Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Morristown Neighborhood House Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who has an affiliation with Morristown Neighborhood House. Applicants must be be pursuing a postsecondary education at an accredited four-year, two-year, or nonprofit technical school (certificate program).

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The CFNJ: Svetlana Stalin Welcome to New Jersey Grant aims to support recent immigrants in their transition to life in New Jersey. This grant focuses on providing essential resources such as language acquisition, cultural integration, legal assistance, and economic empowerment. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, the grant encourages community-driven initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to resources and support.

The Natalie W. Furniss Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. Established in 1974, the foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in New Jersey. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on humane societies and similar organizations that prevent cruelty to animals. This grant exemplifies a commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship, reflecting the foundation's mission to promote humane practices.

The CFNJ: George A. Ohl, Jr. Health-Care Services Grant supports initiatives that enhance healthcare services, focusing on innovative programs and equipment, especially for curing infantile paralysis. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $11,000 are available for non-profit organizations in New Jersey directly improving health services for underserved communities. This funding aims to promote equity and inclusivity, addressing systemic health disparities while fostering community-driven solutions.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship

The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $8,000 ($2,000 per year for 4 years) to support tuition, books, fees, room & board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are identified as: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider academic achievements, leadership experience, desire for personal growth and financial need. 

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

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.

Oral Health Carries Prevention Program

To provide reimbursement for the delivery of nutrition education and counseling following three successive nutritional counseling dental visits to Medicaid eligible or uninsured children ages 5-18, and their attending caregiver/parent/guardian, when the child is determined by screening per the CAMBRA caries risk assessment tool to be at a medium to high-risk for dental caries and to simultaneously ensure that dental sealants are placed on all teeth eligible for sealants (all permanent and primary teeth having unsealed, pit and fissures that are caries and restoration free) and as per N.J.A.C. 10-56 (the Medicaid Dental Manual). Documentation of existing intact non defective sealants, restorations, caries, and any posterior teeth that do not have pits or fissures (only grooves) on otherwise eligible teeth not being sealed is required as is documentation of who is providing the nutritional counseling and to who the counseling is directed. Successive visits should be spaced apart to enable both an assessment of the patient’s diet and subsequently an assessment of the effectiveness of the first two counseling sessions.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

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 Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Weatherization Assistance Program - Multi-Family Initiative Request for Proposal

Introduction and Purpose

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJ DCA) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit qualified organizations to provide weatherization services for multifamily housing projects.

The goal of this project is to improve energy efficiency, implement renewable energy systems, and reduce energy costs for low-income multifamily housing units in New Jersey. Weatherization services include conducting energy audits and inspections, upgrading insulation, lighting, heating and cooling systems, renewable energy systems, and providing other ancillary energy-saving services. 

The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) offers financial assistance to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are at a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. This grant focuses on 'target hardening' activities, including the purchase and installation of security equipment. Organizations must ensure their Vulnerability Risk Assessments are current and include necessary documentation to qualify for funding. This program aims to enhance safety measures across New Jersey's nonprofit sector.

The New Jersey Heritage Fellowship, awarded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, recognizes exemplary folk and traditional artists for their lifetime achievements and contributions to the state's cultural heritage. Each fellowship provides a $20,000 award, aimed at fostering public interest in the arts and supporting artistic excellence. Since its inception in 1966, this initiative has aimed to enhance artistic expression and the inclusion of art in public spaces throughout New Jersey.

The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) offers funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. This grant is specifically allocated for hiring security personnel, including law enforcement officers and registered security officers. It cannot be used to replace existing security staff but may supplement security needs for events within New Jersey. Eligible organizations must demonstrate their risk status as assessed by the Director of NJOHSP.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Northeast SARE Research and Education Grants

The purpose of the Research and Education grant program is to invest in education for farmers that leads to changes in farmer behavior, decision-making, and/or practices. These changes must increase the sustainability of farming in the Northeast United States. A Research and Education project can also include an applied research component, related to the educational activities.

• The primary audience are farmers, ranchers, and farm employees (henceforth “farmers”) that meet Northeast SARE’s Definition of a Farm.
• Farmers must be engaged in demonstrating the need for and the design of the project.
• Anyone who works in farming, including farmers, can lead a Research and Education project.
• The education program must be useful to farmers regardless of the results of any optional research component.

This grant program seeks innovative projects that improve existing practices or introduce existing practices to new farmer audiences.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) offers counties in New Jersey up to $75,000 to hire or designate a Shared Services Coordinator. This initiative encourages collaboration among local government entities to identify and implement shared services, enhancing efficiency in operations. As a rolling application process, interested parties are urged to apply promptly due to the program's popularity and limited funding. The grant supports the state's goal of fostering shared services across municipalities, school districts, and various authorities.

Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP)

In 2019, DLGS established the Local Assistance Bureau (LAB) to provide direct support to local government entities in a variety of ways. This includes a key collaboration with the Czars and local governments to identify and implement shared services opportunities across the state.

The Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) is a natural extension of this mission.

The LEAP affords an unprecedented opportunity to incentivize shared services implementation across New Jersey’s local government entities, advancing the mission of the Shared Services Program. The LEAP facilitates exploring and establishing shared services. The LEAP provides counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities, and fire districts assistance for the study or implementation of promising shared services projects undertaken pursuant to the Uniform Shared Service and Consolidation Act. The program is available to all New Jersey local government entities.

Challenge Grant (NJ)

Allocates funds to the most compelling projects in potentially each of New Jersey’s twenty-one counties, affording municipalities, authorities, and counties the opportunity to compete for grant funding to support efficiency-generating shared services. This grant program is designed to promote innovation among peer communities and counties across New Jersey, and challenge municipalities and counties to collaborate on more extensive partnerships that produce shared services of greater significance than is customary.

Funding

Funding in the amount of $150,000 is available within each New Jersey County. Up to three (3) grants per county may be awarded.

Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP)

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is dedicated to helping local governments improve the quality of life in every one of the State’s 564 municipalities. Through a variety of programs, DCA’s Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) works with counties and municipalities to streamline government operations and reduce costs and property taxes. In 2019, DLGS established the Local Assistance Bureau (LAB) to provide direct support to local government entities in a variety of ways. This includes a key collaboration with the Czars and local governments to identify and implement shared services opportunities across the state.

The Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) is a natural extension of this mission.

The LEAP affords an unprecedented opportunity to incentivize shared services implementation across New Jersey’s local government entities, advancing the mission of the Shared Services Program. The LEAP facilitates exploring and establishing shared services. The LEAP provides counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities, and fire districts assistance for the study or implementation of promising shared services projects undertaken pursuant to the Uniform Shared Service and Consolidation Act. The program is available to all New Jersey local government entities.

Implementation Grant (NJ)

Allocates funds to help cover costs associated with new shared service implementation. These include one-time reimbursable costs for project completion or transition support which may include, but is not limited to, new technology costs incurred as part of equipping a new shared services program, rebranding costs, equipment and vehicle outlays, professional services, rent for facilities, payroll system conversion costs, and training. Funding is based on the total transition or implementation cost of a project. Transitional costs incurred by participant(s) are filtered through the application lead (applicant).

Funding

Local government entity implementation support shall not exceed $400,000 per project, which may account for up to a maximum of 75% of implementation expenses incurred. The amount awarded for any school consolidation feasibility study may account for up to 100% of study costs, depending upon application quality, project composition and participation, and value provided.

The AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship: Formica-Riggs/New Jersey offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. Since 1950, the AMA Foundation has awarded over $61 million in scholarships, aiming to support a diverse cohort of medical students, particularly those underrepresented in the field. Eligible applicants must be New Jersey residents attending medical school in the state, fostering local talent in healthcare.