Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

New Jersey K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from a recent disaster can seek funding to replace books, media, and equipment. New Jersey literacy organizations can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Beyond Words program if they are within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and meet all disaster-related criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and public libraries offering adult basic education, GED preparation, or English language acquisition within 15 miles of a Dollar General store can apply for up to US $10,000. Focused on adult literacy, Dollar General Literacy Foundation invites eligible New Jersey programs to expand direct services for adult learners.

New Jersey schools and community partners running academic enrichment and literacy-focused out-of-school programs can seek funding to establish or expand community learning centers in New Jersey. With a mission to strengthen student achievement, New Jersey Department of Education provides multi-year support for tutoring, youth development, family literacy engagement, and related educational services through the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Program.

Nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, colleges, and public libraries offering comprehensive family literacy programs in New Jersey can receive up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent-child together time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports programs within 15 miles of its stores that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

New Jersey nonprofits, schools, and public libraries creating or expanding summer reading programs for Pre-K–12 students can apply for up to US $3,000 to support literacy activities. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation help fund programs for new readers, below-grade-level readers, and students with learning disabilities within 15 miles of a Dollar General store.

Schools, public libraries, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving K–12 struggling readers in New Jersey can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s youth literacy grants, up to US $5,000, to implement or expand literacy programs. Funding can also purchase books, materials, software, or technology that support youth reading initiatives within 20 miles of a Dollar General store.

New Jersey local education agencies serving K–3 students with significant literacy needs can seek funding to implement evidence-based, data-guided tier one literacy instruction. Focused on comprehensive literacy components and progress monitoring, the New Jersey Department of Education’s BRIDGE program supports leadership teams using data protocols to improve curriculum, instruction, and outcomes in high-need schools.

New Jersey local education agencies serving grades K-3 can access funding to adopt and implement high-quality universal literacy screeners through the FOCUS grant program. New Jersey Department of Education supports early literacy assessment and instruction statewide, which may benefit nonprofits partnering with schools on literacy and educational equity initiatives.

Adult education and literacy providers in New Jersey can receive funding to deliver basic skills, English literacy, and civics education programs that support employment and family economic stability. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers up to US $1,837,827 for services including secondary diploma attainment, career pathways, ESOL instruction, and citizenship preparation.

With a mission to strengthen K–12 climate and literacy education, New Jersey Department of Education provides New Jersey school districts with funding to expand standards-based climate change instruction and student-led community resilience projects. Eligible local education agencies can apply for up to US $30,500 to develop interdisciplinary, experiential learning focused on local climate solutions.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $100,000+ budgets offering literacy, job readiness, or youth skill-building programs can seek funding to improve quality of life and future workforce skills. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts that build in-demand skills, provide work experiences, and expand inclusive opportunities in communities where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence.

New Jersey adult literacy and basic education programs using digital tools can access funding through ProLiteracy to obtain free online learning solutions. Eligible U.S. and Canadian programs may receive subscriptions and licenses for platforms like New Readers Press Online Learning, Learning Upgrade, EnGen, Leamos, and News for You Online to expand distance and blended learning capacity.

Schools, libraries, and youth-serving nonprofits in New Jersey can use this matching grant to implement Read for Success, an interactive literacy program providing diverse books and read-aloud resources for children from birth through grade 12. Reading Is Fundamental matches local dollars 1:1 to supply books, facilitator guides, and family engagement materials for participating students.

New Jersey nonprofits supporting early childhood development, school readiness, or literacy for children ages 0–5 can apply for funding from the Ohio Children’s Foundation, with awards up to US $20,000. Programs that build early language skills, reduce toxic stress, engage parents in reading, or advance early education policy may be competitive.

Nonprofit community organizations, schools, clinics, and public agencies in New Jersey serving low-income children and families can receive free new books and educational materials to build home libraries and support literacy. With a mission to strengthen word-rich, healthy homes, The Molina Foundation provides book grants (not cash) to 501(c)(3)s, Title I schools, faith-based and tribal programs, and similar groups.

New Jersey educational institutions and youth-serving nonprofits that provide literacy and youth services can receive matching book awards to run RIF’s Books for Ownership program. New Jersey literacy organizations can access funding through Reading Is Fundamental to purchase diverse, age-appropriate books children choose and keep, building home libraries and supporting reading engagement for kids from birth through grade 12.

The Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports NEA state affiliates in enhancing coordinated events that celebrate diverse reading. This grant encourages proposals aimed at providing students with access to diverse books, addressing challenges such as curriculum bans. Activities may include guest readings, establishing diverse book clubs, and promoting literacy through community engagement. Applications are open only to state affiliates, with a strong emphasis on year-round reading awareness.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

The Believe in Reading Grant, offered by The Steve and Loree Potash Family Foundation, targets established literacy programs with a proven track record. The foundation aims to support initiatives that address literacy across various age groups, particularly in areas of high need. Grants can be up to $10,000, with a focus on projects that earmark funds specifically for literacy. Applications are reviewed bi-monthly, and first-time applicants are limited to $3,000.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is inviting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the humanities through exhibitions, historic site interpretations, and public lectures. For 2027, topics of interest include Western civilization, literature, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, civic education, and cultural literacy. This initiative seeks to foster civil discourse and engage communities in meaningful discussions.

The National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) invites applications to digitize historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963 across the U.S. This initiative by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress aims to create a comprehensive online database accessible to the public. Successful applicants will convert approximately 100,000 pages into digital format over two years, following specific technical guidelines. This program enhances access to vital historical resources for research and education.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

About

What is the Pizza Hut Foundation?

In pursuit of happiness, the Pizza Hut Franchisee community, in partnership with Pizza Hut U.S. is proud to announce the formation of the Pizza Hut Foundation.

Our foundation is seeking to touch the lives of over 100 youth annually by partnering with youth-serving nonprofit organizations focusing on literacy education programs to enable our team members and their peers to be career and life ready.

Pizza Hut Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

About the Slice of Literacy Grant

The bi-annual grant opportunity awards up to $10,000 to public libraries and non-profit organizations that are actively working to improve literacy initiatives in Pizza Hut communities.

The grants are made possible by the generosity of our customers purchase of the BOOK IT! Bundle menu item!

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Golden Goldman Fund

The Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund’s mission is to maximize local impact in support of: Women’s issues including reproduction and choice; Arts and Culture; Literacy; Reducing Income Inequality; and Judaism.

Funding will be awarded based on your proposal's potential impact. We will be looking at the applying organizations' fiscal viability and their ability to reach out to underserved individuals as part of our evaluation process. We do not usually provide funding for ongoing, existing programs.