Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in New Jersey that provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the foundation focuses on innovative programs that solve critical issues rather than operational needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not fund political activities, cultural projects, or operating budgets, ensuring resources directly benefit those in need.

This NOFO invites applications for innovative research aimed at developing and implementing interventions to prevent and treat substance use disorders (SUDs) and overdose. It encourages studies that can rapidly advance candidate solutions towards regulatory approval or clinical use, while also addressing co-morbid SUDs. The initiative supports a wide range of research including basic, clinical, translational, and implementation strategies to tackle drug misuse and related health issues, such as HIV/AIDS.

The Applied Drug Policy Research Experiences project aims to provide graduate students and recent post-graduates with hands-on research opportunities to support the National Drug Control Strategy. Through rigorous studies and data analyses, this initiative will explore the evolving dynamics of illicit drug supply and usage, assisting public health and safety officials in anticipating drug-related issues and crafting effective responses to safeguard the American public.

About Pfizer External Research & Grants

Pfizer External Research & Grants (ER&G) supports independent research, education, and QI initiatives to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet need. Competitive grants are awarded through transparent RFPs reviewed by independent expert panels.

About ASCP

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the world’s largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals, with more than 100,000 members. ASCP provides excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients and the laboratory workforce. With a portfolio of more than 900 educational activities, ASCP is the worldwide leader in providing CME/CMLE credit for the entire laboratory team.

Quality Improvement in Molecular Testing Pathways for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. and with participation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO, invites proposals for pathology-centric Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at optimizing molecular testing pathways in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This grant opportunity seeks to fund sustainable projects that improve biomarker testing practices, strengthen targeted therapy selection, and support care teams in implementing patient-centered protocols. 

The overarching goal of this program is to advance diagnostic excellence and improve treatment decision-making for patients with mCRC.

The Cameron Award supports field research on native rodents across the Americas, encouraging studies in ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation. It is available to students in MS or PhD programs and postdoctoral researchers in the U.S. Applicants must be ASM members. Funds cover supplies, equipment, and travel, but not salaries or meeting travel. The award aims to enhance understanding of rodent ecology and their impact on ecosystems.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

The Lifetime Contribution to the AAAAI and Allergy/Immunology Specialty Award honors individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the AAAAI and the allergy/immunology field. Awardees are recognized for exemplary service, leadership in professional organizations, impactful research, and mentorship of trainees. This prestigious accolade underscores the recipient's dedication to advancing the specialty and improving patient care, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and leadership in the field.

The Rapid Response Opioid and Pain Management ECHO Funding Opportunity by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) aims to enhance clinician training in effective pain management strategies. This initiative focuses on non-opioid treatments, substance use screening, and risk reduction counseling, promoting compassionate care while addressing public health challenges and ensuring continuity for patients affected by prescription disruptions. The program seeks to improve overall health outcomes and reduce risks associated with opioid use.

Biogen General Grants

Funding to support a project or program that does not fit any of the other defined grant categories.

City of Newark - Office of Homeless Services

The City of Newark, Department of Health and Community Wellness, Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is now accepting proposals from Newark organizations for inclusion in the City’s 2026-2027 HUD Entitlement Programs. 

The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act), signed into law on May 20, 2009, consolidates three of the separate homeless assistance programs administered by HUD under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act into a single grant program, and revises the Emergency Shelter Grants program and renames it as the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. The HEARTH Act also codifies into law the Continuum of Care planning process, a longstanding part of HUD’s application process, to assist homeless people by providing greater coordination in responding to their needs.

Emergency Solutions Grant Program

The change in the program’s name, from Emergency Shelter Grants to Emergency Solutions Grants, reflects the change in the program’s focus from addressing the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters to assisting people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

The City of Newark has the responsibility of making use of ESG funds, as part of implementing a “Continuum of Care” to address the issue of homelessness and to coordinate activities with other non-profit service providers and organizations. This Request For Proposal (RFP) seeks to solicit proposals that will improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless and provide certain essential and preventative services to address homelessness.

The City of Newark’s ESG program provides resources for the following program components:

• Rapid Re-Housing;
• Homelessness Prevention; and
• Emergency Shelter.

The BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Family-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program aims to provide essential treatment and recovery support services for parents with substance use disorders (SUD) who have minor children or are pregnant. Eligible applicants include state, local, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations, which can apply for funding to implement family-based programs in various settings. This initiative seeks to reduce recidivism and enhance reentry outcomes for both parents and their children.

The BJA FY 2026 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program aims to combat the rising crisis of substance use and overdose deaths. This funding opportunity supports state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in implementing comprehensive responses, including law enforcement initiatives, prevention programs, and recovery services. Applications are due by October 1, 2026, providing a crucial chance to enhance community safety and health through targeted interventions.

The Catalyze Challenge Grant, managed by Catalyze, is an opportunity for organizations to receive funding for innovative solutions that enhance career-connected learning for youth aged 11-22. With over $4 million available in Round 5, finalists can secure up to $300,000 to implement their ideas. The grant seeks proposals that empower underserved learners through hands-on experiences and meaningful employer partnerships, ultimately impacting over 65,000 young people across the U.S.

The USDA Forest Service's Invasive Species Program funding opportunity invites proposals aimed at enhancing invasive species prevention. By leveraging existing research and knowledge, projects can create actionable solutions to protect American agriculture. This initiative seeks to connect scientific insights with practical regulatory improvements, thereby reducing the introduction and establishment of new invasive pests. Previous research, including horizon scanning and monitoring sentinel trees, serves as a foundation for developing effective strategies.

The AISES Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship offers $5,000 annually to support Native students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, this scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students and enhance diversity in STEM. Eligible applicants must be current AISES members, full-time students, and enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native tribes. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters community and innovation within the STEM landscape.

The H. Branch Howe Grant, offered by the Georgia Ornithological Society, supports graduate students conducting ornithological research in Georgia. This grant encourages the scientific study of birds and conservation efforts, providing funding for research that enhances knowledge of avian life. Eligibility is limited to graduate students in Georgia, and preference is given to projects within state boundaries. The GOS aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among those passionate about birds and nature.

Common Waters: Strengthening Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship

Opportunity Overview

Projects supported by this RFP must be community-based stewardship initiatives (including but not limited to stewardship driven by Indigenous and descendant communities); they should be led by an individual with a strong connection to and/or an existing track record of work in the community(ies) where the project will take place, or by a member of the community themselves, and be designed in response to community needs. Projects can focus on a wide range of specific issues, including (but not limited to) local conservation and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and resilience, or sustainable fishing/agriculture. The RFP will prioritize projects in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions destinations, including the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The Kadel & Gerhardt Internships, funded by the Point Foundation, aim to enhance the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in HIV/AIDS research and advocacy. These internships support academically talented students pursuing unpaid opportunities in the summer of 2025, addressing the critical need for culturally competent care within the community. By investing in future leaders, the program seeks to combat the stigma surrounding HIV and increase access to essential services for those affected.

The Live Más Scholarship, offered by the Taco Bell Foundation, supports students aged 16-26 pursuing higher education and workforce readiness. Emphasizing passion and impact, applicants showcase how their interests drive positive change in their communities. The foundation is dedicated to breaking down educational barriers, fostering creativity across various fields including arts, technology, and entrepreneurship. This initiative empowers young dreamers to turn their aspirations into actionable goals, creating meaningful contributions to society.

The NIDA Research Education Program (R25) aims to enhance the training of a workforce skilled in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research, particularly regarding substance use disorders. This program supports educational activities that prepare clinicians and clinical researchers. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline. This initiative does not fund non-research-related clinical training.

The Jobs Plus NOFO for FY2026, issued by the US HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, aims to enhance job opportunities for public housing residents. This initiative encourages innovative programs that prepare individuals for employment in high-demand fields, ultimately fostering economic stability within communities. By focusing on workforce development, this funding opportunity seeks to empower residents through education and training, paving the way for long-term success and self-sufficiency.

The Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Marjorie Fegley, honors her late husband, James E. Fegley. This fund supports Berks County residents pursuing music education, particularly in orchestral strings. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in music programs. The Berks County Community Foundation manages this fund, which contributes significantly to the local arts and education landscape, fostering musical talent in the community.

The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students in the semiconductor industry, particularly supporting women engineers. This initiative provides essential financial assistance through various grant types, including emergency mini-grants and larger Last Mile grants, aimed at helping students overcome financial barriers in their pursuit of degrees. By fostering diverse and resilient teams, the fund contributes to innovation and growth in technology and engineering fields.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund - Bridge Grants aim to support students facing financial obstacles in completing their computing degrees. This initiative fosters diversity in the semiconductor industry by encouraging women engineers and providing them with career-building opportunities. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, and F1 visa holders pursuing engineering majors. The fund not only alleviates financial stress but also opens doors to internships and full-time positions at Applied Materials, thus enhancing educational progress and career advancement.

The Applied Materials Momentum Fund offers emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected financial obstacles while pursuing degrees in engineering. This initiative supports basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation, ensuring that students can continue their education without interruption. It aims to empower women engineers and underrepresented groups in the semiconductor industry, fostering a diverse and resilient workforce for the future.