Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brian Edkins Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cape Fear High School; South View High School (Cumberland County) or Scotland High School (Scotland County, NC).

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) focuses on enhancing education and workforce development in food and agricultural sciences. It invites applications for various grants aimed at professional development, non-formal education for youth, community college training, and fellowships for both predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. The program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasizes the cultivation of skills necessary for the future workforce in agriculture, with multiple deadlines for submissions.

The Health & Wellness Agency Grant, offered by the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, aims to empower disadvantaged communities by providing access to heart and mental health education. This grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the foundation's mission to enhance the well-being of African American children and families. Eligible applicants can receive funding to implement impactful health initiatives, while ineligible expenses include scholarships and operational costs.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative research in neurocognitive healthcare, with funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. This grant aims to address critical challenges in mental health by fostering cutting-edge research and transformative technologies. Applicants, preferably 501(c)(3) organizations, can submit letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, with a focus on projects based in Southern California and the Greater Boston area. The Foundation is committed to catalyzing advancements in understanding the brain and delivering effective treatments.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers financial support through undergraduate scholarships for up to 100 eligible college students each year. Applicants must be members of PC(USA) pursuing their first associates or bachelor's degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education while fostering a commitment to service within their communities.

The Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, established by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, offers $30,000 for one year to support postdoctoral research in occupational therapy. This fellowship aims to enhance diversity in the field by funding individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, as identified by the NSF. Eligible candidates must hold an OT degree or relevant doctorate, have a mentor, and conduct research at a U.S. academic institution.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives:

• Habitat Reclamation: Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

• Regenerative Agriculture: Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

• Renewable Energy: We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

• Soil: Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

• Tree Planting: Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions. 

• Water: We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

Tree Canopy Improvement Grant

Funding for projects in tree canopy improvement efforts:

• Increasing tree species diversity
• Planting in urban and suburban areas and green spaces

The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program provides music research grants aimed at enhancing music education and career mobility. With a focus on eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities, grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. The foundation supports high-impact organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with its mission of fostering music makers. Eligible applicants include those with a strong research track record and innovative project proposals that do not duplicate existing studies.

About Samba RecoverySamba Recovery is dedicated to empowering individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction by restoring confidence and fostering resilience. Through a foundation of compassion, support, and holistic care, we guide individuals toward renewed health and wellness, meaningful relationships, and the discovery of their inner strengths—assisting them to achieve their fullest potential.Hope for Addiction ScholarshipSamba Recovery’s Hope for Addiction Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award dedicated to encouraging more young people to join the fight against addiction by pursuing degrees that directly support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

We welcome applications from all eligible students, with special encouragement for those who are in recovery themselves or who have been impacted by addiction within their families.Application requirements:

• Proof of college enrollment or acceptance
• Pursuing a degree with the goal of working with individuals and/or families impacted by addiction
• Completed application form
• An original 500 to 1000 word essay on how you are planning to use your degree to help individuals and families struggling with addiction, and why helping those affected by substance use disorder is important to you

The Indigenous Scholarships: Arts Fund facilitates artistic development for Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian artists. Offering up to $5,000, it supports projects in each other's countries, with applications due in March and September. Since 2002, over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 artists, fostering cultural exchange and growth in the arts between Australia and the USA.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The HEAL initiative aims to translate addiction research into practice to combat the opioid crisis and overdose events. It focuses on identifying barriers to reducing substance use and developing scalable, evidence-based interventions. Emphasizing recovery, prevention, and the integration of mental health, the initiative encourages collaboration among experts in various fields. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are urged to prepare for future opportunities to apply innovative solutions to enhance addiction treatment and prevention efforts.

The Diversity Mentorship Grant Program aims to enhance ethnic diversity in dermatology by providing mentorship to underrepresented medical students. Participants receive 160 hours of hands-on experience with a dermatologist, fostering a deeper understanding of the field. A stipend of $1,500 is available for travel and living expenses. Applications are open until November 1 for the upcoming year, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American groups, to apply.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Help with healthcare costs for eosinophilic esophagitis

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder of the esophagus and is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It is a chronic disease of the immune system and can be triggered by a food allergy, acid reflux, or an airborne allergy. An allergic trigger causes the immune system to overact which causes many white blood cells, or eosinophils, to collect in the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to become inflamed and not contract properly. The esophagus can also narrow and develop rings or abscesses. This condition can become worse over time.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Help with healthcare costs for Multiple sclerosis (MS)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system in which the insulating covers of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) health equity

Help with healthcare costs for multiple sclerosis (health equity)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Health Equity Funds offer help to eligible patients living in areas identified as having increased social and financial needs, as well as higher rates of chronic conditions. Eligibility is determined in part by home address zip code. 

About the disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system in which the insulating covers of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system.

The Avant Garde Award supports innovative research on HIV and substance use disorders, encouraging creative scientists to explore high-risk, high-reward approaches. While applications are not currently being accepted, this initiative by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) aims to stimulate collaborations and impactful research. Early-stage investigators are particularly encouraged to consider this opportunity as they develop their proposals for future funding. The program uses the DP1 activity code, fostering transformative advancements in biomedical and behavioral science.

The Bernice Ash Memorial Award honors the legacy of a retail music visionary by providing a $5,000 grant to mid-career professionals employed by NAMM member companies. This award aims to support emerging leaders in the music industry through professional development opportunities and a one-year mentorship with NAMM Young Professionals. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience and agree to use the funds for professional training, enhancing their leadership skills and career growth.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP) supports early-career pediatricians committed to research. It emphasizes flexible research proposals, fostering scientific inquiry in pediatrics, particularly in areas like prematurity and health equity. Funded by March of Dimes and other organizations, the program aids scholars in gaining vital training and mentorship while contributing to advancing pediatric health outcomes. Applicants must have completed pediatric residency in the USA or Canada and demonstrate a strong commitment to medical research.

The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) aims to enhance maternal and infant health by supporting early-career researchers in obstetrics and gynecology. This program encourages applicants committed to advancing their careers in academic research. With a focus on health equity and the training of scholars, RSDP seeks to foster impactful research proposals that address critical issues such as prematurity and maternal morbidity. Funded by the March of Dimes and other organizations, it empowers diverse talent in the field.

The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) aims to assist veterans experiencing homelessness by providing tailored employment services. This federal initiative focuses on helping veterans transition to stable employment through job training, case management, and connections to local supportive services. HVRP aligns with national priorities to enhance career outcomes for veterans, ensuring they receive the necessary tools and resources for sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computational sciences. Established in 1991, it provides a $45,000 annual stipend, full tuition, and a $1,000 professional development allowance over a maximum of four years. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, offering fellows practical experience in DOE laboratories, enhancing their careers in high-performance computing and scientific research across various fields.

The Tick-borne Pathogen Award, sponsored by Bay Area Lyme Foundation, offers $150,000 to support innovative research on non-Borrelia tick-borne pathogens. This grant aims to attract scientific talent to explore co-infections with Lyme disease and other related infections. Eligible candidates include researchers from academia or the private sector at the post-doctoral level or higher, with a focus on improving diagnostics and therapies for tick-borne diseases. Applications must present a viable proof-of-concept project.

The PennHOSA Foundation Scholarship promotes healthcare careers by providing scholarships to HOSA student members in Pennsylvania. It aims to enhance compassionate care delivery and community needs. Additionally, the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award is given to one student focusing on community service. Eligible applicants must be HOSA members and enrolled in accredited healthcare programs, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award, reinforcing the commitment to future healthcare professionals.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Social Support Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These grants focus on reducing stigma through education and advocacy, fostering a compassionate environment. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide tangible support and resources, ensuring a meaningful impact on mental health. By addressing the challenges faced by those with mental illness, the foundation strives to create a more inclusive society that recognizes and supports their needs.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.