Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Shore Protection Program in New Jersey aims to safeguard coastal areas from storm damage, erosion, and sea-level rise. It funds projects like beach replenishment and bulkhead construction, prioritizing initiatives that enhance public access and align with state resiliency efforts. Eligible applicants include municipalities and counties, with a minimum local cost share of 25% required. This program is crucial for maintaining New Jersey's coastline and protecting vital infrastructure from natural threats.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

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.

Autism Medical Home Center of Excellence

Purpose for Which the Grant Program Funds Shall be Used

Approximately $3,5000,000 may be allocated to the following NJ Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism research projects: Predoctoral Fellowship Research (CAUT27GFP), Postdoctoral Fellowship Research (CAUT27DFP), Postdoctoral Associate Research (CAUT27DAP), Basic Research (CAUT27BRP), Clinical Research (CAUT27CRP), and Autism Medical Home Center of Excellence (CAUT27AMH), contingent on the availability of NJDOH funding.

Award Period: From: 8/1/26 Through: 6/30/31

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Healthy Corner Store NOFA

To improve the likelihood that persons who are eligible for SNAP will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose a physically active lifestyle consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate. 

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 875,000

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Natural Climate Solutions Grants, offered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aim to fund projects that enhance and restore the state's carbon sinks such as forests, salt marshes, and urban parks. By supporting initiatives like blue carbon and green carbon projects, the grant seeks to promote climate resilience, improve air and water quality, and advance environmental justice, aligning with New Jersey's commitment to sustainable practices and clean energy goals.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The NJ Child Care Facility Grant provides financial assistance to licensed child care centers for site remediation costs, with grants up to $1,500. Eligible applicants must meet specific qualifications, including completing a Preliminary Assessment Report per NJ regulations. This funding aims to support child care providers in maintaining safe environments for children, while certain costs, such as site investigation fees, are excluded from coverage.

Safe Routes to School Grants

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) offers infrastructure grant funding for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. This federally funded program is administered by NJDOT, in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), and the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO).

Safe Routes to School Grants may be used for infrastructure (construction) projects which encourage and enable students from grades K-12 to safely walk and bike to school within 2 miles of the school. Municipalities, counties, schools and school districts are welcome to apply! Examples of eligible SRTS projects include installation of ADA compliant sidewalks, bike paths, striping, lighting, signals, traffic calming improvements, etc.

The New Jersey Wine Industry Project Grants, awarded by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, support projects that enhance the state's wine industry through research and development in viticulture and winemaking. Eligible applicants include organizations and cooperatives, who must submit a member list to be considered. Projects should benefit all grape growers and wine producers, ensuring inclusive participation across the industry.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) in New Jersey aims to bolster affordable housing initiatives for extremely low-income households. This program supports the development and preservation of safe, decent rental housing for those earning 30% or less of the Area Median Income. With a commitment to maintain these units for at least 30 years, the NHTF complements existing federal, state, and local housing efforts while offering technical assistance to applicants through workshops and one-on-one consultations.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5430 - Unlocking Value and Opportunities from Carbon Flows in Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Identify carbon flows across drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and advanced treatment systems. Carbon flows may include source water, stormwater, process emissions, process inputs, residuals, and biogas.
• Identify the most relevant carbon recovery, capture, conversion, storage, and avoidance opportunities.
• Evaluate value creation pathways, including products, avoided costs, and environmental attributes, and mechanisms and partnerships needed to put them into practice.
• Assess how opportunities vary across system types and local contexts by focusing on more common scenarios for utilities.
• Provide practical, research-based insights to support identification, prioritization, evaluation, and advancement of carbon management opportunities under site-specific conditions and constraints.
• Evaluate implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, environmental attribute claims, and other potential benefits across pathways.

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Healthy Women Healthy Families NOFA

Maternal and infant mortality and morbidity reduction activities focusing on racial and health disparities to improve health outcomes for women and infants. Maternal child health initiatives include community health workers, postpartum doulas, and breastfeeding education and support activities. Connecting NJ specialists to provide referrals to needed resources, linkages to core programs, and education and outreach in the community to pregnant individuals and families with young children to address their needs. 

Estimated amount of money in the grant program

• $ 5,000,000

The New Jersey Healthy Homes Initiative Grants aim to support New Jersey FamilyCare Members at risk of homelessness or institutionalization. This program, in collaboration with the Department of Community Affairs, focuses on constructing and renovating affordable, community-based housing. By providing essential resources for maintaining and managing these homes, the initiative seeks to enhance housing stability and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations throughout New Jersey.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The HOME Community Housing Development Organizations program in New Jersey aims to provide funding for creating affordable housing units for low-income households. This initiative is targeted at certified non-profit developers with proven experience in affordable housing development and management, ensuring they meet specific criteria set by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The program supports various project-related costs while excluding ineligible activities like public housing modernization.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The RFA - Housing Production Investment Fund aims to enhance affordable housing availability by leveraging federal HOME funds. This program, established under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, provides state and local governments with essential resources to create decent housing for low- and very low-income households. It also strengthens governmental capacity and promotes private sector participation, thereby expanding the role of nonprofit housing providers in community development.

The UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program aims to assist New Jersey employers by reimbursing up to 50% of training costs for current frontline employees, helping them acquire essential skills for future roles. Open to all businesses, the program particularly targets nine strategic sectors outlined in the Governor's Economic Development Plan, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, and Technology. This initiative supports workforce development and enhances New Jersey's economic competitiveness.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.