Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

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.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness - LINCS

Sustain and enhance the established designated regional LINCS Agency PHEP programs. Funding will support Local Core Capacity for Public Health Emergency Preparedness by maintaining and enhancing the capabilities of emergency-ready public health departments by upgrading, integrating and evaluating local public health jurisdiction's preparedness, response and recovery in accordance with the NJDOH and updated federal program guidelines and requirements. 

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The NJCCR Fellowship Training Program provides vital support to Qualifying Research Institutions, enabling them to offer structured training for first and second-year medical students. This program aims to spark interest in oncology, enhance foundational knowledge, and provide exposure to various career pathways within cancer research. By fostering early engagement, the initiative seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing cancer research and addressing health disparities in New Jersey.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Discover NJ History License Plate Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to enhance heritage tourism in New Jersey. Supported by sales of the Discover NJ History license plate, this fund aims to develop visitor-ready sites. Eligible activities include visitor assessments, signage design, and website development. The program is open year-round, with specific deadlines for applications. This initiative promotes historical awareness and preservation, ensuring New Jersey's rich history is accessible to all.

The Federally Qualified Health Center Expansion Program NOFA aims to enhance public health in New Jersey by providing financial support for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These centers are crucial for delivering essential primary care, dental, and mental health services to uninsured and underinsured populations. The program, initiated by the New Jersey Department of Health, ensures that health care access is improved and health disparities are reduced across communities.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning Grant Program

Purpose: 

The Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning grant supports the planning, implementation, and expansion of innovative work-based learning (WBL) practices designed to increase student engagement in high-demand career pathways. Eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must propose creative strategies to expand access to high-quality WBL opportunities, whether focused on career preparation or career training.

Career preparation experiences involve sustained, interactive engagement with professionals from business and industry to deepen students’ understanding and build essential skills aligned with their chosen career pathway. Examples include internships and cooperative education.

Career training experiences represent the highest level of WBL. These are paid opportunities that provide targeted instruction and hands-on learning to develop the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies required for a particular job or occupation. Examples include pre-apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and clinical experiences.

Through this competitive grant, LEAs dedicated to establishing and strengthening WBL programs and partnerships rooted in meaningful stakeholder collaboration, will develop sustainable pathways that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career opportunities.

This NGO is open to LEAs with grades 9-12 currently eligible to receive Perkins funding. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program(s) of study referenced in the grant application must be currently approved and are actively serving students.

Eligible applicants may apply for awards up to $15,000, $30,000, or $50,000 based on the LEA’s combined total percentage of student participation in both career preparation and training WBL experiences as indicated in the 2024 NJSMART CTE Data submission.  Twelve (12) awards are expected to be made.

This is a single fifteen (15) month grant program.

Based on the availability of FY26 State Career Readiness and Technical Education Aid appropriations, this single project period grant program will begin April 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.

Quinn’s Corner Jumpstart Grants offer one-time funding of $5,000 to organizations supporting domestic violence survivors and their pets. The grants can be used for emergency funds, such as pet deposits and vet bills, or for planning funds aimed at future housing solutions for pets in shelters. Recipients are required to submit a follow-up report detailing the impact of the funding within six months. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust's Capital Historic Preservation Grant Program supports eligible organizations in preserving historic resources listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Organizations must be designated as "qualified" to apply for funding, which does not require a match. This program aims to foster financial stability and capacity for nonprofit cultural organizations by funding important capital projects that enhance cultural heritage in New Jersey.

The CFNJ: Sheila Williamson Memorial Health Grant supports grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting health equity in underserved communities. It empowers small organizations that demonstrate innovative ideas and a commitment to tackling health disparities, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. With funding ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, the grant seeks to effect lasting change and foster community-driven solutions addressing social and economic inequities in New Jersey.

New Jersey Learning Acceleration Program: High Impact Tutoring Grant-Cohort 3

Purpose: 

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) continues to support local education agencies’ (LEAs) efforts as they respond to student's increased academic needs and the necessity to accelerate learning through the continuation of a state-supported tutoring initiative. This has become a priority strategy, as high-impact tutoring is an effective, research-based method LEAs can use to optimize learning acceleration. In late 2023 and early 2024, $52 million was disbursed across almost 300 grantees supporting the first two rounds of a statewide tutoring initiative.

The FY26 Appropriations Act includes $7.5 million for the Department to continue to support LEAs high-impact tutoring programs through a third competitive grant opportunity. The goal of this grant opportunity is to accelerate students’ learning in math and/or ELA through the effective intervention model of high-impact tutoring. A total of $7.5 million is anticipated to be dispersed to approximately 100 LEAs through awards ranging from $20,000 to $400,000 based on LEA enrollment and student performance (see Appendix B). Eligibility is limited to LEAs whose average student proficiency on the 2024-2025 New Jersey Student Learning Assessments in grades 3-8 was less than 50% in ELA and/or mathematics.

Grant Type:

• Limited Competitive

Number of Award(s) Anticipated:

• 150

Total Amount Available:

• $7,500,000

The Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Scholarship in New Jersey offers financial support to dependent children of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. This renewable scholarship covers the cost of attendance for up to four years at approved New Jersey institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to continue their education while honoring their parent's legacy.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

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.

New Jersey Family Planning Grant Program

To provide funds to support clinical family planning and related services throughout the 21 counties of the State of New Jersey, with a focus to provide family planning services to low income residents of New Jersey.

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.

New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Task Force Support Group

Fund an organization that provides New Jersey with highly trained and specialized EMS planning resources to support major incidents and pre-planned events using a well-coordinated, robust, all-hazards approach through the state’s Emergency Management System to include building acute care medical surge capacity through the development, maintenance and growth of strong HCC(s); sustain and support the development of the New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Task Force (NJEMSTF) and the NJEMSTF Planner (FTE) position(s). The goal is to continue supporting the established NJEMSTF programs in the north, central, and south regions to meet the mission and value statements of the program and NJDOH.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The JWF-NJ’s Spring Cycle - Large Grants offers funding up to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting projects that empower women and girls in New Jersey. This initiative focuses on projects that specifically benefit women and their children, as applications from organizations promoting a majority of women will not be considered. Grants are awarded on a yearly basis, with reapplications permitted but not guaranteed. The foundation prioritizes areas within New Jersey, including counties like Essex and Morris.

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey (JWF-NJ) is committed to empowering women and girls through strategic grant-making and advocacy. With a focus on projects that significantly impact this demographic, JWF-NJ provides grants up to $5,000 for initiatives that support women and girls in New Jersey. Eligible organizations must demonstrate the potential for substantial impact and ensure that funds are used exclusively for women, girls, or women with children. Proposals are accepted from 501(c)(3) organizations.

The Childhood Lead Program, initiated by the New Jersey Department of Health, aims to reduce childhood lead exposure through nurse case management and environmental investigations. This initiative targets children with elevated blood lead levels and emphasizes public outreach to educate families and professionals on lead screening and prevention strategies. By promoting healthy housing practices and awareness, the program seeks to improve long-term health outcomes for affected children across New Jersey.

The CFNJ: Rose Anthony Howard and Elizabeth V. Brinley Next Generation Grant focuses on empowering small to midsize nonprofits in New Jersey that provide essential services to children. It aims to uplift underserved youth through educational programs, mentorship, and recreational opportunities. The grant supports initiatives that promote equity and community-driven solutions, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for impactful projects that address the needs of historically underserved communities.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.