Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Zemurray Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by promoting educational and health opportunities, environmental sustainability, and cultural vibrancy. Eligible applicants include organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS or those with a fiscal agent that meets this criterion. A letter of intent may be submitted for consideration, and selected candidates may be invited to submit a full proposal.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Edite Balks Walter, M.D. Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to help women seeking degrees in biology, chemistry, physics and human or animal medicine. Dr. Walter is a graduate of the former Springfield High School. Through the assistance of various scholarships, she graduated cum laude from Kalamazoo College. Dr. Walter remains an inspiration and believes, "Women Can Do Science and Should Do Science."

The Cottrell IMPACT Award recognizes the significant contributions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients in advancing science through leadership and service. It encourages excellence in academic leadership while raising the profile of awardees nationally. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and highlights recipients at the Cottrell Scholar Conference and in professional journals, fostering a community of innovative researchers committed to impactful science.

The Teacher Professional Development Grants (6-8), offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the teaching skills of classroom teachers in grades 6-8. This grant supports professional development initiatives that focus on improving mathematics instruction. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and spend a majority of their time teaching in the classroom. The program encourages high-quality mathematics education for all students.

The Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship offers $2,500 to support students pursuing aviation technician programs. Administered by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the aviation maintenance field. With twenty scholarships available, eligible applicants must be planning to attend or currently enrolled in an aviation technical program. Priority consideration may be given to students attending ATEC member institutions, making this a vital opportunity for aspiring aviation professionals.

The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the mathematics content knowledge of dedicated elementary school teachers. This initiative focuses on developing teacher-leaders who will deliver ongoing professional development to fellow educators, thereby strengthening instructional practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers or full-time mathematics coaches committed to improving mathematics education. The program supports projects that align with enhancing the mathematics learning environment.

The Strategic Initiatives Grants (SIG) program, managed by the State Justice Institute (SJI), offers flexible funding to tackle pressing national court issues. This innovative initiative encourages collaboration between SJI and its grantees to develop effective solutions for state courts across the U.S. Applicants are urged to reach out to SJI for guidance on their concept papers, ensuring a tailored approach to addressing critical judicial challenges.

The State Justice Institute's Curriculum Adaptation & Training Grant aims to empower courts and national associations to tailor educational programs to local needs. With funding up to $40,000 for 12 months, it encourages innovative training for judges and court personnel. Applicants must provide a 50% match, including at least 20% in cash. Selection criteria focus on project goals, the necessity of funding, and the effective integration of new curricula into existing court systems, ensuring impactful judicial education.

The Healthcare Auxiliary Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Eligible applicants must reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, or Sharon. Preference is given to those who actively volunteer and engage with their community. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic and professional goals in the healthcare sector.

The State Justice Institute offers Technical Assistance Grants to state and local courts for expert assistance in addressing operational challenges. Grants can provide up to $75,000 over 12 months, requiring a 50% match from applicants, with 20% in cash. Eligible entities include courts and regional associations, while ineligible expenses cover salaries and travel for court employees. The selection process emphasizes critical needs, sound approaches, consultant qualifications, and budget reasonableness, aiming to enhance court operations and compliance with federal requirements.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr., Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund

The Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr. Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund was established by Janine “Jan” Adams in memorial tribute to her loving husband of 26 years, Sidney “Sid” Adams, Jr. Jan stated that there were three areas of special interest to Sid, economic development, education, and aviation. Establishing this fund honors all three of these areas of special interest. Giving back to his community was paramount to Sid. You could find Sid’s hand on many committees and projects promoting his beloved community, receiving numerous awards and recognition along the way. He was a founding member of Battle Creek Unlimited, serving on its Board for over 25 years, many of those years as chair.

Sid valued education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, taught at Western Michigan University and was a life learner never missing an opportunity to take a class, seminar, or workshop. He established a summer aviation camp introducing area youth to careers in aviation. At the advent of the personal computer, Sid jumped in and built his first computer. He then worked with the Kellogg Company on a project that donated to area schools and non-profits over 4,000 laptops and computers that he refurbished with the help of students from the Computer Networking classes at the Calhoun Area Career Center. He worked with these students teaching them software and hardware skills. Aviation was a huge part of Sid’s life. He earned his first set of wings serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army. At the age of 46, he became a private pilot purchasing his beloved Cessna Cardinal soon achieving his instrument certification. He joined the Civil Patrol, where he served as a first Lieutenant. Sid was appointed to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and served 11 years, 2 years as Commission Vice Chair and 3 years as Chair. He was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2023. His impact on our community was immeasurable. Jan, a longtime educator with Battle Creek Public Schools, met Sid in his pursuit of giving computers away to youth. Sid’s persistence paved the way for their union, and the rest, “as they say,” is history!

The Cottrell STAR Award recognizes exceptional research and educational achievements of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It aims to enhance science education at U.S. and Canadian universities, promoting the Cottrell Scholars' national profile. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, with applications initiated through nominations. Highlighted at the summer Cottrell Scholar Conference, the award supports a vibrant community of early career faculty committed to innovative research and teaching in the physical sciences.

The State Justice Institute Project Grant aims to enhance the administration of justice in state courts through innovative projects. It supports education, training, and technical assistance initiatives that demonstrate a need for improvement. Projects are evaluated based on methodology, management capabilities, and potential long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include courts and related organizations, while funds cannot cover routine court operations or salaries of court employees.

The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey offers renewal grants aimed at reducing health disparities for at-risk individuals and families in Newark and the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest NJ. These grants support various projects including program grants, capital requests, and capacity-building initiatives that enhance healthcare access and quality. Applications are accepted quarterly, with eligibility limited to tax-exempt organizations serving specified communities. Note that individual support and non-healthcare-related projects are not funded.

Larimer County Scholarship

The Larimer County Scholarship is designed to support post-secondary pursuits of students throughout the region and is funded through contributions from many community members and legacy gifts. 

The Larimer County scholarship is available to students who have participated in community or philanthropic activities designed to strengthen our community. Activities could include volunteering or fundraising to provide funding to local nonprofits or school-based initiatives.   

This scholarship is available to high school seniors living in Larimer County. The scholarship is open to students pursuing any kind of secondary education including four-year degrees, two-year degrees, trade schools, etc. 

Scholarship amount:

• $4,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Cornerstone: Learning for Living Planning Grants, sponsored by The Teagle Foundation and NEH, aim to revitalize humanities education in higher learning. With a focus on transformative texts and faculty engagement, the initiative encourages diverse institutions to innovate general education. Grants up to $25,000 support curriculum reform and professional development, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students while enhancing their analytical skills and cultural awareness.

The Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grant, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance students' comprehension and application of geometry through innovative activities. Eligible applicants include educators teaching at the Pre-K-8 level, with proposals integrating technology and linking geometry to various fields such as art and science. The grant seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of geometry, ensuring that students achieve a greater understanding of its relevance in everyday contexts.

The Early Career Research Grant, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports innovative research in mathematics education by early career educators and doctoral candidates. This grant encourages projects that enhance teaching practices and contribute to scholarly publications. Proposals should focus on research design, data analysis, and the impact on mathematics learning. Preference is given to those bridging research and practical application, fostering collaboration with preservice teachers.

The Connecting Mathematics to Other Subject Areas Grant, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance high school mathematics education through interdisciplinary lessons and materials. Grants support the creation of resources that facilitate mathematical modeling while connecting math to real-world contexts. Eligible applicants are educators teaching math in grades 9-12, and proposals should include a timeline for development and expected student impact.

The Classroom Research Grant 7-12, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to promote classroom-based research in mathematics education. This grant encourages collaboration between college or university mathematics educators and grades 7-12 teachers, focusing on enhancing curriculum, engaging diverse students, and integrating technology. Successful proposals should address research design, data analysis, and anticipated impacts on student learning, ultimately leading to a publishable article in relevant mathematics education journals.

The Classroom Research Grant PK-6, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to foster collaborative research between teachers and mathematics educators in Pre-K-6 classrooms. This grant supports innovative projects focusing on curriculum development, instructional methods for diverse learners, and technology integration in mathematics education. Successful proposals should lead to publishable research articles that demonstrate a significant impact on student learning outcomes.

The Surveillance and Case Control Study of Stillbirth and Birth Defects (SUCCSSBD) aims to enhance the quality of birth defects and stillbirth surveillance in the U.S. By modernizing data collection through electronic case reporting, the initiative seeks to improve data quality and timeliness. The study will focus on identifying risk factors for birth defects and stillbirths, addressing a significant public health issue that affects thousands of pregnancies annually. CDC funding will support three key components in this effort.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon County Bar Association of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Attorneys in Muskegon, have long recognized the need to enhance educational opportunities such as Law to Teens, Law Day Awards, and scholarships to encourage students to become attorneys. James Kobza, former President of the Muskegon County Bar Association, initiated the concept of an endowment fund after learning that other communities had done so. The Bar Association, along with contributions from individual attorneys, established this fund to provide programs that will educate and advance the public's understanding and awareness of legal issues.

The Teagle Foundation and the NEH are offering the Cornerstone: Learning for Living implementation grants to enhance the role of humanities in higher education. Aimed at revitalizing student engagement, the initiative supports diverse institutions in creating transformative curricula and fostering community. Grants of up to $350,000 over 24 months will fund faculty development, course redesign, and outreach efforts, ensuring sustainable humanities programs that benefit a wide array of students, particularly in STEM fields.

The Limited Competition K12 Mentored Research Career Development Program aims to support institutions in developing innovative career pathways for later-stage postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. This initiative encourages applicants from those with existing Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) to foster independent research careers. By creating diverse opportunities across academia, industry, and government, the program enhances engagement in clinical and translational science research, ultimately contributing to significant advancements in health outcomes.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Oriole Foundation / Michael Oakes Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Oriole Foundation. The Michael Oakes Memorial Scholarship award intends to honor late superintendent, Mike Oakes.

Mike Oakes's spirit of generosity, community service, and passion for education is commemorated by this Oriole Foundation award. With an emphasis on creating a positive community impact, this scholarship recognizes the value of individual and organizational service within the community.

William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law - The University of Texas School of Law

The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law was created in 2004 when the law school joined with Judge William Wayne Justice’s former law clerks and many admirers to establish it in his honor. The Justice Center is a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, alumni, and the community.

Since its inception, the Justice Center has steadily expanded its programming and scope. Dedicated to promoting a culture and habit of pro bono service by all students, the Justice Center includes the school-wide Richard and Ginni Mithoff Pro Bono Program. We also regularly undertake special projects that bring together research and pro bono work on topics as varied as real estate titles in the wake of natural disasters, expunging criminal records, and supported decision-making by persons with disabilities.

Baron & Budd Public Interest Summer Fellowships

In the summer of 2026, the Baron & Budd Public Interest Summer Fellowships Program will provide up to 4 fellows with a $8,000 stipend to work for at least 10 weeks under the supervision of an attorney at a qualified sponsoring organization.

The fellowships are supported by generous funding from Baron & Budd, PC.

This named fellowship is awarded through the Summer Public Service Program.