Best Local Government Grants in New Jersey

Local government and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey can seek funding for arts and culture, education, employment, health, public policy, and youth and family programs. Grants from the Achelis and Bodman Foundation help New Jersey organizations, especially in Newark and Monmouth County, address civic needs and services for disadvantaged residents.

New Jersey municipal and county governments can access funding through the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to develop Community Forestry Management Plans and conduct tree inventories. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support planning for healthy, safe, and sustainable urban and community forests, which may benefit local government environmental and civic initiatives.

Local governments and eligible public agencies in New Jersey can seek funding to acquire or develop nature-based parks and outdoor recreation areas in low-income urban communities. Focused on expanding outdoor recreation access, the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection offers US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 matching grants for new parks or major renovations in qualifying areas.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and units of local government in New Jersey that present professional touring artists can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network. Grants up to US $3,000 support organizations expanding or enhancing jazz presentations, with priority for non-campus, non-metropolitan presenters committed to diverse, accessible programming.

Local governments and eligible 501(c)(3) or tax-exempt nonprofits in New Jersey undertaking projects in Atlantic City can apply for Casino Reinvestment Development Authority government grants to support community development and revitalization efforts. Projects must be based in or directly benefit Atlantic City residents and demonstrate at least two years of relevant community programming or prior CRDA experience.

Montclair State University provides New Jersey civic engagement and journalism nonprofits with up to US $15,000 for short-term civic science media pilot projects. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations (or those with a fiscal sponsor) must collaborate with at least one science-focused partner and one media partner to engage communities on issues like climate, AI, or neuroscience.

Local government units and nonprofit arts organizations in Morris County, New Jersey can seek grants to support high-quality, accessible arts programs and events. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help New Jersey civic and community entities fund general operating support, special arts projects, or mini grants over US $1,000 that benefit local residents.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

Local government entities in New Jersey, including law enforcement and public schools, can apply for The NRA Foundation’s US $3,000 - US $5,000 grants to support firearms safety, shooting sports, and hunting education programs. Grants from The NRA Foundation help civic and education-focused agencies enhance public safety, youth marksmanship training, and related community programs.

With a mission to support music education and performance, nonprofits in New Jersey can receive $5,000 - $25,000 in Special Projects funding for music performance, presenting, or education work. The Presser Foundation offers general operating support for newer music organizations and resilience grants for small groups facing government funding or policy changes.

Eligible New Jersey employers, education agencies, nonprofits, labor organizations, and local governments can receive funding to provide construction and building trades training, placement, and support services for women and minority veterans. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development backs programs preparing participants for registered apprenticeships or long-term construction careers, which may benefit local government workforce initiatives.

Qualified nonprofit organizations in New Jersey can receive up to US $50,000 to develop neighborhood revitalization plans that meet Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit requirements. The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs supports planning efforts targeting residents of eligible municipalities, which may benefit local government and civic engagement initiatives in designated neighborhoods.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in New Jersey and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians funding; awards up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Eligible costs include project capital, due diligence, stewardship, legal support, and community engagement tied to land protection.

Faith-based and community organizations in New Jersey can seek funding for civic engagement training, food security efforts, or senior services programs that support vulnerable residents. The New Jersey Department of State Office of Faith Based Initiatives offers Special Projects grants up to US $40,000 for initiatives that build community capacity and improve quality of life.

Local governments in New Jersey seeking support for historic preservation projects can apply for grants to identify and protect significant historic buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts. The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides US $15,000 - US $50,000 to Certified Local Government communities for planning tools and preservation activities consistent with federal standards.

Counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities, and fire districts in New Jersey can seek funding to study or implement efficiency-generating shared services projects. Focused on local government collaboration, the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs offers LEAP Challenge Grants up to US $150,000 per county for innovative shared services initiatives.

New Jersey counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities, and fire districts can receive up to US $400,000 from the Local Efficiency Achievement Program to implement shared services projects and cover one-time transition costs. Administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, this support helps local governments streamline operations and reduce costs.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

Local governments in select New Jersey counties can apply for Frank H. Stewart Trust grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for purchasing land for public parks, recreation, and wildlife protection. Municipalities in Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, or Cape May counties may also use funds to maintain or improve previously acquired Stewart-funded conservation lands.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey can seek funding to continue immunization services, education, and community outreach, especially in at-risk or low socioeconomic areas. Focused on vaccines and immunizations, the State of New Jersey Department of Health invites experienced continuing grantees to strengthen community health through expanded preventive care activities.

New Jersey Department of Health

The scope of work for the public health system is ever-expanding, and the Department is on the frontlines in leading the response to public health challenges. The Department has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system.

Our Mission: Protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

SSUS State STD Program 

Purpose For Which the Grant Program Funds Shall be Used 

Applicants are able to request 1) Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) staff to conduct disease investigation and intervention activities, also known as Partner Services; AND/OR 2) request funds to provide statewide safety net coverage of STD testing for men and women under 30 years of age that do not have insurance or other means to obtain STD testing; AND/OR 3) expand existing, local health STD clinical services to increase hours of operation and persons served for STD testing and treatment; AND/OR 4) provide integration of STD and HIV Services.

Qualifications Needed By Application To be Considered For a Grant

• The provision of syphilis (and other potential emerging STD needs) field investigation and follow-up. Funding is intended to cover DIS staff salary, fringe and related DIS expenses.

• Expansion of local health STD Clinic services by adding clinical staff that will allow for expanded hours and services.

Local governments and preservation-focused organizations in New Jersey and other Mid-Atlantic states can seek funding for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. With a mission to advance preservation leadership, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides up to US $7,500 for initiatives like preservation planning, public forums, and innovative community education.

New Jersey municipalities and K-12 public school districts seeking to improve energy efficiency in local government or school facilities can use this program to support upgrades and related projects. With a mission to advance sustainability, Sustainable Jersey provides technical assistance, resources, and flexible funding options to help communities, residents, and small businesses leverage PSE&G energy-efficiency incentives.

Grassroots, non-governmental organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 working in the New Jersey Highlands can receive up to US $5,000 for advocacy, conservation, cultural resource, or capacity-building projects. Grants from New Jersey Highlands Coalition help New Jersey civic and environmental groups respond to urgent threats, strengthen the Highlands Regional Master Plan, and educate communities about water and cultural resources.

Local and state government entities in New Jersey can receive funding to purchase electric vehicles and Level 2 charging equipment, supporting fleet electrification and energy efficiency. With a mission to regulate safe, affordable utilities, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities helps public agencies modernize light-duty and Class 2b-6 vehicle fleets through the Clean Fleet EV Incentive Program.

Local governments and other entities developing or rehabilitating affordable rental housing in New Jersey can access funding through the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ HOME-ARP Rental Production program. Grants support acquisition, construction, or rehab of rental units for qualifying populations, including transitional, permanent, and mixed-income housing that may benefit community development priorities.

Dance-making 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in the New York City metro area, including parts of New Jersey, can apply for Dance/NYC’s Dance Advancement Fund; awards US $6,000 - US $40,000 annually for general operating support. Eligible groups must focus on creating or performing dance and have budgets between $25,000 and $250,000.