for George I Alden Trust’s higher education grants, with awards up to but not more than $100,000 for first-time applicants. Funding supports classrooms, libraries, labs, auditoriums, learning centers, and related equipment that strengthen undergraduate teaching and learning.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations offering library services, education, or youth programs can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 for scholarships, tutoring, literacy, journalism, or related initiatives. Focused on education, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers community, arts, environmental, historic preservation, and accessibility projects that enhance learning opportunities and quality of life.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Course Development Grants

Since 2014, Spencer has invested over $1.6 million in developing risk management and insurance (RMI) courses at close to 70 colleges and universities, exposing approximately 19,000 students to the RMI industry.

Our Course Development Grant program supports Introductory Risk Management and Insurance Course Development - for universities that have not previously offered any such instruction - as well as proposals for additional Course Curriculum Development and Program Development - for universities looking to develop a RMI program and/or expand existing RMI course offerings, with an emphasis on new and emerging areas in the industry.

Spencer Educational Foundation: Course Development Grants for NJ Schools

The Spencer Educational Foundation and New Jersey RIMS Chapter are looking to partner with colleges and universities in New Jersey to expand RMI education. Spencer’s Course Development funding supports the development of RMI curricula. Funding opportunities range from introductory course development (i.e., RMI 101) at institutions with no RMI courses to expanding existing RMI courses to address upper-level topics (e.g., Insurance Company Operations, P&C, and ERM). Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 (average $15,000), and New Jersey RIMS Chapter engagement is possible to support RMI graduate scholarships and experiential learning initiatives. 

New Jersey libraries and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government units offering health education and support services can access funding through Bayer Fund for cancer and cardiovascular disease programs. Organizations near an eligible Bayer community may fund evidence-based awareness, education, and access-to-care initiatives, including support for patients, caregivers, and at-risk populations.

Public libraries in New Jersey offering adult literacy, digital literacy, or career pathway training can apply for the Community Library Adult Literacy & Career Pathway Grant Program, with awards up to US $400,000. Funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development supports instruction, credentials, or certifications that improve employability and career advancement for residents.

Mercer County New Jersey students pursuing two years of study at a college, university, community college, or vocational school may be eligible for the Mary Elliott Wislar Memorial Scholarship, supporting higher education costs. Princeton Area Community Foundation honors Mary’s legacy of educational leadership and community involvement through this academic scholarship opportunity.

Focused on education and community services, 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey that operate in Ocean County and serve local residents can seek $1,500 - $5,000 for programs including libraries. The Charles B Mathis Memorial Trust prioritizes initiatives for the elderly, poor, sick, or disabled and projects promoting education, good government, religion, and good morals.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) libraries seeking endowments, capital construction, or innovative equipment can apply for $50,000 - $150,000 in support from the Gladys Brooks Foundation. Focused on strengthening library services, this funding favors projects that expand public access to information and are largely funded by the grant or represent a discrete project component.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey that lead strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners addressing significant social issues, which can include innovative, partnership-based library services and programs.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural New Jersey can use this program to build, expand, or improve library and other essential community facilities, including equipment and related costs. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible communities under 20,000 residents to apply for graduated grant assistance based on local income levels.