Best School Health Grants in New Jersey

New Jersey schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits running on-campus school garden or classroom cooking programs can receive up to US $5,000 for program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Focused on school health, Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation invites applicants located in communities, ideally within 10 miles, of a Sprouts Farmers Market store.

New Jersey school-based health, physical education, recreation, and dance programs can receive funding to start or enhance Pre-K–12 initiatives that improve student learning. New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance offers up to US $1,000 for equipment, software, or materials, with recipients sharing results via an article or conference session.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering school-based nutrition and healthy eating programs can apply for funding to expand nutrition education and food awareness initiatives. Focused on nutrition education, the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation invites schools and community partners to support students’ understanding of food from seed to plate and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.

K-12 schools in New Jersey participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply for equipment grants to expand access to nutritious school meals and support school health. Focused on school nutrition, National Dairy Council’s Fuel Up initiative offers US $2,000 kits that boost students’ access to and consumption of dairy products through the GENYOUth School Wellness Portal.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing nursing degrees and living in Independent School District #813 may be eligible for this academic scholarship, which supports higher education in nursing. Grants from Greater Lake City Community Foundation help students with strong academics, school involvement, and community service who are preparing for school health and nursing careers.

School food professionals working under the National School Lunch Program in New Jersey can apply for the Chef Ann Foundation’s Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship, which supports leadership development in school nutrition and health. This 13‑month program offers virtual and in‑person training, coursework, and a capstone project grant to advance healthier school food systems.

K-12 school districts in New Jersey that self-operate their meal programs and participate in the National School Lunch Program can receive multi-year support to shift from heat-and-serve to scratch cooking models. With a mission to improve school food, Chef Ann Foundation provides assessments, technical assistance, and system improvement grants to strengthen school health and nutrition services.

Schools in New Jersey seeking to improve student food security and school health can receive support to establish or expand in-school food pantries. Stop & Shop Helping Hands partners directly with pre-K through college campuses to identify need and provide ongoing pantry resources; schools in Boston and New York City boroughs are currently not eligible.

School-based audiologists and speech-language pathologists in New Jersey focusing on school health and communication disorders can be recognized through this national award, which includes US $2,500 total for the clinician and school system. Focused on exemplary school services, the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation honors innovative, high-impact work in pre-K through high school settings.

American College Health Association institutional or individual members developing innovative student health care access solutions in New Jersey and nationwide can apply for this award, which offers up to US $3,500 for school health initiatives. The American College Health Foundation supports projects that improve access, delivery methods, technology use, and student awareness of available health services.

School nurses engaged in school nursing practice or leadership conducting future research projects on school health can apply for US $1,000 - US $25,000 to support their studies. With a mission to strengthen school nursing research, National Association of School Nurses provides funding for projects in the U.S., which may benefit New Jersey school health initiatives.

With a mission to support school health and safety, U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary & Secondary Education provides New Jersey local educational agencies with Project SAFE grants to sustain CDC-aligned COVID-19 prevention strategies. LEAs financially penalized by their state for these measures may be eligible for resources to protect student well-being.

School health-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in New Jersey can seek funding for programs addressing the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, or pollinator conservation. Grants from Levin Family Foundation support U.S. projects aligned with its mission, with priority for work in and around Montgomery County, Ohio, and awards up to US $30,000.

New Jersey K–8 nonprofit schools with established gardens or culinary education programs can receive support to integrate gardening, nutrition, and culinary instruction into school health curricula. Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen helps schools serving middle- to low-income students expand experiential learning, build teaching kitchen capacity, and provide dedicated garden and culinary instruction hours for all students.

With a mission to support community needs, International Paper Company Foundation provides New Jersey school health and wellness programs with US $2,500 - US $10,000 for education, literacy, hunger, and health initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain public entities in New Jersey communities where International Paper operates may apply within the annual grant cycle.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits running education, health and wellness, environment, or arts programs can apply for corporate charitable contributions that may support school health initiatives. Focused on improving quality of life, McCormick & Company prioritizes organizations in communities where its employees live and work and where staff volunteer or serve on boards.

New Jersey cultural nonprofits running arts, science, or STEAM education programs for youth can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support impactful cultural initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may request program, capital, or limited general/endowment support, with many culture awards exceeding US $100,000.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Scaife Family Foundation Grant has been supporting vulnerable community members for nearly 40 years, providing over $180 million in donations to non-profits. The Foundation aims to match organizations with aligned goals, focusing on women and children, addiction prevention, and animal welfare. It offers grants for general operating and program support, prioritizing impactful programs that address societal issues. Notably, the Foundation considers proposals that foster healthy relationships and promote treatment for addiction, enhancing the welfare of both humans and animals.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Hearst Foundation's Health Grant aims to support nonprofits that enhance healthcare access for underserved populations in the U.S. Focused on improving skills and increasing healthcare practitioners, the grant also emphasizes public health and medical research. With a history of funding significant projects, the foundation prioritizes programs that address the complex needs of low-income, rural, and elderly communities. This commitment ensures a sustainable impact on national health outcomes while supporting innovative healthcare delivery systems.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.